17-85 IS USM or 18-55 IS STM?

So with the possibility of my repair on my 18-55 IS II not working out I've looked at options I could replace it with.

I could get the 17-85 IS USM or the 18-55 IS STM. Which one would be a better choice? Buying them used to use with a 600D.

Even if the repair on the 18-55 IS II works out, would the either of them be any better image quality wise?

From what I've read the 17-85 is sharper than the first gen kit lenses but no mention of the IS I or IS II, but they did release a "updated" version of it with the 15-85.

For the STM, I've read some where it's sharper than the II and some saying it's exactly the same.

I would not recommend the 17-85. It is not very reliable. Its autofocus failed on mine twice. The first time it failed after two or three years. I had it repaired but it failed again. I bought the 15-85 to replace it - a more useful range for my needs. Although I now use mostly my Sigma 18-300, I still bring out the 15-85 when I think the 15mm wide end will be more useful than the long end of the Sigma.

Perhaps more recent versions of the 17-85 are better. Other members of this forum please feel free to comment.

I don’t use my 18-55 STM much as I have the 18-135 USM for day to day, but my 18-55 is very light, very cheap and surprisingly sharp.

I sold my 18-55 for a 18-135 NanoUSM. Much happier with that lens, as far as a general purpose lens

Taking note that you are in the Philippines, you might also consider, if available, the Sigma 17-70 Art.

Yeah I'm starting to be weary of the 17-85mm.

I just want a good all-around lens I can put on the 600D that's relatively wide. And cheap aka used.

I like my 15-85

How much better or worse is the 18-135 USM and STM compared to the 15-85?

And how does the 15-85 compare to the Canon 17-55 2.8?

Hello,

I would highly recommend 18-55 IS STM over the less reliable 17-85. You can also try out 18-135 USM, which is comparatively better than the 18-55. I'm using it for all-purpose photography and it is perfect for the same. I'm not sure if it is available in the Philippines. Anyway, a big thumbs up for 18-135 USM.

Great to be of help!

I own both the 17-85 IS and the 18-55 IS STM. IMHO, the 18-55 has superior image quality. I can confirm the unreliability of the 17-85 autofocus.