85 1.8 for 17-85 IS

Was offered to trade a brand new 17-85 IS for a lightly used 85 1.8.

Is the quality of the 85 better than the 17-85?

Will I really even need the 85, with a 50 1.8 and 100 2.8?

Would you take this deal?

What do you shoot?

I would be happy to have both but I could not manage with only the prime. As it happens, the 85mm f/1.8 is on my long term short list for its creative potential. But no-one is ever going to prize my 17-85mm out of my bag. It's far too useful.

I shoot a large variety of things, more or a generalist, though I enjoy landscape quite a bit.

What is the quality of the 85 wide open? Sharpness?
Would I be better off selling the 17-85, and purchasing the 17-40?

Thanks for your input.

Have you looked at the 85's archive thread yet?

The 85mm f/1.8 USM is a fine piece of glass with excellent sharpness, much sharper than the 17-85mm. AF is as fast or maybe a bit faster and the build is similar. It is an excellent low-light sports lens or portrait lens.

Looking at your gear list, I'd offer the 18 - 55 plus cash on your end for the 85 1.8.

I'd definitely keep the 17 - 85 IS to cover that range and give you flexibility. I wouldn't compare the 50 1.8 to the 85 1.8. Built and Quality, I'll take the latter anytime.

Sadly this is not an option, as the XTi and 18-55 will soon be sold off.
What are peoples veiws on the 17-40 vs. 17-85 IS? I realize that the 17-40 is going to have better build quality. But is it going to be better wide open?

i love the 85mm for portraits. i don't think the 17-85 would be nearly as good for portraits.

John.
The 85 f1.8 is a great lens. However I would not trade my new 17-85 for a used 85 f1.8.
I would just buy a brand new 85 myself. New for used does not sit well for me.
It really is a lens to enjoy

Maybe save up some money and buy the 85mm lens used for around $325. While it seems that the 85mm is probably a better lens, it is hard to replace the versatility of a lens like the 17-85mm. I have the 28-135mm lens which generally is not that highly regarded, but I like the versatility of it and will not be giving it up too soon. I like the quality you get from primes, but the type of shooting that I like does not make it realistic to be constantly switching lenses since I only have one body. I do mostly walk around wildlife shooting, so it sounds like we do similar types of things.

It's amazing how I found myself in the same situation as the OP.

After reading this thread again, I'd take the advice of saving to get a used 85 1.8 and keep my 17 - 85 IS for walk-around outdoor type shots and use flash when indoors OR use 50mm 1.4 for low-light.

85 1.8 = Creative/Portrait
17 - 85IS = All Around/ Portrait with good controlled strobes