Considering XT with 17-85 lens

I'm considering the plunge to a DSLR and am interested to hear experiences from anyone who might have the XT and the 17-85 as their only lens. Or from anyone else who wants to comment about this as a starting combination. [My photo background is; 30 years as an amateur SLR owner, 7 years as a high school science/photography teacher. Occasional college photography lecturer. Amateur DC owner since the Apple Quicktake 100, during last 4 years have taken 25000+ shots <mainly for QTVR panoramas> with a 5MP DC that getting very tired and well past its prime. My day job is now a college Physics teacher/researcher]

It is a very nice combo for what you plan on doing with it. You will have great results. There may be some dissension on the EF-S lense but I think it is great.

I was considering the 17-85 lens as well but after reading the forum and doing some other research I decided against it. Although some people do like it, the general consensus seems to be that it is overpriced and the results aren't particularly great, especially considering the almost $600 price tag. I opted for the Sigma 18-125 DC lens for half the price. Only had it for a short time but so far I love it. The results seem to be clear and sharp. The only draw back, which I had also read about on this forum is that the focusing motor is a little loud. However, I did get used ot it fairly quickly. If your looking for a good single walk around lens that is an upgrade to the kit these are really your only two options out there. Unless of course you want to go with a two lens combo of L series lenses which will cost you a pretty penny.

Some people like the 17-85, and some people don't. I have seen a few test shots, from someone on pbase, that showed the 17-85 to be a bit soft on the edges at 17mm..

Anyhow, I still think the xt@17-85 would be a nice combo, or maybe the xt @ a Tamron 28-75 f2.8 .
The Tamron would be my #1 choice though.