New lens, cant decide.

Hi peeps,
Can some one tell me if the
Canon EF-S 17-85mm f4-5.6 IS USM is much better than the
Canon EF-S 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS that came with my camera to use as a walkabout, or is there a better lens for the same kind of price.
Or even the Tamron 28-300mm F3.5-6.3 AF XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) Macro (Canon Fit)
Sorry if this seems like a dumb question.
Thanks in Advance.

UK-Jezz wrote in post #9740038
Hi peeps,
Can some one tell me if the
Canon EF-S 17-85mm f4-5.6 IS USM is much better than the
Canon EF-S 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS that came with my camera to use as a walkabout, or is there a better lens for the same kind of price.
Or even the Tamron 28-300mm F3.5-6.3 AF XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) Macro (Canon Fit)
Sorry if this seems like a dumb question.
Thanks in Advance.

some answers here: www.photozone.de/revie​ws
hints: your kit lens is sharp and most "all in one" telephoto zooms are not, especially without IS/VC

your 18-55 EFS lens is remarkable sharp for the price. A lot of people move up to the 17-55 for better quality. What are you looking for in a new lens?

lettershop wrote in post #9740745
your 18-55 EFS lens is remarkable sharp for the price. A lot of people move up to the 17-55 for better quality. What are you looking for in a new lens?

something that will focus a bit faster, and that i can keep on the camera most of the time,

Not that much better, Ide just keep the 18-55. Save up for the 17-55 or a 24-70L.

if you want faster lens, extra range and extra quality without the $$$$, try out the new Sigma f/2.8-4 17-70 (the new one with HSM motor and OS stabilizer). Otherwise, stay with the kit lens, it's not a bad lens (The IS version I say). You could add the very good, inexpensive and sharp Canon 55-250 IS instead and enjoy your dynamic Duo kit+55-250!

i've just picked up the 17-85mm IS USM second hand but as an unused kit lens for £180. i doubt i would have paid the average £300-£400 new price for it over the 18-55mm IS kit lens i have but for the price i got it for i thought it worth a go for the slightly longer reach for a walkabout lens & the USM too.

have used it for the first time today so can't yet comment on IQ i'm afraid

Petelebon wrote in post #9745295
if you want faster lens, extra range and extra quality without the $$$$, try out the new Sigma f/2.8-4 17-70 (the new one with HSM motor and OS stabilizer). Otherwise, stay with the kit lens, it's not a bad lens (The IS version I say). You could add the very good, inexpensive and sharp Canon 55-250 IS instead and enjoy your dynamic Duo kit+55-250!

hmmm.... The Sigma f/2.8-4 17-70 does look like a better option to me, thanks for bringing it to my attention. I do allready have the Canon EFS 55-250mm IS, but looking for a more versatile walkabout lens.

LeeRatters, would be nice to know how you get on with that lens when you have chance. Ty....

Thanks to everyone for your suggetsions and advice.

I highly suggest the Sigma 18-125 OS HSM lens. I think its fairly equivalent to the Sigma 17-70 in IQ, but you do lose that one f-stop. It focuses extremely fast and the range is tough to beat. If you want some examples, take a look at some of the skiing pictures I've posted here in the last month or so.