First Timer: Fix or buy a new one?

Hey folks,


short time lurker, first time poster.

I have a Canon Digital Rebel XT that I love. I also have an
EFS-IS 17-85mm lens, by UltraSonic, and I love it too.

Unfortunately, the lens is not working properly...
the aperture gets stuck when I'm shooting, resulting in an Error 99.
I've heard that does happen with this lens sometimes.

I live in AZ, and Tempe Camera says that they can probably fix this for under $250.
It might be less, or it might be more...they need to look at it to tell me how much.

I'm wondering: where's the cut-off point? Are there decent L-series Lenses for a
few dollars more? At what point does fixing this lens become a bad idea?

I use the cam for ebay, for memories, and for business--as in
some light-duty photojournalism type work at a local college.

Thanks so much for your advice!

-mac

Welcome to POTN!

First off, your lens is made by Canon. Ultrasonic is the type of focusing mechanism it uses. As for the repair, I wouldn't bother. The 17-85 isn't the greatest lens. I suggest getting the successor to it, the Canon 15-85. If you are on a limited budget then perhaps the Canon 18-55 IS or Tamron 17-50 should fit your needs. Unfortunately there aren't any L lenses near $250. I hope this helps.

i wouldn't pay that much...you could probably sell the lens in it's current condition for $150 or so...and just use that money towards one of the suggestions by Carl

Hey Carl,


thanks for the advice! At the moment I've got an uber-cheapo Sigma 18-50 on the Reb,
and I hate it with a passion...it makes me want my old lens back, or at least a better lens.
So, by way of comparison I really do like the 17-85 compared to what's on there now.

I don't mind buying used (in fact I probably will have to), and I was thinking of an L series only if the repair bill went up towards $400ish.
I figured an extra few bucks on top of that for a way better lens might be worth it.

In terms of the 15-85, is that this lens?
http://cgi.ebay.com …enses&hash=item​45f81fccac

And the 18-55 is this one?
http://cgi.ebay.com …enses&hash=item​4cf46800b2

I might add, my photojournalism work would include some sports, hence my desire to have
the 85mm -or longer- (focal length?) at the far end.
By way of explanation, I'm the student editor for our local college newspaper. Unfortunately,
both my photographers are still life shooters, and one of them is flat out terrible at shooting
anything other than lakes and flowers. I may not be much of a photographer, but I can shoot
better action shots than this other guy, so I figured I'd just do some of the work myself.

Thanks for the clarification on the "Ultrasonic" part...that does help.
Like I said, I'm not much of a "real" photographer...I just enjoy it and do it when I need to.

thanks again for the advice!

mac

rogue.guineapig wrote in post #11667448
Hey Carl,


thanks for the advice! At the moment I've got an uber-cheapo Sigma 18-50 on the Reb,
and I hate it with a passion...it makes me want my old lens back, or at least a better lens.
So, by way of comparison I really do like the 17-85 compared to what's on there now.

I don't mind buying used (in fact I probably will have to), and I was thinking of an L series only if the repair bill went up towards $400ish.
I figured an extra few bucks on top of that for a way better lens might be worth it.

In terms of the 15-85, is that this lens?
http://cgi.ebay.com …enses&hash=item​45f81fccac

And the 18-55 is this one?
http://cgi.ebay.com …enses&hash=item​4cf46800b2

I might add, my photojournalism work would include some sports, hence my desire to have
the 85mm -or longer- (focal length?) at the far end.
By way of explanation, I'm the student editor for our local college newspaper. Unfortunately,
both my photographers are still life shooters, and one of them is flat out terrible at shooting
anything other than lakes and flowers. I may not be much of a photographer, but I can shoot
better action shots than this other guy, so I figured I'd just do some of the work myself.

Thanks for the clarification on the "Ultrasonic" part...that does help.
Like I said, I'm not much of a "real" photographer...I just enjoy it and do it when I need to.

thanks again for the advice!

mac

85 isnt going to be that much more useful than 55 when it comes to sports, heck 200mm is still short for most sports so forget a one lens solution for that. Get the new kit lens, the 18-55IS. Its a great little lens for about a hundred. Try it a few days and if it works for you that will free up the cash for a 55-250IS or some other addition to your kit.