Canon EF-S 17-85mm F/4-5.6 IS USM Lens, USA Warranty: Need your advice. I've been looking at lens 17 or 18 up to a max of 135 What do you all think of the referenced lens vs 18-135. My...

royden Loc: Decatur, GA

Need your advice. I've been looking at lens 17 or 18 up to a max of 135
What do you all think of the referenced lens vs 18-135. My thinking that the shorter 17-85 is a better lens. It's $599 now $299. I see a lot of the 18-135 STM on Ebay for $270+ but they are gray market. I would have to spend more for the STM. Thanks a lot.
I have a 35-80 from film days, a 50/ 1.8 STM, a 24/2.8 STM and a 55-250 IS ll.

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

Interesting I either currently or in the past have owned/shot all of the lens that you have cited. For a medium zoom I started out with the 18-135 vs1 that is very sharp. I believe that it is as good as the STM. I found a great 10-22 EFS and thought that filled my bag nicely. I picked up the 17-85 from a person that got three for a birthday. I bought it so cheap that I new I could sell it or my 18-135 and make money on them. I sold the 17-85 as I did not think it was as sharp as my 18-135. Later I bought the 15-85 EFs which I am really impressed with. I have it and the 18-135 vs1. I see some 15-85 at budget friendly pricing. If you like to shoot wide that be an alternative for you. PM if you need anything further.

J. R.

tinplater Loc: Scottsdale, AZ

Never used the 17-85, but have used and enjoyed the 15-85 and to a lesser extent the 18-135. The 15-85 is sharper, better build quality, and most importantly, faster. If I were to choose one of the three lenses it would be the 15-85 hands down (it is on my 70D right now).

anotherview Loc: California

Ken Rockwell has a write-up on the Canon EF-S 15-85 lens.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/lenses/15-85mm.htm

More:

http://slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/1293

http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/465-canon_1585_3556is?start=2

http://www.lenstip.com/220.1-Lens_review-Canon_EF-S_15-85_mm_f_3.5-5.6_IS_USM.html

I picked up my copy used from www.borrowlenses.com

royden Loc: Decatur, GA

Thanks JR, tinplater and anotherview. That 15-85 must be the cat's meow. I'll start looking for that one.

anotherview Loc: California

Okay. Consider buying it used. Try the Canon Web-site. Lens rentals outfits sell used lenses, too. Or perhaps you prefer to buy brand new.

Enjoy.

royden wrote:

Thanks JR, tinplater and anotherview. That 15-85 must be the cat's meow. I'll start looking for that one.

mikedidi46 Loc: WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA

I currently have the older model 18-135 and it is an awesome lens and it is sharp as a tack. I also use the Sigma 10-20 but it doesn't have IS and I would like that. I have been reading about the 17-85 [price is excellent] and also the 15-85. I need a wider sweep for when walking through small European villages. I do not think either one is a bad choice, it will depend on you. I like all 3.

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

MY son has the 18-135 on his T5i, loves it and does quite well, my only complaint is I feel it's too long physically for using indoors, I use the Sigma 17-70 on my T4i most of the time, or a short prime indoors, Bob.

AntonioReyna Loc: Los Angeles, California

The 17-85 EFS Canon lens is one of those underrated lenses. Very good optically, perhaps not as good as the 15-85. and very good build. I have had a couple over the years and wouldn't mind another.

royden Loc: Decatur, GA

Thanks to the last 3 posters. Much to consider. I've heard good reports on the Sigma including the older that max out at f4.5. I'm off to the IMAGING USA show in Atlanta.

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

tinplater wrote:

Never used the 17-85, but have used and enjoyed the 15-85 and to a lesser extent the 18-135. The 15-85 is sharper, better build quality, and most importantly, faster. If I were to choose one of the three lenses it would be the 15-85 hands down (it is on my 70D right now).

Another vote for the 15-85. It's my go to lens on a 60D. You'd be surprised what a difference that extra 2mm at the wide end makes.

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

I also have the 60D. I find that I use my 10-22 more with the 15-85. Great two lens kit or just have the body and 15-85 when wanting to be really ight.

J. R.

John N wrote:

Another vote for the 15-85. It's my go to lens on a 60D. You'd be surprised what a difference that extra 2mm at the wide end makes.

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

Would be looking closer at the 15-85.

royden Loc: Decatur, GA

Well guys and dolls, that is if any among the posters in this thread. I got a 17-85 for $90.00 +13.65 shipping. I almost went for a 28-105 USMll which is supposed to be the best of this lens. It is in pretty good shape. Here is a pic from earlier today. What do you think?
Where is the clickable to add a pic?

royden Loc: Decatur, GA

royden wrote:

Well guys and dolls, that is if any among the posters in this thread. I got a 17-85 for $90.00 +13.65 shipping. I almost went for a 28-105 USMll which is supposed to be the best of this lens. It is in pretty good shape. Here is a pic from earlier today. What do you think?
Where is the clickable to add a pic?

Ah, here it is

17mm, f8 from my front porch

(Download)