canon 17-85mm f/4-5.6 is it any good?

lexie

lexie

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i was in jessops yesterday looking to try a 7d on for size but they had none in stock. so i had a play with the canon 60d and the display model came with the 17-85mm f/4-5.6 is usm kit lens fitted. first impressions of the camera were very good and i'm looking at it now instead of the 7d because the fps isn't an issue and i'll mostly be looking at doing portraiture so the swanky af system will be of no real benefit to me.

the 60d body is going for a couple of pence shy of £800 and with the 17-85mm it comes in at £1030, so in short is it worth the £230 to keep as a walk-about lens? or should i just get the body and spend the money saved on something like a 17-50mm 2.8 tamron or sigma?

i'm changing from a sony a390 so i have no canon lenses at the minute but the 50mm 1.8 will be bought at the same time and a 70-200mm f4 will be coming shortly afterwards, along with hopefully a grip (i couldn't use one with the a390 so i'm keen to try one on the canon)
 
PS. Portraiture might be better with an f/2.8 lens, although be aware that you will lose the long end at 50mm and may end up with something completely different if portraiture is all you want to do..
 
arad85 said:
PS. Portraiture might be better with an f/2.8 lens, although be aware that you will lose the long end at 50mm and may end up with something completely different if portraiture is all you want to do..
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it's not portraiture exclusively, but i would be my main interest at the minute.

thanks for the link btw ;)
 
I have the 17-85 and its a good lens, you could always try it and if you are not happy im sure you can either return it or put it on ebay or here for a similar price as it will be just about brand new?
 
I would keep the money towards a 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM. Optically much better. the 17-85mm is OK, but I never use mine anymore.

Your spot on going for a 70-200 and 50mm.
 
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