Canon 18-85 is f4-5.6 vs Sigma 17-70 F2.8-4.5

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Ray
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as a upgrade from a std kit lens, which would I be better of getting?
Its going on the front of a 500d.
Ta
Ray
 
I'd go for the Canon. Despite its higher price I think the optics are better quality. Sigma has had a reputation of variable quality - that said I have a 55-200 sigma which gives good results.
 
Canon 18-85?

No such lens! Do you mean the 15-85?
 
As Jin says, there's no such thing as a Canon 18-85.

The Canon 17-85 is ... OK. It's a more useful focal length range than the standard kit lens, the IS works, it's ... OK. Build quality is a bit plasticky. But I think a bit overpriced at £300ish.

The Canon 15-85 is a wonderful lens for a walkaround zoom. Great build quality, really sharp, and the difference between 17mm and 15mm at the wide end is a lot more than you'd think. It costs twice as much as the 17-85 but it is twice as good, or at least it is for the kinds of things I would want to do with it (which may not be the same as you).

I don't have any direct experience of the Sigma 17-70 so I'm not qualified to comment on it. I've used the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 (non-VC) and it's a good lens; very very sharp and of course f/2.8 - but a restricted zoom range and so-so build quality.
 
I`ve hired a 17-55 f2.8 for the weekend, will see after that.
Cheers Ray
 
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