Small lens dilemma...

[Northstander]

Hi

I'll be getting a 60D in a few weeks time (my first DSLR) and having initially decided on the 17-85 IS USM kit, I'm now wondering if the 18-135mm IS lens would serve me better with it's longer reach (but no USM).

There is little to no difference in the price of either kit and sadly spending more on a top notch lens is not an option.

Does anyone here have experience with both lenses? And would you be able to advise me on which might be the best one?

Thanks.

 

[andyred]

Hi

I'll be getting a 60D in a few weeks time (my first DSLR) and having initially decided on the 17-85 IS USM kit, I'm now wondering if the 18-135mm IS lens would serve me better with it's longer reach (but no USM).

There is little to no difference in the price of either kit and sadly spending more on a top notch lens is not an option. .

Hi Jonathan

I've the 17-85 IS lens and I am very happy with the lens, I get some very good, sharp shots with it. I've not had experience of the 18-135 lens, sorry.

Personnaly, I would get the 17-85 kit and if you need the extra reach, the 55-250 IS (mark I) is a belter of a lens and can be had for around £170, which may be worth saving for. Obviously, knowing what area of photography interests you can help with recomendations of other lenses etc.

Incidentally, a good friend has just picked up a 60D (a couple of weeks ago) and he is very happy with it and doesn't regret his purchase

 

[Northstander]

Thanks for your reply andyred, it sounds like the 17-85 is still the best option.

I mostly shoot when I'm out and about, and I have a growing interest in landscape photography. And I have a 2 year old who I take a lot of photo's of (and I plan on getting the 50mm f1.8 II for that)

Thanks again.

 

[odd jim]

I have the Canon 18-135 IS as my travel lens and its a lovely "do it all" lens with suberb IS.

Its a lot newer than the 17-85 as the IS is rated at a couple of stops better. The lack of USM doesnt matter - the focus was as fast as the USM lens I tested it against (and ultimately didnt buy) but it is much noisier!

Just my 2 pence worth!

 

[aeronic]

If you are shooting video, you may like the flexibility of the 18-135 (bit extra zoom).
If you can stretch your budget, the 15-85 is a great lens, with better image quality, and it's a fair bit wider.