Replacing kit lens

[cuneus]

Canon 20d 18-55 (non IS)

So yesterday was going to try and buy a replacement on a train journey for unrelated reasons

Had a read of the forum and found an IS version of the 18-55 secondhand at LCE in Reading - very near the station (handy because I'm going to Ipswich) except they are closed. So Jessops in London can only offer the 17-85 Canon for £400! and I can't seem to search for 17-85 or even 85 on here.

So looking around the 17-85 can be had new for a much better price, the Tamron 17-55 seems to have had some good comments or do I just get the 18-55 IS ?

TIA

[Ammo 7]

Hi Cuneus

I have had both the 18-55 non IS and the 17-85 IS on a Canon 20D. Both great lenses in my opinion. I liked the 18-55 because it is quite small and light although a bit short at 55 mm end. The 17-85 is bulkier, did almost everything I needed and lived on the camera more or less permanently. I have had nice prints from both lenses and 20"x30" prints from the 17-85 that look very good to me.

I wouldn't bother replacing the non IS 18-55 with an IS version but get the 17-85 instead as it gives you more at the long end. I would keep the original kit lens as well as you can use it when you don't want to carry the bulkier 17-85.

Hope you find this useful.

[14-7]

You can pick up the 15-85 for very similar prices to what you are looking at.

Have it on my 7D for a walk-a-bout lense and have taken some cracking shots on it.