which lens to start with: 17-85mm USM IS or 18-200mm IS

[Morozov]

Hi guys, I am going to buy a 50D and I was thinking which lens to start off with? I definitely don't want the 18-55 lens so I guess I am going for either the 17-85mm USM IS or the 18-200mm IS. Thanks!

[charlesleong]

what's wrong with the 18-55 IS lens? if you know what you don't like about it you'd know what lens to get.

hint: 18-55 is a value-for-money lens.

[Yoke]

Range.
The 17-85 and 18-200 are better in range

[Anson]

Originally Posted by Yoke Range. The 17-85 and 18-200 are better in range

Current nothing (from canon) matches the 18-200mm in its usable range....

[charlesleong]

wrong. 28-300L is effectively a 10.__x zoom, just a touch off the 11x of 18-200.

[Morozov]

Yeah I prefer the range of the two for a start...more to play with and learn from...the price for the 18-200mm kit is about $200 more than the 17-85mm..dunno if I should really spend $200 more instead.

[charlesleong]

18-55 is a good starter range. why not get that? i'd rather add the 55-250 instead.

[pentaxme]

Personally, I think if you are starting out and this is your first len, I think 18-200mm will be an excellent choice, good quality len and extremely versatile len for holiday especially when you one like me do not like to carry multiple lens for your holiday trip. However, if you don't the telephoto range than 17-85mm is a much better len over 18-200mm, and you probably can pick up a 70-300mm telephoto to complement the telephoto range later. No offence to others on the net, personally I find the build quality of the 17-85mm and 18-200mm is much better than the 18-55mm kit len or the 55-250mm len.

[charlesleong]

18-200 ($1000) is ok, but loses out on the long end.

17-85 ($700) is optically poor

18-55 ($100) is value for money, and you can top up a 55-250 ($400) and have better range (and IQ) than 18-200

edit: one LENS. many LENSES.

[DragonKNight]

Originally Posted by pentaxme Personally, I think if you are starting out and this is your first len, I think 18-200mm will be an excellent choice, good quality len and extremely versatile len for holiday especially when you one like me do not like to carry multiple lens for your holiday trip. However, if you don't the telephoto range than 17-85mm is a much better len over 18-200mm, and you probably can pick up a 70-300mm telephoto to complement the telephoto range later. No offence to others on the net, personally I find the build quality of the 17-85mm and 18-200mm is much better than the 18-55mm kit len or the 55-250mm len.

its lenS and lensES

and yeah. start off with the 18-55 first. value for money.

[pentaxme]

Thanks for the correction, did not know that (English is not my strong subject )

Hi Morozov,

I think if you intent to have a single all purposes lens to go with your camera than 18-200mm lens is the best choice because of it wide coverage of the 3 kit lenses. If you have the intention to invest in your lenses collection in future, than 17-85mm is a good lens to start with, it have a very good feel and balance with the 50D body. Personally, I would not go with 18-55mm lens as the range is too narrow and is too light for my liking on the 50D body. Beside, you may not always have the opportunity to swap lens when you are on the go, so having a longer range is always better.

I have both 17-85mm and 18-200mm and a 50D body, I would bring my 18-200mm with me on casual holiday and 17-85mm along with my 70-300mm for more scenic holiday or photography outing with friends. Everyone have their different photography habit, guess it is up to your personal preference.

[kumhoo]

18-55mm is a good lens and pair with 55-250mm will be a better choice, wider range for u to test out what is ur favourite range and upgrade from there. Cheers.