which lens to start with: 17-85mm USM IS or 18-200mm IS
- Thread starter Morozov
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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.
hint: 18-55 is a value-for-money lens.
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.
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.
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.
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.
(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.
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