New lens help

[stephenb]

I am thinking of changing my Sigma 17-70 for one of Canon's IS lenses. Now do I look at the 17-85 which has £100 cashback so could be mine for about £240 or the 28-105 which is about £262 or splash out on a 2nd hand 24-105L at approx £450. I am happy with the quality of the images I get from the 17-70 but often have to use higher iso to get a decent shutter speed. i don't want to use a tripod all the time and I am not too keen on buying a big flash unit so IS seems to be a good option.
Any experiences, thoughts etc on the above mentioned lenses would be appreciated. Ta

 

[antonroland]

I would not buy the 17-85 if I were you!!

I have one and it is a pleasant lens in many aspects but the amount of distortion at the wide end is HORRIBLE!

At the long end there is also a bit of distortion more than you would want.

My OPINION - and others might disagree - is that it has to be L glass in my bag!

Yes, all L glass isn't perfect, YES, it is pricey and the name obviously comes at a price and YES L glass doesn't make you a better photographer...

Fact is I am happy to pay the price and to get to the bottom line of your question:

I would recommend the 24-105. I do not own my own one yet but have worked with one a good bit - as close as possible to perfect an all rounder!

 

[Witch]

Honesty straight at the top - I've not used ANY of the lenses you mention, but from the reviews I've read and the personal accounts I've heard from people if I were you I would buy the 24-105 f4 L. I have heard SO many good things about this - it seems to feature in a fair number of pro's kit list as a versatile walkabout lens too. It has a good range - only you know if you would miss the 17-24mm range too much to give up but if you do then I would look at simply buying something like a Sigma 12-24mm as and when you next have some cash. The 17-85 is an EF-S lens IIRC? If so remember also that if you are eventually hoping that a 1-series body might form part of your kit, that lens will not work. The 24-105 therefore is basically future-proof also.

Looking forward to hearing other points of view, and your final decision!