Question about the two Canon 40D's IS kit lens

Canon has bundled two different IS lens kits with the new EOS 40D (at least at where I'm from, which is in Toronto).

One is the EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM.
The other is EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM.

I'm no expert in lenses, so in general, I want to ask which one is preferred for general shooting? (and they both seem very general to me)

I understand that each covers a range of their own (the 17-85 is more wide angle; while the 28-135 is more telephoto), however the 17-85 is ~15% more expensive than the other. Anyone has any idea why?

Is it because the wider angle lens should me more expensive?
But the 28-135 has a slightly larger aperture...
Is it because the EF-S mount is newer?

Here are some specs I find on Canon's website:

EF-S 17-85mm:
angle of view: 78°30' - 18°25'
construction: 17 Elements in 12 Groups
6 diaphram blades
min aper: f/22-36
closest focusing dist: 0.35cm
filter diameter: 67mm
weight: 475g

EF 28-135mm:
angle of view: 75° - 18°
construction: 16 Elements in 12 Groups
6 diaphram blades
min aper: f/22-36
closest focusing dist: 0.5cm
filter diameter: 72mm
weight: 540g



I realize that the 35mm equivalent for the 17-35mm lens is 28-135mm on the 40D, maybe I should opt for this one and get a cheap 70-300mm for the telephoto purpose?!

Constructive ideas/comments/suggestions are welcomed.
Much thanks.

Off the two lens you mentioned,
Both lens suit general purpose use.
In my opinion, 17-85mm would be better than 28-135mm.

EF-S lens can only use in 40D / 30D / 400D / 350D.
But cannot use in 5D / 1D series.
EF lens in the other hand can be use in all ranges.

17-85mm was a much newly release lens compare than the old 28-135mm.
Also Canon said its photo quality far better than 28-135mm.

What is your main purpose using these lens ?
Landscape ? Portrait ? Snapshots ? Fashion ??
Depends mainly the usage.
Otherwise, what you have now is more than enough.

Hope it helps.

Thanks Maverick.

Yea, I recognized that the EF-S series of lenses are newer, but I kind of doubt its quality over the original EF. (Maybe there is a reason for Canon to make a new mount for quality; however it can also be a reason that Canon makes the EF-S lenses to be cheaper, I don't know...; or even maybe EF is better for full frame, while EF-S is designed for the APS-C size...).

If you say Canon said the 17-85 is better than 28-135, then I'm assured to get the 17-85. Maybe later I'll get the 75-300 or wait a year or two to save up $$ for a 70-200 f/4L IS.

I probably won't be able to get my hands on a 5D or 1D, since i'm only an amateur photog, so EF-S lenses wouldn't bother me.

Yea, seems that these two lenses are suitable enough for landscape and portrait. If I need to shoot at a friend's wedding, then I'll need to get a faster lens from rental. Otherwise, at the moment, I don't have other shooting purposes.

Thanks again.

28-135
http://www.fredmiranda.com/revie ... p;cat=27&page=2
Rating 7.8
Sample Pics:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=188563

17-85
http://www.fredmiranda.com/revie ... p;cat=27&page=3
Rating 7.6
Sample pics:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=144177

According to the above website, they are very close in Users' rating.  If you are looking for a walk-around lens for a cropped body (40D), you will need to have a wider lens.  28 on the short side may not cut it.  I used the Tamron 28-75.  Super sharp but not wide enough.  The Tamron 17-50 is known to be super sharp too.  If you are looking for IS than Canon is your only choice.  But if you want IQ, some 3rd party lenses are pretty good.  If you can affort it, the EF-S 17-55 /2.8 I.S. will be even better IMHO.  Anything over f/4 will have very limited usage indoor at night.

[ 本帖最後由 usnameless 於 2007-12-21 14:32 編輯 ]

bravo usnameless, those links were great
thanks a lot

Brother usnameless point out a few worth consider:

1/ Canon lens tend a bit expensive, "L" even more expensive.  You may consider 3rd party lens like Tamron or Sigma if you have limited budget.

2/ If you use inside the church, you need to consider f/2 or f/2.8 as you might not allow use flash inside.  70-200 f/2.8 IS L might be the ideal choice but not chaep.