Which kit lens should I choose?

[Brewhaha]

I have about saved up enough nickles and dimes to get my Canon 40D. I am planning on buying a kit that comes with a lens and learning with that before I start buying other lenses (if you think there is a better way I would be interested in hearing it). There are two typical 40D kits out there:

1) One kit includes the Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens and costs about 1140

and

2) The other includes the zoom Super Wide Angle EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Autofocus Lens and costs about 1430

I would love to use the camera for portraits, landscapes, close-up, wildlife, sporting events, etc. Basically a little of everything.

Which lens (or is there another way to go) would give me the most bang for my buck?

[R]

I have about saved up enough nickles and dimes to get my Canon 40D. I am planning on buying a kit that comes with a lens and learning with that before I start buying other lenses (if you think there is a better way I would be interested in hearing it). There are two typical 40D kits out there:

1) One kit includes the Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens and costs about 1140

and

2) The other includes the zoom Super Wide Angle EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Autofocus Lens and costs about 1430

I would love to use the camera for portraits, landscapes, close-up, wildlife, sporting events, etc. Basically a little of everything.

Which lens (or is there another way to go) would give me the most bang for my buck?

17mm isn't a "Super Wide" anything with a 1.6x sensor. It's usually just wide enough for most stuff. The 28-135 won't be wide enough for much of anything, so start with the 17-85. I've heard good things about it. Follow it up with one of the 70-300's that are out there when you get the cash, and you should be in a pretty versatile place for routine hobby photography.

[goofball]

i have the 17-85 and it is fine. i have made prints up to 16 x 20 from it and my xti and they look great.

[Deuce]

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=218&ad=4172909&cat=&lpid=

If you have not purchased yet, I'd call this guy and make an offer on the 40D as he has split( 2 batteries, 2 4GB CF cards and a 50 1.4) and the 17-40 f/4. If you offer say $1,600....and he takes it, you are doing well. Assuming it is in the condition listed. Think you'd be about $2135 + shipping buying that at BH.

That would be a little over either kit you have put up... But gives you extra batteries, CF cards and 2 lenses, granted not a lot of length. Though you can wait....and then pick up some length later....maybe a 70-200 f/4 or 2.8 depending on budget...???


Anyway, just an option..... Side note, I have no idea who is listing... I just noticed the lenses, which have me wanting to spend money....


As far as what you listed, back to the original question.... I have a 17-85, it is not a bad lens....but I'd rather slot in the 17-40.....

[Brewhaha]

Thanks! I'll check into it. :2thumbs: