Is the 17-85 IS better than the 18-55 IS?

[SAWYER]

I posted my 60 PS3 for trade for a nice Canon lens or Speedlite and I got an offer for the 17-85 IS. I have the 18-55 IS and really like it. I am debating about this but not sure.

 

[jpeyton]

No.

 

[bobdole369]

Definitely subjective, but you can almost as a rule of thumb think about it this way: The greater the range of focal lengths in a lens - the more compromise the lens has.

 

[996GT2]

The 17-85, at 3 times the price of the 18-55 IS, is not worth it. Yes, it does have fast USM focusing, but it is not full frame compatible, not very sharp, and has bad distortion at 17mm. I'd suggest getting a Tamron 17-50 or Sigma 18-50 f/2.8 if you really want a step up from the kit lenses.