Another "which lens"

[14-7]

Going to look at a Canon 7d camera tomorrow but wondering which lens would be best to go for. The choices are an 18-135mm or 18-85mm.

Does anyone have any experience of either lens and their qualities?

[RobDickinson]

<- 7D owner...

The 18-135 is IMO a poor lens to show off the 7D's abilities. it distorts , its soft in the corners always, it vignetes at the wide end. Center is sharpish.

18-85?

Do you mean either the 17-85 (which is as poor as the 18-135 and IMO beaten byt he 18-55IS kit lens) or the 15-85(new) which is opticaly pretty decent (but vignetes quite a bit at the wide end).

I'd recomend the 15-85, canons 17-55f2.8IS or Tamrons 17-50f2.8 II (non VC).

[14-7]

Sorry, just seen that I've been a spanner and put the wrong lens on secondly.

The second choice should have been a 15-85 lens!

I already have a 400d which came with the standard 18-55 lens which seems poor compared to the recent 60mm lens I purchased.

Just wondering whether to buy body only and lenses seperately really.

[RobDickinson]

Well if your not keen on the 18-55 dont get the 18-135.

15-85 is reputed to be nice and sharp, as sharp as the 17-55 , but obviously not f2.8.

Its not a cheap lens but probably cheaper in the kit than on its own. I thougth about it a bit but would rather have f2.8 so went for the 17-55.

[Dr MAD]

just my 2p worth... I have to agree with Rob in that the 17-55 is worth the extra over 15-85. It is an awesome lens and works well with the 7D. Many say it is worthy of "L" status