better glass

[Hans Moleman]

I'm seriously considering getting the 400D, but I worry about the stock lens, both in zoom range, and general glass quality. I know the camera's solid (a few images in another thread sold me completely), but the lens just doesn't look ideal. I've seen it worked with and held, and It had a really plasticky feel. i'm thinking about getting the body-only kit, and picking up this lens locally:

http://www.centralcamera.com/Cameras-Lenses/Lenses/Autofocus/Digital-Only-/Canon10/Canon-EF-S-17-85mm-f-4-5-6-IS-USM-Lens/

any opinions? anyone used that zoom in particular? anything about it that stands out as not being worth the cash?

[Digigenic]

According to the review here (http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/136/cat/11), your lens has gotten some pretty good feedback.

In my personal experience, zoom lenses are much more useful when they can maintain a constant f/2.8 aperture thoughout the entire zoom range.
Although, having optical stablization like the [IS] featured in your lens can help out tremendously in many other situations.
For others, this may not be as important.
It really depends on what you're intending to use the lens for.

Also, don't hesitate to give lens makers like Tamron, Sigma, and Tokina a look.
They offer up great glass at a fraction of the cost with nearly identical results, usually lacking a little in build quality or exhibiting a little extra CA or softer corners. These kinds of variables have a tendancy to appear inconsistently among most of the third-party lenses.

[Hans Moleman]

id love to get the 2.8 version, but an extra 500 bucks doesnt look feasable right now

[Shane Jackson]

I have a 400D and am taking it back to costco. I ordered a 40D 28-135mm kit from dell for $1080 + tax. (20% off coupon stacked with 10% off coupon)

As for the 18-55 that came with the 400D..... It's ok. Personaly if I were to buy another 400D I would order body only...

[Shane Jackson]

Oh you can use the coupons to get a 400D body for $504 + tax

[Hans Moleman]

what made you take the 400D back?

[Shane Jackson]

The 400D is too small for me. I can also use the live view function. And for the money, I paid $700 for the XTi, it's only $400 more. And I am also getting a better kit lens ($140 for the 18-55 from B&H, $410 for the 28-135... that makes up most of the cost diffrence!!) Resale on the 40D will be higher.

If I were you, I would get the 40d kit (if you can still get the 2 needed coupons). You will spend as much on the XTi body and the 17-85mm as you would the 40D.

You might want to look at this site:

http://www.photozone.de/active/survey/querylenstxt.jsp?filter=%22brand='Canon%20EF'%20OR %20brand='Sigma%20AF'%20OR%20brand='Tamron%20AF'%2 0or%20brand='Tokina%20AF'%20or%20brand='Vivitar%20 AF'%22

I dont agree with all the ratings but it is a good outline to get an idea of how good the lens are.

[CR_OPSO]

Oh you can use the coupons to get a 400D body for $504 + tax

Tell me more about these coupons. Even with the "Employee Purchase Program", I don't see any discounts on cameras.

[Sacksnack]

I'd buy the 40D right this minute for $1080. Please share you incredible coupon magic.

[Rick Meyer]

This review gives the lens pretty good marks. I was going to get this lens as well only the L-series. This review is saying that this particular lens is not far off though. For an addition $600 dollars savings...hmmm....

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-S-17-85mm-f-4-5.6-IS-USM-Lens-Review.aspx