Options to Canon 17-85mm
 

I enjoy the 17-85 on my 40D.
However as I now have a 1D Mk111 the 17-85 is not compatible (I am correct aren't I??)-haven't tied it as I read it would damage the mirror.
I would be interested in alternative recommendations. Criteria being...........
Similar focal length (as a general purpose/walkabout lens)
IS or alternative (as I think it's a valuable tool)
Same or bigger aperture.

I can't say money is not important-(one for £50.00 would be nice:D) but it's not the main criteria as I don't want to be for ever sorry I didn't spend 'just that bit more'
Thanks

You are right that your 17-85 isn't compatible with a mkIII and also that you could damage the mirror by trying it. The lens can be modified to work on your camera, but I wouldn't recommend it, you'd get strong vingetting at the wide end. The obvious lens to suggest isn't a cheap one... I'd look for a Canon 24-105 f4 IS. A friend uses one on a mkIII for protrait work and gets outstanding results.

Doing some research (very scary:eek:) there were some interesting pro's & con's for this lens. I read on some that vignetting is a problem at the wide end (one from a pro of 25 years with photo evidence).
I was hoping to find an equivalent Sigma/Tamron with rave reviews at 1/2 the price but nothing so far!

You've obviously looked at this one:
http://www.sigma-imaging-uk.com/lens...4-70mm_hsm.htm
(Sigma 24-70 2.8 HSM)

I use the older version on my 5D. IMO this is a super lens and see no reason to upgrade to the Canon equivelent.

Harry

I use the older sigma 24-70mm pre HSM one, and though a little soft (relatively speaking) at the 24mm end, it is a fantasic lens for the money. Ironically, I do prefer the handling of the very similar 28-70mm f/2.8 sigma, though obviuosly you loose the wider capabilities.
Of on a tangent, may I thoroughly recommend the Sigma 20mm f/1.8. I've been using one for a while now. Again, a little soft wide open at f/1.8, but a simply stunning lens at a bargain price.

Looking at your comments Joe I did a Google and the first review I saw said the following

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/R...ns-Review.aspx

Unfortunately, I consider the Sigma 20mm f/1.8 EX DG Lens to be unusable at f/1.8 unless you are looking for a soft-focus effect. This lens is one of the softest I've seen wide open. Realistically, this will be an f/2.8 lens to most people as the center does not become decently sharp until this aperture. But wait - there goes the Sigma's uniqueness advantage for now there is a direct Canon counterpart, the Canon EF 20mm f/2.8 USM Lens that costs about the same price.

Yes-I have 'googled' comparrisons between that & Canon----also between Canon 24-70mm & 24-105mm. You could go crazy with all the different opinions.:(
Some have said the Sigma is virtually useless at the 24mm/wide open while others have said the Canon 105 vignettes a lot.
I can't think of too many occassions when I would shoot at 24mm wide open but it's a shame to pay for that option and not be able to use it.
I have got used to having IS on my 17-85mm but is that important on 'comparitively' short lenses ?
Has anyone got all 3 lenses they could lend me for just 6 months?;)

Always the optomist:D

You could however hire the 2 canons for a weekend for less than £100 which might be worthwhile before investing circa £1K?

http://www.camerent.co.uk/camera_hir...on_lenses.html

http://www.hireacamera.com/cameras/h...nlenscanon.asp

Or http://www.lensesforhire.co.uk/index.asp