18-135 WR to replace 17-70?

I have seen some tests showing that the 18-135 WR is rather superior to the 18-55 but I haven't seen comparison's to the DA 17-70 for IQ.

I am not a fan of my 17-70, the SDM is not all that fast and the pathetically short focus throw makes it a very finicky lens for AF and worthless for MF. It's pretty sharp at about f7.1 when the AF nails the subject but at other times not so much.

Also... I don't trust the SDM motor in the thing though to this day it has worked without issue.

I'm not a fan of long zooms because of the optical compromises and inevitable distortions but if the IQ of the 18-135 compares reasonably with the 17-70 I would happily make the switch.

Any advice from those who have used both would be appreciated.

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