My Canon 17-85mm f/4-5.6 died and was all I knew. Opinions on 24-105mm f/4L IS?

jonalisa wrote:

I have a 60D.
(I also have Canon 100mm macro, 50mm 1.8, 10-22 wide angle, 70-200mm f/ 2.8, and 18-55 kit lens.)

I had a 17-85mm f/4-5.6 as my walkaround lens since 2004 and was quite happy with the range.  However, this lens is sadly deceased. I need a new walkaround, all purpose lens.

I am looking to upgrade in quality and am seriously looking at the 24-105mm f/4L IS, but I am not near anyplace where I can get my hands on one physically to try it out. I know there are limitations with low light -but 95% of my shooting is outdoor, still,  daytime landscapes. I am curious to hear about the range on a crop sensor camera such as the 60D. How would it compare to what I am used to?

I am not a professional and was hoping to get some feedback from anyone who has used the 17-85mm and found something as good or better. Or, feedback from anyone currently using the 24-105mm on a 60D or similar.

Any comments on a good quality walkaround lens are welcome. My budget is $1000 or below.

Depending on what's wrong with the 17-85 (the common flexicable failure?), the most economical solution would be to have it repaired.  Or replace it with the same ($525 new, $480 refurbished) or like:  Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4 DC OS HSM ($420) or EF-S 15-85 f/3.5-5.6 IS USM ($660 with current rebate, expires Oct 27).

While you have the 10-22 to cover the wide end, I find 24-xxx to be too limiting as a walkaround lens.  With a gap between them instead of the overlap that a 15-xx or 17-xx gives, I'd end up carrying two lenses in stead of one and changing them often.

My preference was for the 15-85. YMMV.