17-85mm NOT the kit lens

[alistairsyme]

I was mildly concerned that the 17-85mm EF-S could be a kit lens, and thus not available to 300D owners right away. However, it looks like the kit lens for the 20D will be the same 18-55mm EF-S found in the 300D kit. Assuming the 17-85mm turns out to be a decent performer, I will get one as a walkaround lens. The range is nearly perfect, though I would have preferred a 16-70mm f/4. Anyway, it's a pity there is no price information yet. I hope it's not a shocker, like the 70-300mm DO. No new information, I'm just pleased with the outcome.

 

[CanonKen]

I posted that earlier, and Phil even said it was a bad decision.

However, the kit lens probably costs Canon $10 at the OEM level, and the IS lens MUCH more, so maybe it is just a good business decision.

I live the niche the kit lens fills, but the build quality is lame.

 

[Steingrim]

The 17-85 is supposed to ship for $599 which is $100 more than the price difference between the 20d body and the 20d+17-85 kit. There will also be a 20d kit with the new 18-55 USM, which will also sell separately for $169. Seems the days of the "kit only" lens are over.

I was mildly concerned that the 17-85mm EF-S could be a kit lens,
and thus not available to 300D owners right away. However, it
looks like the kit lens for the 20D will be the same 18-55mm EF-S
found in the 300D kit. Assuming the 17-85mm turns out to be a
decent performer, I will get one as a walkaround lens. The range
is nearly perfect, though I would have preferred a 16-70mm f/4.
Anyway, it's a pity there is no price information yet. I hope it's
not a shocker, like the 70-300mm DO. No new information, I'm just
pleased with the outcome.

 

[alistairsyme]

Hmm, what did the 28-135mm IS cost when it came out? I was hoping for under $500, but I think I'll buy one at $599 if it's reasonably well regarded. It really does fill a need for me.

The 17-85 is supposed to ship for $599 which is $100 more than the
price difference between the 20d body and the 20d+17-85 kit. There
will also be a 20d kit with the new 18-55 USM, which will also sell
separately for $169. Seems the days of the "kit only" lens are over.

 

[Ravenous_Orca]

Hi Alistairsyme,

Not sure exactly what the IS started out as, I paided $749.99 for it a few months ago - Canadian so don't freak out at the price... cheaper in the states

I am liking the fact that they came out with a IS lens for the DRebel, the fact that is was designed for the sensor of the Drebel intrigues me to how the results will fair with Pictures taken from it. I will be looking into this lens when it does arrive on the market.

--
Jason D Reynolds

Hmm, what did the 28-135mm IS cost when it came out? I was hoping
for under $500, but I think I'll buy one at $599 if it's reasonably
well regarded. It really does fill a need for me.