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Hey everyone.

I previously posted about my struggles trying to decide between a D70 Nikon and Canon EOS 350D. So i have finally decided to go with the canon.

Now for a choice of lenses...
i can get the camera on special with a:

18-55mm & 75-300mm standard twin lens kit for $1359 AUD.

or

17-85mm EF-S 17-85mm f4-5.6 IS USM for $2000 AUD

I have heard confliction opinions on which package would be the best in terms of value and quality.

If you could give me some reasons for and against these two options i would appreciate it alot. Mostly your opinion in terms of the image quality gained through each. And more so, is the added cost of the IS USM lens only due to the image stabalising, orrr is there something more which gives using that lens an edge over the standard ones? IF the IS is the only reason the lens is so much more expensive i quite easily use a tripod if needed.

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I dont know about Canon lenses, because I own the D70

But, like you said, IS lens can get you sharper pictures just because of the IS / Vibration Reduction at the time the picture is taken.

As far as either
18-55mm & 75-300mm for $1359 AUD.

I wonder why Canon skipped the mm between 56mm to 74?

Thats almost 20mm that you wont have access to and will have either back up or more in closer if possible when using either lens, sometimes you might not have that option to get closer without changing lenses where you shouldnt be, like outside on a windy day etc.

My first 2 lenses I bought were:
18-70 and the 70-300

As for the
17-85mm EF-S 17-85mm f4-5.6 IS USM for $2000 AUD

I want to eventually buy Nikon VR lens the equivilent of Canon's IS technology once the price comes down consideratly.
But in the meantime, I use a tripod more often, like you mentioned as an alternative.

Not exactly a definite answer on which way to go, but just some ideas to think about....
Decide if you think you will be taking more pictures over the max of the IS lenr 85mm or think you will be taken mostly wider angle type pictures line landscapes.

If it was me in your position, I would go for the 2 lens combination just to have the option of the longer zoom.

But if I knew I had more money to spend, I would go for the IS lens then buy a longer zoom shortly after.

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Last edited by rct4905 on Jun 2nd, 2006 at 08:48 AM

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As a general rule of thumb, the lenses that come "bundled" with a camera outfit are only adequite at best.

The electronics market is so compedative that the camera bodies are almost sold at cost so the manufacturer's can sell you the accessories.

My reccommendation would be to buy the camera body only, or with the least amount of lenses, and then purchase better lenses that fit your needs.

Purchasing good glass is an inverstment that will last you many years, and most probably will last longer than your camera body.

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