Camera Labs

Hi:

First let me say that I’m very happy I found this site, I prefer the way the reviews are written a lot more than at dpreview.

OK, I can get the:

Canon Digital Rebel XTi 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens: $647.68
Canon 430EX Speedlite Flash: $234
TOTAL: 881.68

OR

Canon Digital Rebel XTi 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only): $578.88
Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 Image Stabilized USM SLR Lens: $478.49
Canon 430EX Speedlite Flash: $234
TOTAL: $1291.37

Do you think it's worth the extra $409.69 for the different lens?

I will mainly use this camera for family photos, in the park and to photograph our new baby due in January. I’m not a pro, just an amateur printing mostly 4x6 and an occasional 8x10. I also don’t look at my photos at 100% on the computer screen and analyze each pixel.

My crazy justification is that I have the money now, in 6-12 months with all the baby expenses I may not be so willing to part with the money...haha !! Also, I like the fact that the better lens has the image stabilizer that would allow me to shoot without a flash in some instances.

Please let me know what you think.

Thanks!

Mitch

Hi Mitch,

I've moved this thread to the Canon forum. You'll get your best feedback here as your question is Canon specific - hope you don't mind.

If you haven't already found it please check out Gordon's Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTi kit lens upgrade group test which may help answer some of your questions. He has also reviewed the EF-S 17-85mm f4~5.6 IS USM lens separately here.

There is another active thread on the Canon forum (here) started by another potential XTi buyer. I nearly linked this thread into that one but I guess the two questions are different.

Let us know how your thoughts have been shaped by the reviews.

Bob.

_________________
OM-D E-M5 + ED 12-50mm, H-PS14042E, H-F007014E, L-RS014150E, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8.
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head.
Astrophotography: TEC 140 'scope, FLI ML16803 camera, ASA DDM60 Pro mount.

Hi Bob,

Of course I don't mind you moving the thread...I appreciate you looking out for me.

Thanks for the link to the review and the other post. I will read them ASAP.

Mitch

Hi Mitch,

When you have read them don't forget to check out the CameraLabs partner prices. I think you might do better than the $478 you mention. It might also be worth checking out our affiliate stores.

Bob.

_________________
OM-D E-M5 + ED 12-50mm, H-PS14042E, H-F007014E, L-RS014150E, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8.
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head.
Astrophotography: TEC 140 'scope, FLI ML16803 camera, ASA DDM60 Pro mount.

Hi Bob,

I read the reviews on the site and it sure seems like the Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens makes a nice upgrade option and will suit my requirements of getting a good general purpose lens that I can leave attached all the time.

I did notice a "small" discrepancy in the review of the Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens:

This page lists an overall score of 79%
http://www.cameralabs.com/features/Cano ... age7.shtml

This page lists an overall score of 74%
http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon ... age6.shtml

Which one is correct?

When it's time for me to buy, rest assured that I will use one of the affiliate links to help the site.

Thanks!

Mitch

Hi Mitch,

Interesting discrepancy. The value score can obviously change with time but the fact that the optical quality result is different is less easy to understand given that it is physically the same lens in both tests. Maybe the lens had the benefit of a factory service in the year between the two tests? I don't know.

In any event, lens testing is an art as well as a science and results do vary between different examples of the same model. If you want more reviews then check here and here.

Bob.

_________________
OM-D E-M5 + ED 12-50mm, H-PS14042E, H-F007014E, L-RS014150E, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8.
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head.
Astrophotography: TEC 140 'scope, FLI ML16803 camera, ASA DDM60 Pro mount.

Hi Mitch, both are correct!

You've stumbled across the problem of giving something a final score, as it's always compared to something at the time the verdict was written. That 'something' can change between reviews, as does the actual state of play between reviews.

You'll notice our standalone 17-85mm review was published in December 05 and the group test published in September 06. Times change as do the products we compare them against. Always bear this in mind and also see the 'relative to' part next to the scores - as you'll see, they're relative to different products.

Ultimately scores are a popular part of reviews, but please don't take them as the most important part. Please always check the results pages, read through the verdicts and of course try the products for yourself before making a decision.

Gordon

Hi Gordon,

Thank you for the explanation.

Yes...I did read everything regarding the lens and I think it will work for me.

I'm sure I will have tons of questions once I purchase the camera and start using it...stay tuned.

Thanks,

Mitch

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Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 (Lumix DMC-TZ7)