By Erick Wand from San Luis Obispo, CA on 3/12/2007

The Canon Digital Rebel XT combined with the Canon EF-S 17-85 IS USM Zoom lens serves as a very flexible quality image-gathering tool (and looks really good in black). Smaller, lighter, and lower priced than Canon's costlier Digital SLRs, the Rebel XT's feature-laden body offers the photographer more than enough options for creative control, or point-and-shoot predictability, if you so choose. For smaller hands, it's a perfect fit. Although somewhat heavier than the standard (EF-S18-55mm) kit lens, the 17-85 is worth the weight (no pun intended). The 5X zoom range alone helps make this an all-purpose walk-around lens. Image stabilization really does improve the percentage of acceptable low-light shots and assists in less-than-stable shooting throughout the aperture range. AF is very quick and USM is nearly silent. Manual focus can be a bit tricky through the camera's relatively small viewfinder, but manual focus can be confirmed with the AF light and beep (very cool). A distance scale (ft/m) is also incorporated into the lens body. Only basic shot information is displayed in the viewfinder, and that can be hard to read in very bright light conditions. But the friendly "beep" tone assures you that the auto functions are on the job and on target even when you can't see the numbers. Complete shot settings are displayed on the rear LCD Panel. However I'd like to see the current ISO setting incorporated into at least one of these two displays (ISO is set manually (100-1600) in the "Creative Zone Modes," or automatically (100-400) in the "Basic Zone Modes")

Many other reviews discuss the technical aspects of the 17-85 in detail. Here's my opinions: Images tend to be softer when shot wide open. Occasionally a bit of purple fringing can be seen (you really have to look closely for it). It doesn't have the build quality and feel of an "L," nor does it produce the tack sharp images capable with an "L" lens, but it is a major step up in feel and picture quality from the 18-55 kit lens. Macro performance is adequate, with the closest focus at 1.25". It does cost a bit too much (although prices are dropping). And yes, Canon should include the lens hood, as it is beneficial.

Is the 17-85mm a wise purchase with the Rebel XT? If cost was no obstacle; if the time it takes to switch lenses was never a factor; and if carrying around multiple primes and high-end zooms was not a weight/space consideration, then I'd probably go for something else. But being cost conscious, and never knowing what great shot is just around the next corner, I'll keep my 17-85 mounted on the Rebel XT with confidence. Oh, and when a bit more reach needed, packing a EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM telephoto zoom in the bag compliments the 17-85 quite nicely.

If you're updating from a point-and-shoot digital, you'll appreciate (actually, LOVE) the responsiveness of this combo. Flip the switch "ON," and before you get the camera to your eye, it's ready and waiting. Press the shutter halfway to set the Auto Focus/Auto Exposure; easily zoom to compose the shot, and you're a heartbeat away from capturing the action as it happens. Stopping water in mid splash is now possible! The AI Servo mode even provides constant focus on a moving object. Continuous shooting drive mode at 3 shots per second is buffered to allow a large number of captures in each burst. Image-Recording quality is selectable from 6 JPEG qualities or RAW or both simultaneously. Be sure to buy a large capacity Compact Flash card and you'll have nothing to keep you from your creative best.

Some real world specs:
Rebel XT Body Weight - 21.5 oz. with battery, CF card and strap
17-85 Lens - 17 oz. (add 0.5 oz. each for additional accessory (lens cap, lens body cap, lens hood)
Battery Life: Averages about 500 shots (depending on your power-draining shooting habbits)

By Jody from Crofton, MD on 2/13/2007

The camera is superb -- bought in Aug 2006. Then they came out w/ the XTi -- I immediately sold my XT, bought the XTi and now I am 110% satisfied. The lens is tremendous -- thank goodness I didn't get the standard lens (EF-S 18-55). I finally took the digital plunge and this was the way to go.

By Saurio from South Florida on 2/12/2007

I find this to be a great package for someone who is not a pro but likes to learn and not be limited by the equipment. The lens is great quality, pictures are great. The camera is easy to learn, to carry, more than fast enough. Great product overall.

By Mrnet from New Jersey on 2/12/2007

Good camera with better than average results

By The Pikenator from Graeagle, CA on 2/12/2007

I purchased the camera and lens in the spring of 2006 in order to have a DSLR to take to Denmark for our trip. The camera and lens proved themselves to be very versatile and easy to use. I am anxious to purchase the Canon 100x400 lens to get started with wildlife photography, something I have always wanted to do. I am also very fascinated by and interested in learning to do macrophotography. The Canon Digital Rebel XT has has made me much more aware of my surroundings and has opened a whole new world for me to explore.

By Lee from Edmond,OK on 2/5/2007

This camera performed better than I expected in the portrait range and also does great for close up panaramas. Can't wait to put a telephoto on the camera

By Wife, Pat, is owner from Knoxville, TN, and Overland Park, KS on 2/5/2007

I bought camera for my wife. She had just got started in photography at over 60 years old. She likes it very much and finds it easy to use and gets excellent pictures. It fits her small hands very well also. She now has two digital Canon Rebels (one 8 megapixels and one at 10 megapixels). I have a Canon D60 6 megapixel and I used this Rebel and like it very much. I would highly recommend it to anyone.

By lawsonpix from Montville, New Jersey on 2/5/2007

i did the research on this camera and my money is hard earned, this camera is my work horse, a great camera for the money

sample photo

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