The 18-55 IS isn't a bad lens. It's not great, but my copy is pretty sharp. Of course the 50 1.4 is much better, but primes should always be sharper than zooms.

While sharpness is important but it's far from the only thing you should look at when choosing a lens like contrast, how it renders colors, flare etc
From what I have heard the 18-55 kit lens simply doesn't have the resolving power when used with cameras with very large amount of pixels.

According to this chart primes are not always sharper than zooms at least if you compare low end prime with high end zooms.
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=101&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0&LensComp=253&CameraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLI=1&API=0


edit: hmm I actually amazed by how sharp the EF 24-70 f2.8L is compared to some of the primes

This post was edited by Futurama on Oct 30 2010 05:51pm

I'm tempted to sell my 15-85 IS after this previous weekend out with it. I shot the falls colors in the rain.. Once it starts raining a little harder, i have to swap lenses since my 15-85 isn't weather sealed. : /

Imma sell it and get a 24-105/4L IS

This post was edited by Eek on Oct 30 2010 06:03pm

I guess you are one of those who are into IS lenses
Well if you don't need a larger aperture then it's a great lens.
Have you considered a raincoat or cover for your camera?
I have one made by Optech though I haven't used it, yet
http://optechusa.com/rainsleeve.html

This post was edited by Futurama on Oct 31 2010 08:34am