Hi all, i'm going to purchase my 1st SLR in the next couple of wks and having done all my research i am going for the 450d. Obviously will be purchasing lens and herein lies my query!!

Standard kit is the 18-55IS lens. After a bit of reading up the 17-85IS lens seems a better choice! Asking you pro's for a honest opinion on which lens i should get?

I rather not waste my money and get the 18-55 and then decide i need to upgrade and never use it again. The retailer is willing to sell me a 17-85 instead of the basic lens kit with my camera! Should i do this??

Also, is the 17-85 going to be best lens for a beginner like me and meet all my expectations of taking good pics or should i go for another one???

Usage will be portraits, landscapes and some sports!

Your help is greatly appreciated! Thanks.