28-135 or 24-85?

[minicooper]

I am going to order my 10D in the next few days, and I (like many others I think!) am agonising over which lens to get. I can either get a 24-85mm f3.5/4.5 USM or 28-135mm f3.5/4.5 USM+IS with it as a package, for pretty much the same price. I would automatically go for the 28-135 as it has IS, but I'm a little concerned about only being able to go to 45mm at its widest angle. I am not going to be in a position to buy a wide angle lens for sometime, so should I go for the 24-85 which would give me an equivalent of nearer 35mm?

Cheers!
Tom

[RichardtheSane]

Before making a recommendation we really need to know whay you are buying a 10D and what your preferred photography subjects are....

[mkaplan]

Well, IMO, yes, 4mm wider is a lot more (6.4mm in 10D talk) but if you really shoot things that you need wide angle you will still be wanting as38.4mm is bot nearly wide enough. I purchased the Sigma 15-30 before I bought my 28-135. IMO go for the 28-135. It is a wonderful lens and for most shooters the one that is left on the camera the most and as soon as you can afford it, go for the wide if that is the kind of photography you do. You can also buy the wide lens first and buy maybe a 50mm F1.8 for only $70 which should keep you happy for a while as well.

[minicooper]

Well to be honest, I use my cameras for pretty much everything. I'm a student photojournalist, so my work encompasses things from group shots and sport photos to things like land/cityscapes and architecture photography. By the way- I'd just like to say how easy you US guys have it when it comes to price!! Not that I'm bitter or anything...!

Thats good advice Michael, I think I will start off with the 28-135. That package price is £1550, and the 24-85 package is £1525, so it sounds to me like that extra £25 for IS will be quite worthwhile.

[hextor]

try to get a USED 24-85. You will get it for about €250.

I was in the same situation and opted to get the 24-85. I own a 50mm as well. Later I will buy a 70-200 and a wide angle later, eventually though.

[mkaplan]

I don't know what your import duties are but that lens is available by mail order from the US for $375.oo USD. If that is 1550 pounds, that is really REALLY a lot of money. Even from Canada it is $748 CAD or 335 Brittish Pounds. I find that for lenses the US is way cheaper than Canada (or most of the word if not all) which is why I but from there or there are a couple of good suppliers from China where I bought most of my bigger stuff. You can buy models with international warrany or grey market stull. You can also loof around used. I bought mine from B&H used. It ended up being new reconditioned and only paid $310 USD. If you are patient you will surely be able to find used but the 28-135 is the way to go.

[minicooper]

No, that £1550 is 10D body AND lens! not just the 28-135 lens. The list prices for the lenses individually are £349 for the 24-85mm, and £449 for the 28-135mm lens. I think I'll go for the 28-135mm because with that package I am essentially getting £100 more lens for only £25, which is pretty good.

Cheers for the help guys!

[mkaplan]

I didn't think it would be possible to be that high or I would move... fast ;)