24-85 3.5-4.5 - I need advice

[kufel]

Hi!
Could someone post a full-size or a crop from full size picture of anything containing a lot of detail taken with Canon EF 24-85 f/3.5-4.5 USM lens? I have a suspicion that mine is a little bit too lousy even for this kind of lense. In particular - it seems to be very soft (almost out-of-focus). (Mind you, I was compairing it to 70-200 IS...., anything is out-of-focus vs. this puppy...) I would really appreciate. BTW: how can one attach an image here?
Thanx!

[robertwgross]

kufel wrote:
BTW: how can one attach an image here?
-->

Read under "Help" at the top of this page.

---Bob Gross---

[DaveG]

robertwgross wrote:
kufel wrote:
BTW: how can one attach an image here?
-->

Read under "Help" at the top of this page.

---Bob Gross---

Sorry, but help is of no help.

[kufel]

Actually - it is, you have to include that piece of code with the referrence to the pic, which has to be on the web ALREADY. I am just setting up a web location to be able to post referrences.

[ssim]

If want to find the syntax for imbedding a photograph, find a posing that has one in it and then choose reply with quote and it will show you exactly the syntax that the previous user had entered. You will have to substitute their website for your own.

[jimsloy]

Open an account at www.fotopic.net I just did the other day. You get 250mb free storage! Be sure to uncheck "resize" in the gallery settings once you are settup. Then hit HELP for instructions on how to refer to that pic as a direct link for you to use in this site.

How much is a 24-85 3.5-4.5 anway? I need a wider angle lens then my 28 and am trying to decide which way to go.

[kufel]

Get 20-35 3.5-4.5. It's more expensive than 24-85 but it's sharper . I redid my tests and looked more carefully: 24-85 is sharp around 50mm only, 24 is not bad but at 85 it sucks big time. Canadian pricing is 529 for 24-85 and 729 for 20-35, much cheaper in the US (B&H prices are good) 20-35 is sharpest between 20 and 30, 70-200 IS is sharp all the way of course....even with extender.
Thanx for the tip about the web site.

[who10]

Kufel,

The 24-85 f3.5-4.5 was my first D60 lens (and for most of a year my only lens). I generally blamed image softness I often experienced as "cockpit" errors until I rented a 28-70L2.8 and a 70-200ISL2.8 one long weekend.

http://haskellct.com/EE_Galleries/Gallery1/webguests/GaveItUp.jpg

I picked these images because think they demonstrate what you're asking. I really expected the peacock to be a sharper picture, and the slow shadow shot taken on a moving train to be soft (the 70-200Lf4 was set at 70mm - noticed I missed the label). I sold the 24-85, bit hard on my credit card and bought a 24-70L2.8 - never looked back.

_______
who10

[kufel]

That is EXACTLY what I am experiencing..... For a moment I thought I had shaky hands as the effect of unwrapping the toys, but yes, it is the lens.... I know it will be gone soon, have to take a breather before spending serious bucks on L wide, my priority was a tele (as someone stated: L stands for Later.... :-) )

[kufel]

How would Sigma lens look comparing to 24-70L ( I think they have an equivalent)?