Canon 28-200

[Riod]

I own a Drebel and want to purchase a tele-zoom. Is the Canon 28-200 a good choice?

How does it compare to Tamron, Tokina and Sigma?

Thanks.

Riod.

[Tom W]

I own a Drebel and want to purchase a tele-zoom. Is the Canon 28-200 a good choice?

How does it compare to Tamron, Tokina and Sigma?

Thanks.

Riod.

That lens gets a pretty low rating at www.photozone.com. It is a pretty wide range for a zoom, and with expanded range comes expanded tradeoffs. Basically, you're asking a lot from your lens to cover that range accurately and clearly.

I'd recommend either the 28-135 f/3.5-5.6 IS lens or the less expensive 28-105 f/3.5-4.5 (not the f/4.0-5.6 version).

You didn't say whether you had the 18-55 lens with your Rebel or not. If you don't have it, I would recommend that you get something that covers a little wider angle, such as the 24-85 f/3.5-4.5 lens.

I'm guessing that your price range is somewhere between 200 and 400 dollars.

[Riod]

I clicked on your URL to Photozone and got a bunch of info about contact lenses.!

[Tom W]

I clicked on your URL to Photozone and got a bunch of info about contact lenses.!

http://www.photozone.de/

Whoops!! Try this one - I forgot that photozone isn't a "dot-com", its a "dot-de". Non-US web site.

[nosquare2003]

Funny, I can't imagine how to put a contact lens before the Drebel.

By the way, I second Tom W's lens option.

[Riod]

Why would I not want to go for a 28-200 zoom? My thinking is that it would be versatile and good for all around shooting. The speed is the same as the 18-55 that came with camera.

Are ther considerations that I am not aware of?

I also was trying to keep from exposing the sensor to dust by changing lenses often.

I appreciate your input.

Thanks.

[Tom W]

The 28-200 isn't known to be a real sharp lens, according to what I've read around the net. The 28-135 IS, however, is very well liked and might make a better choice. Granted, the long end isn't as long, but it rates about as high as a non-L lens gets and it has the image stabilization which will help with telephoto.

Don't forget the 1.6 crop factor - your 135 mm tele will give the same angle of view as a 216 mm lens would on a full-sized 35 mm sensor.

If cost is a big problem, for around $220 US, you can get the 28-105 f/3.5-4.5 USM lens (watch out not to get the 4.0-5.6 version - its not as sharp). I can vouch for its decent sharpness, since I have one myself. Its not quite as long, but it does allow you to save up for that long telephoto if you get the urge some day.

[JoeTampa]

I'll offer a differing opinion. The 28-200 is my "default lens" - the one that is on the camera unless I have need for a different lens. Reason: It's the most versatile, and produces great images under most circumstances. It certainly isn't L glass, don't get me wrong, but it's certainly on par with most non-L Canon glass.