The Eternal Question...

[Johnnynf]

Yes, this is another lens question. I have a DRebel, and I would like to get a new "mid level" lens (no L-Glass please...I am on a teachers salary). I found a lens that I think would work well for me, and I think I can swing the coin for it...so I just wanted some opinions. All I have now is the kit lens, so anything will be an improvement. I was thinking of getting the 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM for $400 from B and H. Does anyone have this lens or something similar? Basically I am looking for something with a little more zoom than the kit lens, and a little better image quality. I am thinking that this will work wonderfully...but I just want to make sure ($400 is still a lot for me). I am also going to get a 50mm 1.8 soon, but B and H is out of stock right now.

Another question...what is the difference between "USA" and "Imported" on the B and H website. The Imprted is always a little cheaper...why is this? They look exactly the same. Wouldn't something imported be more expensive?

Thanks a lot guys.

[Scottes]

A lot of people think that the 28-135 IS is a very good lens, particulalrly for the money, the zoom range, and the IS. Good choice.

The "imported" lenses/etc from B&H denote items that do not have US warrantees. If you purchase it in the US and have a problem, you must return it to B&H for repair. Canon will not honor an imported warrantee in the US. Other items, where applicable, may have menus and manuals in other languages, different settings used for other countires (NTSC vs PAL video, for example).

[IanD]

Have to agree with Scott and the host of others who will denote the 28-135 IS as a great non-L lens. Yuor choice of a 50 F1.8 is also excellent. Order the lens shade at the same time. It wont look as funny on the camera with the shade on.

[CoolToolGuy]

I'll throw in my vote for the 28-135 IS. I own it, and I think it is a great lens for the money. If, however, you want to get a hood for it for digital, get EW-78C. The hood that Canon specifies is for film cameras, and the EW-78C will give you better coverage when you consider the crop factor - not much, but some.

Have Fun
Rick 8)

[cgratti]

Yes, this is another lens question. I have a DRebel, and I would like to get a new "mid level" lens (no L-Glass please...I am on a teachers salary).

On a teachers salary you should have the 1D Mark II...

and all summer to shoot it without having to go to work....

I wish was a teacher...LOL

[Belmondo]

Don't get me started!!
Teachers fall into two categories: bad teachers and good teachers. Bad teachers are paid too much; good teachers are shamefully underpaid, especially considering that we are trusting them with the most precious natural resource this (or any) country has.

I consider my success in life primarily a product of the efforts of a few good teachers and one good wife (subject for another thread).

I wish good teachers could afford such niceties as a 1D Mk II. Lord knows, they deserve it.

Okay. I'm off the soapbox. Now

The 28-135 is a terrific lens as is the 50 f/1.8. You've thought this out pretty well.

Thos.

[Johnnynf]

I don't know which teaching category I fall into, but I do know that if I keep spending all of this money on camera stuff, my wife who has helped me immensely also...will soon be my ex-wife. :D Thanks for all of your help guys. I will probably order the lens this week. Does anyone know of a reputable place OTHER than B and H that might have the 50mm 1.8 in stock. The girls basketball team at my school is bound for the state playoffs (I hope) in a week or two, and I want that lens to take some pictures of the games.

I wish I had all summer off to play around with cameras. I have to get a second job to pay for all of this stuff. :(

Thanks again for all of your help.

[msnow]

I don't know which teaching category I fall into, but I do know that if I keep spending all of this money on camera stuff, my wife who has helped me immensely also...will soon be my ex-wife. :D Thanks for all of your help guys. I will probably order the lens this week. Does anyone know of a reputable place OTHER than B and H that might have the 50mm 1.8 in stock. The girls basketball team at my school is bound for the state playoffs (I hope) in a week or two, and I want that lens to take some pictures of the games.

I wish I had all summer off to play around with cameras. I have to get a second job to pay for all of this stuff. :(

Thanks again for all of your help.

Another vote for the 28-135 IS. For either lens try http://www.canogacamera.com although it looks like they are "temporarily out of stock" on this one.