Tamron 28-70 vs Canon 28-135 IS

[cloudless]

I have the 300D with the kit lens, the 50mm F1.8, and the Sigma 55-200. I find it quite a problem to carry all those lenses with me all the time. Now I am looking for a walk around lens to take snapshots. A lot of people recommend the Tamron 28-70 F2.8 and the Canon 28-135 IS. Can anyone here tell me which one would be the better choice for me? I do quite a lot of low-light indoor shot, would the fast F2.8 help or the IS be more useful?

Oh by the way I have very limited budget, so please don't tell me to buy a L lens, thanks.

[Andy_T]

Are you referring to the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 XR DI?

Just curious, don't have the lens.

Best regards,
Andy

[kb244]

I have the 28-135 and I absolutly love it. The IS is very useful, provided that you are not going any slower than say 1/15th ( thats about the best I could do keeping my hands steady in combination with the IS ). But I've never had any experience with a lens faster than f/4. You certainly have more range to work with on the 28-135, and the IS is there if you need it. Also the 28-135 USM IS seems to be very sharp. If your can be acheived at 4 to 5.6 aperture at about 1/15 to 1/30, then the IS will help in that sense. But will also help when you are zooming in all the way and need extra help keeping it steady ( though not always the case , I feel will be more useful when it comes to like 400mm ).

I am curious can you be more specific about your subjects. And you do realize that there is the 1.6x magnification factor on the 300d ( just checking ). cuz my 28-135 is actually a 44-216 because of it.

One thing I should mention, the f/2.8 as you know will be better for moving subjects. Where as the IS will mainly be useful on moving subjects if you are panning.

[Tom W]

Are you referring to the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 XR DI?

Just curious, don't have the lens.

Best regards,
Andy

If that's the Tamron you're referring to, I've heard good things about it (as well as the Canon 28-135). Personally, for indoor low-light photography, I'd go for the faster lens, which in this case would be the Tamron.

The image stabilization works well for camera shake, but it cannot stop the movement of the subject - only a fast shutter can do that.

One other consideration - I know that you discounted L glass due to price, but do keep your eyes open for an excellent used 28-70 L . I haven't looked at the prices on this lens lately, but I do know that it is very highly respected.

[drisley]

I have the 300D with the kit lens, the 50mm F1.8, and the Sigma 55-200. I find it quite a problem to carry all those lenses with me all the time. Now I am looking for a walk around lens to take snapshots. A lot of people recommend the Tamron 28-70 F2.8 and the Canon 28-135 IS. Can anyone here tell me which one would be the better choice for me? I do quite a lot of low-light indoor shot, would the fast F2.8 help or the IS be more useful?

Oh by the way I have very limited budget, so please don't tell me to buy a L lens, thanks.

I dont think there is such a lens as a "Tamron 28-70 f2.8".
There IS a Tamron 28-75 f2.8.

From what I've seen, I would recommend the Tamron 28-75mm.

[CanonUser]

These were taken with the Tamron 28-75mm XR Di. Couldn't ask for more in a $330 lens...
http://albums.photo.epson.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=4175628&a=31171163&f=
Regards,
Alan

[cloudless]

Are you referring to the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 XR DI?

Yeah it should be the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 XR instead, thanks for the correction. In fact I'm considering the Sigma 28-70 f/2.8 too, which is a little bit cheaper. That's why I got confused.

Thanks for everyone's advice, this forum is really helpful.

[drisley]

I wouldnt even consider the sigma.
The Tamron is a much better lens, and you will have less chance of compatibiliy problems down the road with the Tamron.
In some cases the Tamron is comparable to the Canon 24-70L, but at MUCH less money. I have not seen many (maybe any) favourable reviews of the sigma equivalent.

The only reason I would recommend the Canon 28-135IS over the Tamron 28-75 is if you need the extra reach. Otherwise, the Tamron is cheaper, sharper, faster, and comes with a 6 yr. warranty (vs 1 yr. for the Canon).

[roanjohn]

I would most def. recommend the Tamoron 28-75 f 2.8, I use it as my walk around lens...........of course...........thats until I decide to purchase the 24-70 L :-)

http://www.pbase.com/roanjohn/dc

check out this gallery........mostly with the Tamron lens.

And BTW, it is nice and light.

Ro1

[dds]

I faced the same dilemma a few weeks ago.
So far I'm very happy with my Tamron lens. That's my choice! :lol:
I can't tell about Canon lens.

DDS

P.S. do you really need 135mm x 1.6 (crop factor for indoor pictures. If so I would probably go with a prime..... :idea:

[Cadwell]

The Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 is a superb lens. There really is no comparison with the Canon EF 28-135mm. The Tamron wins on image quality hands down (for info: I have both).

I have always been disappointed by the images produced when using my EF 28-135mm IS USM.