Lens advice

[Chazs]

I've have the D-Rebel and would like to replace the kit lens. Our local camera store doesn't have many options, and since I'm leaving soon to Europe (tomorrow), I need a quick decision. It looks like I've narrowed down whats available and what's in my price range to

1) Canon 24-85 USM 3.5-4.5

2) Promaster (??) 28-300 3.5-6.3

Obviously different lenses. The Canon seems like a decent (for the money) every day replacement to the kit, and the Promaster gives quite a bit more tele. But I have never hear of Promaster!! Is it a Tamron or a Walmart?

What the heck should I do???? I could also just keep the kit lens and save the cash for a few more beers in Denmark. :)

[robertwgross]

I could also just keep the kit lens and save the cash for a few more beers in Denmark.

Why do you want to replace it?

---Bob Gross---

[Chazs]

When I enlarged some recent test shots the kit lens showed quite a bit (I thought) of purpling near the high contrast areas. I also would like to increase my range a bit, but 300 might be over kill (at least for the trip).

[robertwgross]

For nature photography (hiking), I need one lens with a lot of zoom range, because it is problematic to keep changing lenses often. As a result, I use the Canon 28-200mm.

---Bob Gross---

[JZaun]

I have the 24-85 usm... not very popular but I am happy with mine.. You wouldn't be unhappy if it is in the mm range you want. It has produced excellent pic's for me.

JZ

[Tom W]

Can't say much here, but if I had the choice between the two and had to make it fast, I'd take the Canon 24-85 myself. I'm not sure who makes the promaster.

[msvadi]

Go with Canon. I don't believe you'll find somebody here who can say anything good about promaster. I would be surprised if a $300 28-300 zoom was any good.

I don't have Canon 24-85, but I did a quick search on the web and all reviews were positive. People saying it's light, reasonably sharp (at least for printing 8x12). EOS FAQ http://photonotes.org/articles/beginner-faq/lenses.html#whichcategory places it among a good quality consumer grade zooms:
<<If you have a slightly larger budget, a mid-priced zoom (category 2) is worth considering. For example, two popular Canon zoom lenses are the 28-105 3.5-4.5 USM and the 24-85 3.5-4.5 USM. Both are reasonably sturdy lenses with decent though not outstanding optical quality. They feature fast and silent ring USM autofocus motors. They’re more expensive and heavier than cheap zooms, but most people find the tradeoff worth it.
Of the two lenses the former has a bit more reach and so is good for isolating objects or for doing simple portrait work. The latter has less reach but is considerably wider (there’s a surprisingly big difference in coverage area between a 24mm lens and a 28mm lens) and so is popular for travel photos. The 24-85 is also a good match for those digital cameras with less than full frame image sensors, such as the 300D/Digital Rebel/Kiss Digital or 10D.>>

There was many messages regarding 24-85 on dpreview canon lens forum.

And they make it in silver ;)

Check out also this site http://emedia.leeward.hawaii.edu/frary/toolbox2.htm#24-85Anchor
Good reviwe and even some sample pictures (small size though, so they are not very helpful)

[kahfluie]

Well.. I have a Promaster and it's not that bad... I've seen worse. I have a 28-200 lens... they are made by Tamron - sort of how Sigma makes Quantaray.

If the range is good for you, I'd go with the Canon. If you need the zoom range, then Promaster might be ok for you... just remember, your shots won't be as sharp as your canon lenses.

Again I've have a Promaster... haven't had trouble with it - got decent results... but haven't had a need to use it since I got the Canon and Sigma lenses I now have.

for what it's worth... here's one of the last photos I took using the Promaster... this was... back in September 2003, I think.

http://debbielou.com/photography/concerts/ffh_091803/091803001_std.jpg