Good zoom lens that's not as pricey as the L series lenses?

[FlipsidE]

I'm curious. I have just realized how limiting my 18-55mm EF-S Kit lens really is. I'd like to have something like a 24-70 or maybe a 35-135 (or whatever that range is). But, I'd rather not spend the money on an "L" series lens.

What are some other good zoom lenses that aren't so pricey?

Thanks

FlipsidE

[DocFrankenstein]

tamron 28-75/2.8 comes to mind

[tpinchback]

28-135 IS, they can be had for around $350 used. Good range and IS is a plus.

28-75 2.8 Tamron, $330 new
Also a very good lens when it comes to indoor use.

Dont forget to pick up that 50mm 1.8.

[FlipsidE]

Oh I still plan to get that 50mm f/1.8 first. I just want to plan some spending. That Canon 28-135 IS looks like what I think I'm going to want. $400 new...not too bad for such a wide zoom range.

EDIT: As a quick question, is that 28-135 good for portraits, also?

FlipsidE

[tpinchback]

The only problem I had with the 28-135 IS, is @ 135 it is an f5.6. VERY slow for indoor use, but ok for outdoor. If you are planning to take lots of indoor shots around the house you will need the extra stops that the Tamron 2.8 gives you.

[FlipsidE]

I'll probably using it mainly for portraits. So, the Tamron might be the better bet.

FlipsidE

[2new]

tamron 28-75/2.8

Excellent High Quality lens for the money. IMHO the 'best buy' in a high quality zoom lens.

Also check out Marketplace forum here and FredMiranda.com Buy and Sell forum. You can pick up some quality used equipment at good prices.

Good Luck,
Michael

[robertwgross]

I purchased the Canon 28-135 I.S. lens as my backup wedding lens. Most of the shots are right about in the middle of that range.

---Bob Gross---

[Tom W]

Tamron 28-75 is well liked. Canon 28-105 f/3.5-4.5 is respectable, though not as fast an aperture as the Tamron. But with Canon's ring USM, light weight and a decent range, its a gem at $225 US. Sigma's new 24-60 f/2.8 got a very good review in Popular Photo this month. Canon's 17-40 f/4.0 is a very well built, quality lens.

Many choices.

And yes, do get a 50/1.8. Its the best value out there in terms of image vs. price.

[Adam Hicks]

Go to your local camera store and try out the Tamron. You'll leave with it. It's under $400, well built, bright and plenty fast. I've been extremely pleased with it, and the minimum focus distance allows for nice Macro shots as well.

I talked to the pros at my local shop who regulary shoot the L lenses, and actually recommended the Tamron over the Canon for price / image quality. They showed me 16x20 blow ups from both lenses of the same subject, and there really was no visible difference in sharpness / contrast / clarity.

Adam

[WestFalcon]

I really think that the 28-135 IS is a great lens for the money. I shoot portraits at f11 or f8 usually in front of a background. I get 16x20's from my lab that look like medium format. The IS is nice since it is a slow lens. If you do available light portraits, this is not the lens for you and maybe the Tamron is better. I'm a big fan of the Canon lens and if you don't like it, it will resale for just slightly less than new price....not a big risk.

[tpinchback]

I really think that the 28-135 IS is a great lens for the money. I shoot portraits at f11 or f8 usually in front of a background. I get 16x20's from my lab that look like medium format. The IS is nice since it is a slow lens. If you do available light portraits, this is not the lens for you and maybe the Tamron is better. I'm a big fan of the Canon lens and if you don't like it, it will resale for just slightly less than new price....not a big risk.

Canon 28-135 is a nice lens but I would rather have the extra stops any day.

[ron chappel]

Definitely the tamron 28-75/2.8 or canon 28-135 IS
For portraits the tamron has a big advantage of the f2.8 aperture for nice blured background
The only drawback is that both don't go very wide on a digital body-is that an issue?
Unfortunately there aren't any/many better versions of the kit lens for not much more $

[WestFalcon]

The f2.8 is nice but the extra 76 mm - 135 mm is pretty nice to have too so the Canon wins here. I think its a toss up.

[Jon, The Elder]

Buy the 28/135

LEARN the 28/135

ENJOY the 28/135

BRAG about the 28/135

[Cadwell]

If you're attracted by IS and the wide zoom range then buy the Canon 28-135mm. If, on the other hand, you want a sharp, fast lens with superb image quality then buy the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8.

I have both. I hate the Canon and love the Tamron.

If you want a zoom lens that comes close to an L series in terms of image quality but costs much less, then the Tamron is the one. The Canon 28-135 doesn't come close to L quality.

[Toogy]

Does nobody like the Sigma 18-125? It is just as wide as the kit lens and offers much more zoom.
Having used the kit lens on a Digital Rebel, this sigma blows it out of the water.

:?

[tonyw3026]

I am new to this forum and am about to buy my first digital camera (Canon of course) after many years as a Canon user back to the first AE1.
I have never used an IS lens so am curious why several people prefer the extra two stops of the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 over the Canon 28-135mm which has IS. Doesn't IS allow you to operate at a slower shutter for say indoor shots which compensates for the smaller aperture? If you apply the old rule about handholding at a speed no less than the reciprocal of the focal length, how many extra stops do you really get with IS?

Thanks
Tony

[IanBMW]

This may not be totally revalent, but I used to own the 100-300mm USM IS from canon and sold it for the 100 2.8 after 2 weeks use. Sure the IS is alright but I would take the extra stops any day. Too me IS doesnt go that far, but of course when i get the 70-200mm 2.8L USM IS it will be a nice addition to the overall package.

[ralee]

I have both the Canon 28-135 IS and the Tamron 28-75 as well and find myself using the Tamron. Both are good lenses but the Tamron is sharper and closer to L quality. If you plan on using studio lights then get the Tamron with its non variable aperture. If you also plan on buying in the future a good 70-200, you will end up carrying the Tamron and the 70-200 and leaving the 28-135 at home (I do).

But...If you think this might be your last lens purchase then you might want to get the Canon 28-135 for its versatility.

Either lens are great value and you cant go wrong with either :roll: