When L glass is not an option...

[Mendo]

Hello all.

I have been using the search tool on this forum for awhile now, and finally decided to actually join -- this is my first post :oops:. I'm looking for recommendations for a good walk around lens.

I have a 20D w/ a 420EX and an EF 100 f2.8 Macro, which is my main lens (as a zoology student - this lens is heaven 8)). What I'm really missing is a good walk-around zoom, maybe something in the 28-100 range give or take. Also, after picking up the 20D used and getting the $450 EF 100 f2.8, L glass is way out of my price range...

After some research, here are the leading candidates:


Canon EF 28-135 f3.5-5.6 IS

Canon EF-S 17-85 f4.0-5.6 IS

Canon EF 28-105 f3.5-4.5 II

Tamron 28-75 f2.8 XR Di


The first two would max out my budget and both seem a bit overpriced, frankly. I imagine I will be handholding a lot more with the zoom than I do with the macro though...so maybe the IS isn't a total waste. The Tamron comes very highly recomended everywhere I've looked, and I like that its f2.8 throughout, but it is almost twice the price of the EF 28-105 f3.5-4.5, which also has full time manual (I have found this very useful on the 100 f2.8 ).
So far I'm leaning toward the Canon EF 28-105 f3.5-4.5 for around $200, although I haven't heard much about it...or seen any comparisons to the Tamron.

So...which one would YOU buy?





Obie

[Andy_T]

4-3-1-2

Best regards,
Andy

[FlipsidE]

I'd go with this one personally...

Canon EF 28-105 f3.5-4.5 II

I just bought this lens a couple of days ago (should be in today around lunch time). I plan to mainly use it as my portrait lens, but at the same time, I've heard that it's quite a good "Walk Around" lens also. Plus, at $230, it might be the least expensive you'll find on your list.

FlipsidE

[Mendo]

Yeah, the 28-105 f3.5-4.5 does seem like the best deal for the money.

I'm curious to hear how it performs for you Flip...I'd love to see some shots :D .




Obie

[Scottes]

I agree with Andy - 4, 3, 2, 1 - and agree that the 28-105 is a great bargain.

[Andy_T]

I agree with Andy - 4, 3, 2, 1 - and agree that the 28-105 is a great bargain.

Actually, you disagree with me :twisted:

I put the 28-135 (1) over the 17-85 (2), as the latter is
a) not really tested yet
b) rather pricey

Best regards,
Andy

[ScottE]

I find that for a general walk around lens, 28mm does not give me a wide enough angle on a camera like the 20D, although it is fine on a 35 mm frame camera.

Of the lenses you list, only the 17-85 goes wide enough to be considered for a general wide angle to short tele lens.

You should also have a look at third party manufacturers for lenses with a zoom range that start at 17 or 18.

If price and full time manual override are both important to you the choices available are extremely limited.

[gramps]

Have you looked on eBay? There seems to be quite a few 28 - 135 there.

[Scottes]

Actually, you disagree with me :twisted:

Nah. Dyslexia. I agree with you.

[Andy_T]

Have you looked on eBay? There seems to be quite a few 28 - 135 there.

Same for the 28-105 (not bad, especially as prices are concerned).
The 28-135 seems to hold its value better because a lot of people want IS.
But the 28-105 is reported to have better image quality than the 28-135.

Best regards,
Andy

[Mendo]

I'm not sure its a good thing when a lens shows up in large numbers and low prices on eBay... :D

ScottE - You make a good point about the lack of true wide angle with the 28-X lenses and digital. Although, for me personally, I prefer a little extra reach to a little extra wide-angle...if I have to choose.




Obie

[Mendo]

But the 28-105 is reported to have better image quality than the 28-135.

Best regards,
Andy


I hadn't heard that... Good to know!


Obie

[Andy_T]

I hadn't heard that... Good to know!


At least I think I heard this here on the forum.
I couldn't find a source now and the lens databases I consulted placed the 28-135 slightly over the 28-105.

But I've come to doubt these figures, recently. :roll:

Best regards,
Andy

PS ... OK, found something. http://www.tawbaware.com/canon_lens_test.htm

[Mendo]

PS ... OK, found something. http://www.tawbaware.com/canon_lens_test.htm


Thats a great link. Just what I'm looking for 8) .

Thanks!



Obie