Opinions of the Canon 28-80mm f/2.8-4 L?

[lmelendez]

Hi there

I did several searches here in the forum but couldn't find a thread with comments (and hopefully sample pictures) of this lens. I'm looking for a walk-around lens for my DRebel.... I currently have the 50mm f1.8... but I find myself walking to much ;)

I found a Canon 28-80mm f/2.8-4 L for sale... but I want opinions on the lens before I go and make an offer to the owner.

If you are wondering about my current equipment... or if there will be any overlap... well, don't worry :) I only have the kit lens and the 50mm. I'll be buying the 70-200 f2.8L sometime in the future... but not sure if that's the lens I want to be carrying around all the time.

Comments? Suggestions?

Thanks in advance!!!

Leo.

[chtgrubbs]

I have a this lens, and it is excellent optically, but it is three generations old now. It is also very bulky and heavy. For a walking around lens I prefer my newer Tamron 28-75 which seems to equal or exceed the sharpness of the Canon and is about half the size and weight.

[Andy_T]

Hi Imelendez,

been there, researched that :lol:

Take a look at this thread: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=50584

I got the Tamron 28-75 /2.8 XR DI and am very happy with it. I normally shoot it at 3.2, where it is very sharp.And yes, the 3.2@75 is very much worth it!

Best regards,
Andy

[lmelendez]

Thanks both for the suggestions. I'll keep doing my research but it seems like the Tamron is a better choice.

Leo.

[Andy_T]

Example of the Tamron at 2.8:

http://gallery.photo.net/photo/3052527-md.jpg

For a larger version:
http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=3052527&size=lg

Not the best light, but ISO 800 somehow got the shot.
Focus was set at the eyes.

This is the Tamron at 3.2:

http://gallery.photo.net/photo/3052478-md.jpg

For a larger version:
http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=3052478&size=lg

Same here, this time it's blown out because very often I can't get the output of my all-manual Metz MZ40i right.

So the pictures prove that I am in need of a new flash unit...

Best regards,
Andy

[mmartinfan]

Ive also seen this lens around a few times. Thought about getting it also..... Ive seen them as low as 400 and as high as 700. I guess the Tamron is better. The 80mm F/4 might hurt the Canon in some settings

[Adam Hicks]

The lens sharpness reviews (http://www.photozone.de/2Equipment/easytxt.htm#Zstd) gave the Tamron a better review by a fair amount over the 28-4 as far as sharpness goes... and you get a warranty (a long one!) and it's priced right!

Adam