Request input on 28-80 2.8-4 L purchase

[dgrowell2004]

Greetings. I am considerig a purchase of a used 28-80 2.8-4 L for general people photography. I shoot yearbook photos at the school where I teach and do some studio and wedding on the side. I have done as much internet research as I can about this lens but due to it's age there isn't a lot of information. My specific question to anyone who currently has or has owned this lens pertains to sharpness and focus accuarcy. I know that the newer versions of this lense are superior, however they are a stretch for my budget. Any cons to this purchase? I shoot with a 10D and 20D. Thanks for your time.

[Andy_T]

Hi DG,

welcome to the forum :D

Hopefully this thread (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=50584) is as helpful to you as it was to me :wink:

Which other lenses do you already have?

Best regards,
Andy

[dgrowell2004]

Thanks for the link Andy. I have the 18-55 kit lens, 50 1.8, 100 2, 70-200 f4L, 28-135 IS, Tamron SP 90 macro andthe revered 28-75 XR D LD... which I am just not very happy with. I have read everyone's glowing reviews and I went through two lenses locally before keeping this one. I even tried out the newer Sigma 24-70 2.8 EX. I suppose that I hope to get the same contrast, sharpness and all-around great pics that I get with the 70-200L. Try as I might with the 28-75, I just don't see it. I will have a two week evaluation period to test the 28-80 L and if it doesn't show improvement over the Tamron then I suppose the Tamron will be my keeper.

Thanks again for your input! Much appreciated.

[Andy_T]

DGRowell,

can you post sample shots done with your Tamron that you are not happy with?
I am very happy with mine. It is a tad soft at f/2.8, but tack sharp at f/4.0 (when viewing the pictures at 100% crop).

Best regards,
Andy

[mr.photoguy]

yeah post/link to some sample images.
I am just learning to shoot mine @ 2.8. I also just add more USM, until the detail come out the way I want it to.. I just figured that out yesterday, with some flower photos.