A dilemma

[Jackal]

I have to make a decision and it's a hard one.

Right now I have the XT along with the 18-55mm kit lense. I have been rather unsatisfied with the quality of the kit lense pictures. They lack sharpness many times and just look bad compared to the 50mm 1.8 that I borrow from a friend.

I've had my eyes set on the 70-200mm F/4L but I'm beginning to question if I'll use that lense alot.

I'll be needing a lense for general all around picture taking and portraits. The 70-200 seems too long for general photography. I just walked around with my Minolta and it's 28-105mm lense set to 70mm and I can picture myself becoming annoyed that I cannot zoom out more than 70mm with that F/4L.

I've recently started to get interested in the Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8. I have read nothing but good things about this lense so far. Seems to be sharp throughout all aperatures (except maybe 2.8 but that's expected).

Now, I'm just paranoid about buying this Tamron only to find out that it's just a tad better than the kit lense and not alot. Although, this review:

http://etischer.com/300d/Tamron28-75.html

Makes me think it will totally destroy the kit lense......unless there was something wrong with that guy's kit lense because it does seem pretty bad. (also, I would have loved if his 70-200 pictures came out right but with my luck they didn't. Don't know why he bothered to post them)

I know getting the Tamron would just overlap the range of the kit lense.....but the Tamron would be a total replacement for it. I'll just keep the kit lense for a cheap wide angle. Also, of course the Tamron is cheaper than the 200.........about 300 bucks cheaper. Is it worth it?

Any thoughts? Anyone have both these lenses? If so which one sees more camera time?

http://www.photo.net/equipment/tamron/28_75_Di/page4.html
That review makes me want to stay away from the Canon 28-135mm.

[tim]

Put it this way, I have the kit lens and the Tamron, and I can't remember the last time I used the kit lens. Actually, I do, it was when I was doing some demo shots to show how bad the flare is on the kit lens ;)

You can ignore the pics of the 70-200 F4 he put on there, he didn't focus correctly, I would expect it to be slightly sharper than the Tamron. I use the Tamron wide open quite often, with a bit of sharpening in Photoshop it's great :)

[Mac]

Well, I have all of the lens you have mentioned, and well, the kit lens get used for those rare times when I need that width for landscape shots (although it got a work out this weekend) I have been happy with it, as long as I am at f/8 - f/16, anything bigger, and it starts to show its bad side...hehe. But for my shooting style and subject, I use the 70-200 f/4 most of the time, especially outdoors. As for the Tamron, it is an awesome lens...I have no issues using it wide open, and it has delivered some great shots, especially indoors. I think you would be happy with both lenses, and from your post, it sounds like you would use the Tamron more then the Canon...maybe start with it, and get the other later if you want that longer reach...

[condyk]

I think you would be happy with both lenses, and from your post, it sounds like you would use the Tamron more then the Canon...maybe start with it, and get the other later if you want that longer reach...

Spot on ... I am getting the Tamron tomorrow as replacement for the 28-135 IS which, for me, was just a tad too soft and lacked the dynamic colour and contrast I like. I've had the 70-200 f4 as well and it is very good indeed, but I understand what you're saying about the 70mm end.

An option is the 70-200 and the 50mm f1.8 II. The latter is a great benchmark lens as sharp and produces lots of keepers with little effort! A miracle lens :lol: You may still feel restricted tho' and the Tamron is probably the best option ... or the Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 which some prefer to the Tamron. I very nearly bought the Sigma but found a great deal on a new Tamron and that just swung it.