28-135/3.5-5.6 and 70-200L/F4 a waste?

[josef]

Hello all,

I may be posting something that has been answered before, but even after searching I am not sure of the answer. I am looking to buy a good zoom lens to fit after the 18-55 kit lens. My original thought was to buy the 28-135 and then much later(after much saving) get the 70-200 f4. However, prices in South Africa are a quite a bit more expensive than in Europe or America, so I have to be really selective in what I buy. And I don't want to but a lens only to think it was a waste later.

So, I guess my question is this. Is it a waste to get a 28-135 and then later a 70-200? Which in your opinion is a better general purpose lens? I know that the 200 has rave reviews and is sharper/better colours etc, but what has experience shown anyone that has both?

p.s. please don't suggest getting an xxxL lens or equivalent that is more expensive than the 200L f4, this is seriously the limit.

Thanks (in advance) all for your advice :), you guys advice is sooo helpfull

[PJ]

Josef,

I'll tell you what I think just from my situation.

I purshased the 70-200mm F/4 L and absoutely love the thing when it is on my camera. Unfortunately the range of that lens is not something I shoot at the majority of the time.
Last night, after reading many reviews and looking at many pics samples I ordered a canon 28-135mm IS usm to replace my Kit lens.
Reason being because it will cover the types of things I typically shoot.

I guess it just comes down to what range you are going to need most of the time. The 70-200 is most certainly a better lens but will it's range limit you like it did me is the question you have to ask.

hope this helps a bit. Sorry i can't really just say yes or no buy "X" lens. Too many unknown factors to determine.

PJ

[roanjohn]

It would be redundant to have the 28-135 and 70-200.

I would suggest the 70-200 f4L. The quality is just a lot better than the 28-135.

Plus you already got the kit lens, so the 28-135 will only benefit you from the 55-70 range.

Ro1

[schmoelzel]

I agree that the L is much better quality but I don't think any lens is a waste (well, almost any lens!) I think you have to really take many pictures and look at the focal length that you seem to prefer. I shoot many shots in the 135mm range, one reason I really loved my old 135F2. Recently I began using a 16-35, and while I don't think I'll become a landscape shooter, it is a lot of fun to try these different focal lengths. I wasn't a fan of 50mm on my DRebel but now with the 1D, the 50mm length makes more sense to my eye..........disregard this if you're a pro because then you really have to worry about quality and focal length for the job at hand. I am just a hobbiest and find the 'fun' factor very important when choosing a lens.

[josef]

I am definately not a pro, more of a hobbyist like you schmoelzel. I used to own a minolta 35mm, so now that I have gone Canon, I have to re-invest in lenses. I certainly would love to have the 70-200, but I am worried that I will miss out on the 55-70 range. It would also be nice to have the IS on the 135.

However I also think you are right Ro1, I'm still kinda at a loss though. Both lenses will be usefull. Anyone here have both, which do you use more on a general basis?

p.s. Thanks everyone for your comments.

[kram]

Josef, go through a number of posts on the lens forum and you will most likely find some answers. Its a vast treasure trove of information. As many have said, it depends on the type of snaps you are going to work most at.

I am in the exact same spot as you with a Drebel w/kit lens. I am getting the following lens over the next xxxxxxxx months.

a. 28-70 f/2.8 Tamron - will mostly replace my kit lens with some extra length. The kit lens will be used only for the widest end where I am thinking of investing more right now. The lens quality has come in for a lot of praise even from diehard L fans.

b. 70-200 f/4 - Will cover most of my long end requirements. Except if I want wild wildlife and real long range shots. May top this with a converter after I try this lens for some time.

c. Maybe a 100-400 L or the 200-500 Sigma - will happen only after I'm convinced the 70-200 is not covering my needs.

That's me, but I hope it was useful. Remember other expenses like tripod (which is probably more important than any lens), bag, batteries, grip and memory.

The camera is just the beginning.......http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_redface.gif

[GeneMan88]

I skipped the kit lens... my 1st lens for the 10D was the EF 28-135 f3.5-5.6 IS USM. A great lens with a very useful zoom length... which makes it a wonderful walk around lens. Then came the EF 70-200 f4L... I love using this lens at the zoo or walking around the park. After that I decided to go with a Tamron 28-75 f2.8, an excellent lens. Even though I have the Tamron, I still keep the EF 28-135 around because it does really have a very useful zoom range. The Tamron does too, but there are times I wish I could reach just a little further. I've just ordered a Tokina 12-24 f4 to cover the wide angle end. I think that should round off my lens collection for now. If you were to ask me which lens you should get next, I would say go with the Tamron 28-75 f2.8, then the EF 70-200 f4L or f2.8L IS (if you really want to put yourself into the poor house). Or vice versa if you can get a good deal on the 70-200. Which ever one you choose, you will end up with a good lens.

[josef]

Thanks GeneMan, I think you topped the scales there. The 70-200 seems like the right way to go and then maybe a lens to fill in the gap. The Tamron 28-75 2.8 seems to be popular in this forum.

Do you have any idea of what price it goes for?

p.s. It's hard wanting all these goodies and living in SA, the South African Rand (Local currency) is not very strong against the dollar, and is currently trading at R6.60 per dollar - Groan!! then you have to add shipping cost (up to a quarter of the price of the lens) plus import duties at 10% plus VAT @ 14% - Aikona!! (local zulu term that loosly translates as shock)

[lordjim]

Josef,

I would recommend the 70-200 F4L first and then later the Tamron 28-75 XR Di LD.

The overlap would be minimal and both the Canon 70-200 F4 and the Tamron 28-75 are better lenses than the Canon 28-135.

Hope that helps.

[I Simonius]

I am definately not a pro, more of a hobbyist like you schmoelzel. I used to own a minolta 35mm, so now that I have gone Canon, I have to re-invest in lenses. I certainly would love to have the 70-200, but I am worried that I will miss out on the 55-70 range. It would also be nice to have the IS on the 135.

However I also think you are right Ro1, I'm still kinda at a loss though. Both lenses will be usefull. Anyone here have both, which do you use more on a general basis?

p.s. Thanks everyone for your comments.

I really would n't get caught up in believing you need EVERY FL covered. One step forward or back os equal to several mm in focal length, or at least as good as, in the mid range length, and a LOT cheaper!

[Wavy C]

A friend has the 28-135 and I sometimes get to borrow it, and I own a 70-200 f4. I like them both. It really depends on what you are shooting. The 70-200 is great for outdoor sports etc, but when you take the 1.6 factor into account, it is really too long for general purpose use. I would guess that if you had both lenses then the 28-135 would be on your camera a lot more often. The one I borrow produces good sharp pictures, and I really don't see a tremendous difference in picture quality between either lens.

Btw, the owner does some wedding photography and he says the 28-135 is very rarely off his camera when working.

[SeanH]

70-200 without a doubt. IMO it's one of the sharpest zooms Canon makes. Personally I have the 2.8, but I have used the f4 and found it's just as sharp. I love my 70-200!

[ed2day]

I have both the lens in question. The 70-200 is definitely a better lens in almost every way. However the 28-135 was on my camera probably 4 times as much. If you are really happy with the kit lens (I wasnt) then go for the 70-200. If you are looking to replace the kit lens then go with the 28-135.