I need some input

Ok guys & gals. I am looking to get a new multipurpose lens and my budget is about $600. I've been lurking B&H, and I'm going back and forth between the Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS and the Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS. To me they appear to be basically the same lens with different focal lengths. Anyone out there care to weigh in?

Have you considered the below which are constant F2.8 & quite a bit sharper then the ones you listed. :

http://www.amazon.com …rture-Nikon/dp/B003A6NU3U

http://www.amazon.com …TF8&qid=1297913​862&sr=1-2

Another very popular lens but without IS. But nothing an external flash cant solve:

http://www.amazon.com …TF8&qid=1297913​862&sr=1-1

Regards whatever your decision,

Sigma 17-70mm HSM OS
http://www.amazon.com …TF8&qid=1297916​339&sr=8-1

The 28-135 was such a popular lens on 35mm film that Canon recreated it for APS-C as the 17-85 (not coincidentally 27-136 after crop factor is applied).

The 17-85 has an FL range that is better suited for APS-C, a newer and better 3-stop IS, and peforms very similarly optically to the 28-135, so between those two lenses, I'd go 17-85.

That said, you should be able to find the 17-85 used around $300, the 28-135 for even less.

If you're intent on spending $600, I'd keep an eye out for a used 15-85, if you're lucky you can find one around that price (or save a bit longer and buy it new).

I personally am weary of third-party lenses because of my fears of future body incompatibility and possible QC issues, but there are plenty on this forum and out in the world shooting Sigma and Tamron glass happily and without issue.

My vote is for a Tamron 17-50. I shot with this lens for a long time and its great. In addition, it has a 6 year warranty.

Wait for the spring rebate program from Canon and try 15-85mm.

Hi Andrew,

You didn't mention what you have now and if you are using a crop or full frame camera. I'm going to assume a crop camera, since one of the lenses you are considering is an EF-S.

If you go for the 28-135 don't buy it new. So many have been sold in kits it's pretty easy to find a practically unused copy for under $300. I paid all of $250 for one with the lens hood and a 72mm B+W MRC filter, all like new.

I like it paired up with a Tokina 12-24/4, which I think is another great value lens. You can sometimes find used copies of the first version of this lens for under $400 now. The second version of the 12-24 isn't much different in the Canon mount (some slight upgrade of coatings, I think, not that the first version had flare issues or anything). Mostly it was the Nikon version of the lens that got completely revised AF.

Those two lenses make a nice kit. Having 12mm though 135mm covers a wider range of focal lengths than most film shooters ever owned in their lifetimes (it's equal to about 19mm to 216mm on full frame/film... most film shooters had a 50mm, 28mm and a 70-210mm).

Both lenses give good image quality. The 28-135 has USM, has I.S. that's helpful out at 135mm, and is Canon's "mid-grade" build quality. The 12-24 is more "L-like" build than some L-series lenses.

There are lots of good lenses to choose... I just mention these two as good values that you might be able to get a lot of bang for your $600 or just a little more.

Silverfox1 wrote in post #11858674
Have you considered the below which are constant F2.8 & quite a bit sharper then the ones you listed. :

http://www.amazon.com …rture-Nikon/dp/B003A6NU3U

http://www.amazon.com …TF8&qid=1297913​862&sr=1-2

Another very popular lens but without IS. But nothing an external flash cant solve:

http://www.amazon.com …TF8&qid=1297913​862&sr=1-1

Regards whatever your decision,

cccc wrote in post #11858847
Sigma 17-70mm HSM OS
http://www.amazon.com …TF8&qid=1297916​339&sr=8-1

+1

nonick wrote in post #11859036
Wait for the spring rebate program from Canon and try 15-85mm.

Either what nonick said, or save up an extra $150 to get this lens, or keep an eye-out for one in the 'Sell' boards.

Good luck!

Assuming you have an APS-C camera, 28mm might not be wide enough for your needs.
See what focal lengths your photos are at, and then if you find you need more on the telephoto, go with the 28-135mm, or if you need more of the wide, then the 17-85mm.

Tamron Di-II 17-50mm f/2.8

EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

You can get a used Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 for around $400. Comparing mine to the 28-135 IS USM, I find that the 18-135 is actually sharper and the IS works better. You do give up ring USM and FTM but the focus is still quick and fairly quiet. 28mm isn't wide on an EF-S capable camera body. 28mm is the "normal" lens actually. You may find it awkward to not be able to go to wide angle without changing lenses.

The 15-85 gets good reviews but getting one in your price range isn't easy. Otherwise the 17-85 isn't a bad choice if you buy it used so that it isn't too expensive for what it is but be prepared to sometimes have to correct chromatic aberration or barrel distortion at the wide end. It does go noticeably wider than the 18- lenses. Software like Canon's free DPP can do the corrections for you if you shoot raw.

cccc wrote in post #11858847
Sigma 17-70mm HSM OS
http://www.amazon.com …TF8&qid=1297916​339&sr=8-1

I have the 28-135 and I never use it now that I have my sigma. You can pick this up for $400.