Need a walk-around lens: leaning towards 28-135, want to hear about the 28-105

When I first bought my 1D classic I borrowed a 28-135mm from school and got really used to it. I think it's a great lens and I was able to have consistent results with it. A month ago I rented a 28-105 and didn't have a lot of success with it, but I only had it for a day and couldn't get used to its kinks in time. I still don't want to dismiss it completely.

What are some final considerations I should take in before making a purchase, you know, the small technical itches that make it or break it for you guys? I've read through the photo topics. In my searches people have said the 28-105 is sharper than the 135 equivalent, others have praised the 135's IS saying it makes a difference in low light.

I'm a newspaper intern who only got his own DSLR in Fall 2010, definitely need a wider angled walk around lens.

If you need a wider angle lens, neither one of those sounds like a good idea.

check out the 18-135mm maybe. It's basically a newer version of the 28-135mm thats wider with about the same optical quality.

The 24-105L is the only zoom I have left because it's so versatile. Nice range and the IS does work wonders on low shutter speed situations. I thought it's a pretty easy lens to use with not much of a learning curve. I haven't used the 28-135 you're referring to, but I don't think you'd be disappointed with the L. It's a good build and has been my everyday lens.

I always liked that the 28-105 is faster at the long end. Comes in more useful than the IS on the other lens IMO. It's a nice beater lens you don't have to worry about scuffing up.

I have definitely used the 28-105mm, but for studio applications at smaller aperture, ~Av = f/16. It worked quite well, but it's not as sharp as an L-quality lens would be.

Here are some reviews that might help you decide:
http://www.the-digital-picture.com …6-IS-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

This review is for the Mark II version of the 28-105:
http://www.the-digital-picture.com …5-II-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

Good luck, whatever you decide.

shaneotool wrote in post #12319810
If you need a wider angle lens, neither one of those sounds like a good idea.

check out the 18-135mm maybe. It's basically a newer version of the 28-135mm thats wider with about the same optical quality.

Can't, it's an EF-S mount, the 1D's don't use those. I have a 18-55 kit lens I thought about hacking apart to work on an EF mount but i don't want the glass ruining my sensor. I'm stuck with a 50mm, anything wider will rock my socks.

If you need something wider, then you could try the Canon 24-85mm or the Tamron 24-135mm. Both of these lenses are discontinued but you can find them used for $150-200.

+1 The 24-85 USM, 28-105 USM, 28-135 USM IS, and the 35-135 USM are all very similar in construction and IQ. If you want wide, get the 24-85.

msowsun wrote in post #12320726
+1 The 24-85 USM, 28-105 USM, 28-135 USM IS, and the 35-135 USM are all very similar in construction and IQ. If you want wide, get the 24-85.

Really? Interesting turn of events. I can't seem to find any of these locally on craigslist except the 28-135. Money's tight, I slaved away this week doing some translation work just to get this new lens but part of me wants to play it safe and stick with the 135IS, I put it through the ropes months ago for an auto website I write for. They posted all of the pics here and in that case the extra focal range helped and was wide enough for the cars to fit in one frame.

But, at the same time, I would definitely want to save some cash and buy used especially if I can go wider or better IQ.

Decisions, decisions :/

Here is a good review of these lenses: http://emedia.leeward.​hawaii.edu/frary/toolb​ox2.htm

Go with your gut feeling. You like the 28-135mm and have had good results with it so this seems to be good for you. It actually is capable of producing some great photo's if you have a good copy. Being that it comes bundled as a kit for alot of cameras, the price for used copies is almost a steal. I am quite fond of mine.

i have no experience with the 28-105.. but i do have the 28-135 and i like it.. especially when you use it to its full limits. ..

but it really just comes down to how u shoot and wat ur comfortable with.. if i would i'd just use my 18-55 all day =P

OK, I got it. I forgot that the 1D is a full frame camera. Therefore, 28-135 will be wide angle for you.

The 28-135 and the 28-105 can be good lenses if you get good copies. That 28-105 can be had for under $200 and can be quite a bargain if you get a good one.

There is a lot of info on the 28-105 on this board. It has had quite a few reincarnations and some are better than others, so do some research on it. You might also look at a sigma 17-70 non OS lens.

HoosierJoe wrote in post #12322137
You might also look at a sigma 17-70 non OS lens.

X The Sigma 17-70 is a 1.6 crop body lens only. The OP has a 1D Classic.

I've had both the 28-105 and the 28-135. (The 105 is the mark 2 version.)

The 28-105 is sharper and much more compact, but doesn't have IS. It also has much quicker focusing than the 28-135.

I sold the 28-135 and kept the 28-105.

-js