18-200mm for 28-135mm - Fair Trade?

So I was planning on getting the 60D with the Canon 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS kit. However, a friend offered to split the costs if I got the 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS kit instead. He is willing to trade his slightly used 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM for the 18-200mm. I've heard so many great things about all of these lenses and I'm torn on what to do.

Since this is the first time I am going to delve into the world of photography, I've decided to turn to the experienced members on the board with a few questions! Is this a fair trade? Should I just stick with the 18-135mm or the 18-200mm?

IMO 18-XX will be a more useful range.

I plan on shooting a lot of video as well. Would the USM on the 28-135 be more useful in that aspect?

I don't think you can auto focus video mode so usm wouldn't help there. The 18-200 is worth more for sure.

Josh13 wrote in post #12454061
I don't think you can auto focus video mode so usm wouldn't help there. The 18-200 is worth more for sure.

That is right, plus the lens creep on the 28-135 will be a real downer. The range on the 18-200 is more useful, the 28mm is not wide enough on a crop.

I have both the 18 to 200 and the 28 to 135 and found for a walk around the 18 to 200 is hands down the better lens for the camera. I also found the lens creep to be a pain on the 28. The lock on the 18 to 200 has worked great and not been a problem for me as others have posted. I did find the pictures to be a little soft compared to the L series but that is to be expected. GO for the 18 to 200 and you will not be sorry.

Thanks for the input everyone! Looks like I'll be sticking with the 18-200mm!

I am by no expert by any stretch but I bought the 18 200 and took it to Alaska and LOVE everything about it.

Squid