Full Frame Zoom Lens Options vs Canon 28-135?

I currently have the Canon 28-135mm IS on my 5D Mark III that I use for mountain bike photography, and I'm happy enough with the quality of the images. However, the range isn't quite as all-encompassing (specifically on the long end) as I was hoping for in a single-lens solution. The key here is one lens, as I carry it in my pack and I need to keep weight to a minimum since I'm regularly riding 20+ miles and/or very technical trails in CO, AZ and UT. I already have the 70-200 F/4L, 70-300L, 24-70mm f/4 IS, and 17-40mm f/4L, so I have options if I need them... but I really want one do-it-all lens that isn't going to break my back. Literally.

I've seen decent reviews for the "newer" Tamron 28-300mm VC PZD lens, and I've been thinking about picking one up. Are there other options I'm missing? I would love something compact like the 28-135, but that covers a wider range of focal lengths.

And for your viewing pleasure, here's one I took on the Cliffhanger trail on the west side of Moab last weekend:

IMAGE LINK: http://s53.photobucket​.com …an002/MTBPMoab-3.jpg.html

Heya,

So there are not a lot of "superzooms" for full frame due to physical size. Most of the super zooms are for APS-C sensors, due to the decrease in size of required elements to achieve the measurements needed. That's why you can get a 16~300mm for APS-C. Tamron has dropped this 28-300 on the market, which is a new concept to full frame territory (super zooms).

I'm curious though, why you're even using a 5D3 for this. Honestly a 70-300 seems to make better sense. Why would you want wider than 70 on full frame for bike trails, right? Then again, maybe you have the need for 28mm. That's your call. But I'm curious why even use the 5D3 and a big lens, if that's your entire issue and what you're asking for is a smaller single lens solution setup. To me, that just screams M43's. Or, at the very least, moving to an APS-C with a super zoom (like the 16-300, or being ok with an 18-135 on the APS-C is a lot of focal range on that sensor). A smaller setup would be for example a 60D + 16-300. Single solution. Great quality for what you're doing. You could even go smaller. And again, honestly, what you're describing sounds more appropriate for M43 options to get it really small while still having great quality. It's not like you seem to need ISO 12,800 performance here. But again, that's your call.

Very best,

Funny you mention that.... shortly after posting my question, I started to think that I probably shouldn't be taking my 5DIII in the first place. I think I'm leaning towards picking up a 60D or 70D with the 18-135mm STM, and I'll keep my 5DIII for everything else.

That being said, I most definitely need a wide-angle zoom when riding. A lot of mountain bike photography is about capturing the action within a landscape (especially for me, since I like to show the beauty of the locations my business visits), and also having the ability to get wide angle action shots as well. I don't think M4/3 is appropriate, as those cameras can't capture action as well as a DSLR.

Now I'll just wait for the holiday deals to come rolling through...