There can only be one...

So I just sold my Nintendo Wii, and have some cash burning a hole in my pocket...

Now here comes the question:

I'm looking for a lens with a little more versatility. I absolutely love my 50mm f/1.4, but it can only do so much. I also have the kit lens EF-S 18-55mm which I think everyone knows about. Therefore I would like something that can cover a slightly wider range. I was thinking something in the 25-100mm range. My budget is around $500, and I also want to stick with EF since I will be picking up an Elan 7E for school, and want the lens to be compatible. So which lens would you choose?

So far, my ideas have been:
EF 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 USM
EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM
EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

Of these, which one has the best image quality? I like the range on the 28-135, and the fact that it has IS, but is the image quality on par with the other two?

In all honesty, I would like to pick up the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM, but I think my mother would disown me for spending $1000 on a lens.

I know everyone is probably tired of the endless which lens threads, but your help would be greatly appreciated.

I would go for options 2 or 3. I havent used either, but everybody on here says that the 28-105 f/3.5-4.5 is a bargain lens and the IQ is much greater than the price suggests. If you need the extra range and IS, I wouldnt hesitate with option 3. But if not, option 2 wouldnt be a bad alternative.

P.S. My parents didnt disown me for spending $820 on my 17-55, so I doubt yours would disown you, haha.

The 28-105 is fantastic, and I'd pick it out of the group you mentioned. However, I think it'd be worth it in the long run to shell out some extra bucks for the 24-105 IS L :P.

There's a decent bit of overlap with the lenses you list and the kit lens. The question you want to be asking before any purchase is 'why am I buying this lens? What limitations does my current kit give me?' If you need speed, check out something like the Sigma 24-70 2.8, a very cheap, worthy canon 24-70L substitute on a budget.

But if it's more range you're looking for, why not keep the kit lens as your walkaround, and pick up something like the 70-300 IS? That'll expand your options a lot. What are you looking to shoot with the new lens? That's the most important thing. If you're looking for more range and reach (which it sounds like), then go long!

But again, what do you intend to shoot with the new lens?

Is the image quality better on the 28-105 than the 24-85? That would surprise me seeing as the former is more expensive. I find myself mostly just shooting people, and never really find a need for anything over 100mm. I mean, eventually I'll invest in a longer lens, but for now I want something shorter. This lens is going to be supplementing my kit lens. I like the wide angle on it, but I am not really happy with the quality. The range that I'm looking for just seems very versatile.

Ainoko wrote in post #4488254
Is the image quality better on the 28-105 than the 24-85? That would surprise me seeing as the former is more expensive. I find myself mostly just shooting people, and never really find a need for anything over 100mm. I mean, eventually I'll invest in a longer lens, but for now I want something shorter. This lens is going to be supplementing my kit lens. I like the wide angle on it, but I am not really happy with the quality. The range that I'm looking for just seems very versatile.

From what I read, 28-105 would be a better choice > 24-85. But how about a used EF-S 10-22 (will cost a bit more > 500) ? You can also sell your kit lens and get a used 17-40 ... Third option would be Tamron 17-50.

My friend owns 28-135, and I think that you'll have to be lucky to get a good copy of this lense, although it can be true for any lense.

I appreciate all your suggestions!

Right now I'm leaning towards the 28-105mm because at $200 I could buy some other nice toys.

However, the more I look into getting that L glass, the more I'm tempted...

L glass. It's a sickness.