Good zoom lens that's not as pricey as the L series lenses?

I'm curious. I have just realized how limiting my 18-55mm EF-S Kit lens really is. I'd like to have something like a 24-70 or maybe a 35-135 (or whatever that range is). But, I'd rather not spend the money on an "L" series lens.

What are some other good zoom lenses that aren't so pricey?

Thanks

FlipsidE

tamron 28-75/2.8 comes to mind

28-135 IS, they can be had for around $350 used. Good range and IS is a plus.

28-75 2.8 Tamron, $330 new
Also a very good lens when it comes to indoor use.

Dont forget to pick up that 50mm 1.8.

Oh I still plan to get that 50mm f/1.8 first. I just want to plan some spending. That Canon 28-135 IS looks like what I think I'm going to want. $400 new...not too bad for such a wide zoom range.

EDIT: As a quick question, is that 28-135 good for portraits, also?

FlipsidE

The only problem I had with the 28-135 IS, is @ 135 it is an f5.6. VERY slow for indoor use, but ok for outdoor. If you are planning to take lots of indoor shots around the house you will need the extra stops that the Tamron 2.8 gives you.

I'll probably using it mainly for portraits. So, the Tamron might be the better bet.

FlipsidE

Excellent High Quality lens for the money. IMHO the 'best buy' in a high quality zoom lens.

Also check out Marketplace forum here and FredMiranda.com Buy and Sell forum. You can pick up some quality used equipment at good prices.

Good Luck,
Michael

I purchased the Canon 28-135 I.S. lens as my backup wedding lens. Most of the shots are right about in the middle of that range.

---Bob Gross---

Tamron 28-75 is well liked. Canon 28-105 f/3.5-4.5 is respectable, though not as fast an aperture as the Tamron. But with Canon's ring USM, light weight and a decent range, its a gem at $225 US. Sigma's new 24-60 f/2.8 got a very good review in Popular Photo this month. Canon's 17-40 f/4.0 is a very well built, quality lens.

Many choices.

And yes, do get a 50/1.8. Its the best value out there in terms of image vs. price.

Go to your local camera store and try out the Tamron. You'll leave with it. It's under $400, well built, bright and plenty fast. I've been extremely pleased with it, and the minimum focus distance allows for nice Macro shots as well.

I talked to the pros at my local shop who regulary shoot the L lenses, and actually recommended the Tamron over the Canon for price / image quality. They showed me 16x20 blow ups from both lenses of the same subject, and there really was no visible difference in sharpness / contrast / clarity.

Adam

I really think that the 28-135 IS is a great lens for the money. I shoot portraits at f11 or f8 usually in front of a background. I get 16x20's from my lab that look like medium format. The IS is nice since it is a slow lens. If you do available light portraits, this is not the lens for you and maybe the Tamron is better. I'm a big fan of the Canon lens and if you don't like it, it will resale for just slightly less than new price....not a big risk.

Canon 28-135 is a nice lens but I would rather have the extra stops any day.

Definitely the tamron 28-75/2.8 or canon 28-135 IS
For portraits the tamron has a big advantage of the f2.8 aperture for nice blured background
The only drawback is that both don't go very wide on a digital body-is that an issue?
Unfortunately there aren't any/many better versions of the kit lens for not much more $

The f2.8 is nice but the extra 76 mm - 135 mm is pretty nice to have too so the Canon wins here. I think its a toss up.

Buy the 28/135

LEARN the 28/135

ENJOY the 28/135

BRAG about the 28/135