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

If you're attracted by IS and the wide zoom range then buy the Canon 28-135mm. If, on the other hand, you want a sharp, fast lens with superb image quality then buy the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8.

I have both. I hate the Canon and love the Tamron.

If you want a zoom lens that comes close to an L series in terms of image quality but costs much less, then the Tamron is the one. The Canon 28-135 doesn't come close to L quality.

Does nobody like the Sigma 18-125? It is just as wide as the kit lens and offers much more zoom.
Having used the kit lens on a Digital Rebel, this sigma blows it out of the water.

I am new to this forum and am about to buy my first digital camera (Canon of course) after many years as a Canon user back to the first AE1.
I have never used an IS lens so am curious why several people prefer the extra two stops of the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 over the Canon 28-135mm which has IS. Doesn't IS allow you to operate at a slower shutter for say indoor shots which compensates for the smaller aperture? If you apply the old rule about handholding at a speed no less than the reciprocal of the focal length, how many extra stops do you really get with IS?

Thanks
Tony

This may not be totally revalent, but I used to own the 100-300mm USM IS from canon and sold it for the 100 2.8 after 2 weeks use. Sure the IS is alright but I would take the extra stops any day. Too me IS doesnt go that far, but of course when i get the 70-200mm 2.8L USM IS it will be a nice addition to the overall package.

I have both the Canon 28-135 IS and the Tamron 28-75 as well and find myself using the Tamron. Both are good lenses but the Tamron is sharper and closer to L quality. If you plan on using studio lights then get the Tamron with its non variable aperture. If you also plan on buying in the future a good 70-200, you will end up carrying the Tamron and the 70-200 and leaving the 28-135 at home (I do).

But...If you think this might be your last lens purchase then you might want to get the Canon 28-135 for its versatility.

Either lens are great value and you cant go wrong with either