Newbie likes the 28-135 - why doesn't anyone else?

I have this same lens and I think its a great lens to learn on. I started with a 50mm lens which taught me to move around to get the right shot, but this lens is great for situations where you cant move.

Don't be in a hurry to ditch the lens. You'll find you'll need to replace it with two other lenses at higher costs to cover the same range. I wish that Canon would do a Version 2 of this lens, sharpen it up a bit and make it a touch more consistent. Then it would be a killer walkaround. (Okay maybe 24-105L fits the bill, but at much higher cost)
Although wife and I have since sold it it's still, oddly, our most loved lens. We look back on the good photos and couldn't wish for anything better. The reason for sale?? My wife, who actually bought nearly all the photo gear, hated lens swapping so much she sold the lot and bought an Olympus compact. There's a moral in there somewhere.

Hal55

I originally bought that lens as a walk-around, everyday lens... 28 just wasn't wide enough for me particularly indoors.

Fortunately I was able to return it and ended up buying the 17-85 and was much happier.

emorphien wrote in post #5687037
Don't worry about what other people say. Don't start doubting your equipment until you find it isn't accomplishing what you need it to.(...) If you don't know what the numbers mean or why other people may not keep using it, then you're not ready to move beyond it and haven't found that it limits you yet. Just start shooting and learning, in time you may decide you need a different lens (or lenses).

IMHO this is really good advice. You've only had your camera and lens a week - and you like the lens. Why change it? I was in a similar position to you several months ago, and decided to take a couple of photography classes/workshops before buying new equipment. Look online, or ask at your local photography store. Over time you'll learn what kind of photography you like, and will be better placed to choose the right lenses if/when you decide what you have isn't sufficient. Good luck and enjoy your camera!

cdifoto wrote in post #5687316
Anyone who says otherwise is either:

1. A marketing major.
2. A marketing graduate/staffer.
3. A rabid justificationist.

That is pure crap.

J.

had one briefly but I was not happy with indoor shots, wanted a faster lens with better bokeh. That said it was not too bad at all. I had trouble with the IS on it, as I got it used I believe it was faulty and even if that was the case it took some very nice shots

It is a great lens for the price you are getting at with the 40D kit (around $200).

I had one and the main reason I got rid of it was because it was not wide enough.

Had it been 18-135 people would've loved it on the 1.6 crop cameras.

Sigma got the right message with their new 18-125 OS lens.

I used to use this lens for most of my shots & used it for several weddings on film cameras a few years ago. Mine was pretty sharp and indoor shots of still subjects were assisted by the IS. I sold when I bought the 24-70 f2.8 some time ago, but then went to the 24-105 because I liked the extra focal length and I tend to use primes for low-light stuff.

Never did an A-B comparison with L lenses, but I used to like the results.

I feel like I can add a different perspective to this discussion. I just purchased a 40D with a 28-135IS. It is my first camera, so I have very little to compare it too, which I think helps me in this case.

If there are weaknesses to this lens (and I am sure there are), I have not found them. The 40D with this lens is so VASTLY better than my HP point and shoot that I would never second guess the purchase. Yes, I will purchase more and better lenses in the future, but why not enjoy the HUGE quality jump and entertainment factor of the new camera now?

So Raivyn, just enjoy the new equipment and remember that 99% of people are jealous of your amazing lens.

My first two lens were 28-135 which came as a kit and the 50mm f/1.8 which is probably considered "required" for beginners

AF on 28-135 was a little hunt and peck in low light, but that is probably normal with non-Ls.

I only upgraded to 17-40L + 580EXII because majority of my shots are indoor of my daughter dashing from room to room. f/4 indoors is not going to work indoor with a moving subject, but add a flash, and it becomes perfect - for me at least

Just picked up a Sigma 24-60 (~$220) for normal walking around. Wish a 17-55 f/2.8 IS L was available - oh well.

Mystwalker wrote in post #5690256
My first two lens were 28-135 which came as a kit and the 50mm f/1.8 which is probably considered "required" for beginners

AF on 28-135 was a little hunt and peck in low light, but that is probably normal with non-Ls.

I only upgraded to 17-40L + 580EXII because majority of my shots are indoor of my daughter dashing from room to room. f/4 indoors is not going to work indoor with a moving subject, but add a flash, and it becomes perfect - for me at least

Just picked up a Sigma 24-60 (~$220) for normal walking around. Wish a 17-55 f/2.8 IS L was available - oh well.

Why does it need to be an 'L'?

runninmann wrote in post #5690284
Why does it need to be an 'L'?

Because everything has to be an L, otherwise it's bad!

Dude,

Keep that kit lens! Until you find out how to use what you've got your hands on. IMO, it depends on what you're going to be shooting. AND then, it still may suit your needs. That lens has been a "workhorse" for me and I shoot a lot of different types of events and plenty of situations where the range has been covered for me.

Find out what you're going to be doing first before investing into better glass, unless you just have it falling out the sky like that for you!

Next...figure out and STUDY....STUDY....STUD​Y!! on Exposure and ISO and how that will affect what you're shooting...esp. on the 40D settings.

Then work on Lighting!! Although you'll be actually doing and working on these at the same time. But bottom line, do your research and you can do a lot on the internet too! Don't take all of the comments here and go with what one person says vs. the other, but....do YOUR research also!!! AND SHOOT, SHOOT, SHOOT!!!

You'd be surprised on what lighting will do for your images, depending on what you're wanting to get accomplished!

Good luck newbie! everyone can't get an "L" lens off the back, if you're like me...I know how u feel, but it's all about what looks good and works for you and your budget you got working for you also!

and that's my $.02 worth!



QuanJ

runninmann wrote in post #5690284
Why does it need to be an 'L'?

ohhhh....so it would fit my 1d mark III ?

ed rader