Canon 28-135 IS

I am researching a new lens. The last thread I could find on this subject was several months ago, I was wondering if opinions had changed with several more months experience. I hope I am not repeating the question. For a one lens kit, for general purpose, easy to travel and handhold lens, yet maintaining good quality (sharp and contrasty to 8x10 size) photos, would you recommend the Canon 28-105 or 28-135IS or something else? Budget is up to the 28-135IS range. What would be the advantages of your choice? Thanks for responses in advance.

Wei

I was looking for a lens to fill the gap between 28mm and my Canon 70-

200 f2.8 L lens and after reading posts on this board and talking to

others I finally decided on the Canon 28-135 IS. For me it came down

to choosing between the Canon 28-70 2.8L and the Canon 28-135 IS. I

chose the IS because it was smaller, lighter and had the IS feature

and was considerably less expensive. Although I'm sure the 28-70 2.8

L is superior and the 2.8 aperture very nice to have, I convinced

myself to get the IS lens instead. After ordering the lens I started

questioning my decision - knowing I never go wrong when I buy the best

(28-70 2.8L). Wow! Was I surprised when I shot some photos with the

28-135 IS. It is a very sharp lens with good contrast. You can

enlarge to larger than 11x14 without any noticable loss of quality. I

have a Tamron 28-200 Super and enlargements to 8x10 with this lens

are not anywhere near as sharp or contrasty as with the 28-135 IS. It

is a good walk around lens but I would feel very limited having it as

my only travel lens. Sometimes I want to be wider and sometimes I

want to be tighter than the 28-135 focal range can give me. This lens

is another great Canon product.

I've had the 28-135IS for over a year. You are correct, it is one

heck of a lens--incredibly sharp and contrasty. I have also noticed

that it has beautiful out of focus images, reminding me of Leica

products. I had to return my first one because when going outside on

hot days, moisture would form INSIDE the lens and it would take hours

to clear. It does burn batteries, however. The 28-105 is nearly as

good, and a lot smaller and lighter.

Thank you to those who responded. I went for the 28-135 IS lens.

From my first 2 rolls exposed, I was amazed and delighted at the

results in terms of colour and sharpness. The IS really works! This

has become my favourite lens.

Wei