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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Which of these two lenses?
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 04/11/2005 02:09:01 PM · #1
Lens question! I am looking for my first lens. This will be my "all around" lens and my only lens for several months. Therefore I want something with good telephoto range. But I also do not want to have to walk a 100ft away to get a portrait shot either.

I am looking at the following, the Canon 28-135 being my first choice currently. (Mainly because I want a USM or equivalent and the IS is highly desirable.)

Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 28-135mm
f/3.5-5.6 IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens

Sigma Zoom Super Wide Angle 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3
DC Aspherical (IF) Lens for Canon Digital EOS

Now before you go and tell me to save my money and buy a $1,200 lens. Realize...I am buying this as an alternative to the $90 kit lens. I figured I'd save the $90 and throw it toward a $300-$400 lense. I really don't want to go much beyond that. Why? Because I want to eventually purchase the following.

Zoom Telephoto EF 70-200mm f/2.8L
IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens

So unless someone wants to sell me that unit used and in good condition for less than $800. I can't justify such an expenditure.

So any thoughts?

Lens 1:
Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 28-135mm
f/3.5-5.6 IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens

Lens 2:
Sigma Zoom Super Wide Angle 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3
DC Aspherical (IF) Lens for Canon Digital EOS

Lens 1 has IS & USM. Lens 2 has a wider range (18-200 vs 28-135) which with a 1.6x factor for digital becomes (28-320 vs 44-216 IS USM)

Thoughts? any alternatives that I am not aware of? Thanks...

- Jason
 04/11/2005 02:15:20 PM · #2
I am thinking of getting an DSLR in the not too distant future & like you just get one lens to begin with. I am considering theTamron AF 28-75mm f2.8 XR Di Zoom
It might not have the reach you require, but it has awesome reviews & some say is as sharp as 'L-Glass', so its one you'd probably keep instead of upgrading later.
 04/11/2005 02:29:37 PM · #3
I have the 28-135 IS and I really like it. I don't have much to compare it to, my only other lens is the 75-300 which I rarely use. Everything I've done on this site is done with that lens so have a look at my stuff if you like (don't know if that will be helpful). I got this lens as opposed to the kit lenses. The IS helps a bit, and I think it puts out some sharp images. Doesn't go as wide as I'd like sometimes, but it has a good overall range. I'm leary of a lens that "does it all" like the Sigma mentioned, but I'm not a pro. I think this is a good choice since you are looking into the 70-200 IS in the future. I'm getting that one in 2 weeks, so check with me later for samples from that one. Hope this helps.
 04/11/2005 02:39:11 PM · #4
The Sigma 18-125 was well reviewed on the web and I bought it based on that. It's a great lens, though of course, I wish it had IS. The 28-135 might also be a good choice, because I think IS is great. However, the 28 mm low end of that range is too long, IMHO.

If I could only have one lens, of the four I own, including the 10-22 Canon EFS, the 70-200/F4L, the 50mm/1.8, and the kit lens, I would pick the Sigma.

So that's one to consider; if the new 18-200mm lens performs as well, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. I'm considering upgrading myself, and even getting rid of the 70-200/F4L, which is just too big for me to carry around.

Edit: Fix reference in last para from 125 to 200!

Message edited by author 2005-04-11 15:23:45.
 04/11/2005 03:00:23 PM · #5
I see it's not on your list and, probably, also not what you envision when you think of range. Nevertheless, I recommend the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II for somewhere around US $ 75.00.

This lens has an incredible optical quality above f/2.8, the likes of which can only be matched by the sturdier and considerably costlier f/1.4 built. It is discreet (street photography), ultra light, small and very efficient in low light situations. While photographers often use this lens for portraits, it's 'normal' focal lenght is close enough to the classic lenses of another time.

I recommend it not only for the price and the known performance it is capable of but also because I consider it perfect for learning to compose your photos the way they used to be done before we got into the habit of framing by zooming.

Using a prime at a normal focal length (on an XT or 20D/1D this turns into 80 mm/65 mm, but still!) also encourages some degree of interaction with your subjects, which makes for a very different kind of photography, the art and pleasure of which cannot be experienced with a telephoto zoom.

This lens, IMO, should be in everybody's arsenal. As a starter lens, too, I don't think it can be beat.
04/11/2005 03:00:41 PM · #6
If I were you, I think I'd go for the Sigma 18-200mm. I have the Canon 28-135mm IS and it is a really nice lens and takes a good picture. I also have the Sigma 18-125 which is a great little lens that is so sharp. If the Sigma 18-200 is of the same quality as the 18-125 it will be a great lens with a very useful zoom range. The IS is nice but the 18-200 zoom range is really useful.

Message edited by author 2005-04-11 16:03:48.
 04/11/2005 03:52:22 PM · #7
having only L lenses I only accept top quality..

the Tamron 28-75 f2.8 is an excellent lens, and the 28-135 IS is a great walkaround,

if you are looking for a lens to have ONLY ONE, until you can get the 70-200L IS then I´d go with the tamron, it´s cheap fast and get´s awsome ratings everywhere.

you are bound by good lighting with the 28-135 so if you go that way, get the 50mm f1.8 for low light, $30-$50 used.

I got the 70-200L f2.8 IS and I really can recomend saving for that one :)
I´m saving for the 400mm L f2.8 IS now :)
 04/11/2005 05:22:03 PM · #8
zeuszen

I considered getting a couple of set f/1.8 lens, like a nice super-wide.

I may do that still... get an f/1.8 14mm/16mm, 50mm, 300mm
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