Just how good is the Canon 28-135mm?

MJ Stebbings

MJ Stebbings

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Mike
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Alright guys

Need to pick your brains.

Just how good is the Canon 28-135mm?
The reason i ask is that they seem to pop up here every now and then for sale at a reasonable price. When i was away on my honeymoon i had my 1DmkII fitted with the Sigma 24-70 and the 30D fitted with a Sigma 10-20mm (that i borrowed off a lovely friend of mine) and didnt bother taking the Tamron 70-200 due to weight etc.

However, i found that on some occasions, the 24-70 just wasnt long enough. I know i could have stuck it on the 30D for a little extra reach but i couldnt be bothered with swapping lenses for the extra few mm.

So, have been thinking about getting one of these until i can afford the 24-105 F4L (once i have bought a car and the million and one other things my lovely new wife wants me to buy before I get any more camera gear.....We shall see about that!).

So honest opinions wanted, and dont compare it to the 24-105 L as that is just crazy! :lol:
 
OK here is my review.

I had a 18-55 IS 'kit' lens and it was ok image wise and poor build quality. It felt really cheap! so i upgraded to the 28-135mm IS USM and what a difference! For a general walkabout lens it's very good and great for what they go for used. I have done some testing using this lens on a tripod and hand held and obviously on a tripod the IQ is very good indeed! Hand held i have had some excellent results which you will see below. It's quite a big lens but not too heavy and is nice on my 40D. It focuses nice and quickly and the macro setting is pretty good too. If you can't afford the L series lens then this is a very good alternative which is why i have one. The only reson to part with it would be to get the 24-105 L which i'm considering doing in the near future....or get an 85mm f1.8 prime and keep the 28-135mm.

If i were to sell it it would be £220 but i have not made my mind up yet. I keep looking at images taken from the 24-105 and they are very good but not sure if f4 is fast enough.

Anyhoo here are a few shots:

Hand held:




Using a cheap old tripod:


 
Thanks guys :)

Anyone else?
 
?
 
:shrug::thinking: It's all gone quiet!! I'm guessing that it's because these are not the most popular lenses. I don't know why as i like mine a lot and would only sell it to buy a 'L' lens of similar focal length.

If you want anymore images taken with this lens then pop along to flickr, click on 'groups' and search for Canon 28-135mm f3.5-f5.6 IS USM and there should be a group appear with loads of pics taken with this camera.

At the end if the day i think this camera is superb value for money if you can get it for £230ish.
 
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