I have a Canon 40d and I'm currently using the 18-55 kit lens. For what I do, mostly family pics and some landscape shots, it does a good job. However, I'd like to get a little more range. I had a 55-250 and sold it because I needed the money for something else, and will probably buy one again down the road, but for now, I'd like to have one lens that gives me good coverage. Which lens is recommended? Here's why I'm consider...
1. Canon 17-85
2. Canon 18-135
3. Canon 18-200
The 200 obviously gives me better range, but of these three which do you think will give the best image quality? Any other lens I'm forgetting about that I should be considering?
Question is how much more range do you want ? It's
Pointless spending out for the 17-85 if your still going to want more. 30mm while significant isn't a great deal more than the 55 on the long end of what you have now.
I think the 70-200 f4L is your best option if your main goal is to gain more reach. It's a much better lens than the 55-250. If you're looking for a low budget one-lens-suits-all solution you may want to take a look at the 28-135.
HenkvdT wrote:
...If you're looking for a low budget one-lens-suits-all solution you may want to take a look at the 28-135.
erikburd wrote:
Given your budget, the 28-135 would be one lens to consider.
I just got the 28-135 a few weeks ago in a 7D kit, and I'm quite happy with it. The IQ is quite good, from what I've seen so far. I'd been saving for a 24-105, but now I think I'll keep the 28-135 and save a little longer for a 24-70 f/2.8 IS.
The one thing I don't like about it is that when I have my camera on a neck strap this lens zooms out as I walk. (I don't know if it's just mine, or if they all do that.) Not a big issue, just annoying.
The 18-135 f/3.5-5.6 albeit is a kit lens and it's not very fast, is a viable option in your range. You can probably pick one up for under $275 on here new or slightly used. I have mine still from my 60D kit. I don't use it with the L glass that I have, but I've kept it just in case my camera breaks, I have to return it with the lens intact. I've kept it for backup purposes as well in case one of my lens breaks. For what your using it fits the budget and you can save the rest of the money and continue to save up for an L lens, trust me when I say they are worth saving for.
I owned a 28-135 from 1998 (when they first came out, I think) until summer of this year. I absolutely loved it! It outlasted my 24-70/2.8L (not enough range) and fended off the 24-105 for several years. I finally bought a 24-105 but the lens that convinced me that I could live without the 28-135 is the 15-85IS. It's a great all-round lens with a 35mm equivalent of 24-136, and it's a great performer. It's definitely one you should consider for your 40D. The image quality is excellent as is the build quality. I occasionally use the 24-105 on my 7D but I use the 15-85 90% of the time for general shooting. Give it serious consideration.
You might also consider the good ole' 70-300. This lens for years languished at the bottom of the barrel, not really good enough for anything serious. Nikon changed that a few years ago with a really quite good one with VR and got over $400 for it. Now Canon has one and so does Tamron.
They are not "L" glass, but will do well unless you are shooting cover shots for GQ on the side.
BrianO wrote:
I just got the 28-135 a few weeks ago in a 7D kit, and I'm quite happy with it. The IQ is quite good, from what I've seen so far. I'd been saving for a 24-105, but now I think I'll keep the 28-135 and save a little longer for a 24-70 f/2.8 IS.
The one thing I don't like about it is that when I have my camera on a neck strap this lens zooms out as I walk. (I don't know if it's just mine, or if they all do that.) Not a big issue, just annoying.
There is no 24-70 is.
BrianO wrote:
I just got the 28-135 a few weeks ago in a 7D kit, and I'm quite happy with it. The IQ is quite good, from what I've seen so far. I'd been saving for a 24-105, but now I think I'll keep the 28-135 and save a little longer for a 24-70 f/2.8 IS.
I found the 18-135 to be a pretty solid lens. The images I got from it were quite good, and I was able to get one barely used for $215. I only sold it because I got a deal on a used 24-105.
I had the 200/2.8 (mark I with built in hood). Great lens. I ended up trading it for the 70-200 f/4L non-IS. Either one of these two would be a fantastic addition to your kit.
