Shutterstock Photographer Forum :: View topic

JBird · Posted: Wed May 18, 2005 7:33 pm

hello, i've been using a friends 300D and i'm now more than ready to buy my new camera. I'm 95% sure that I want to buy the 20D.

Now my question is would it be a good idea to buy the
"CANON EF 28-135 F3.5-5.6 USM IMAGE STABILIZER LENS" and just the 20D body without the standard 18 - 55 mm lens that comes with the 20D. I've used the 18 -55 mm that it comes with and i liked it but wasn't all that thrilled about it.
Has anyone used this 28-135 ?
Or would anyone recommend a different lens? (while staying around the same budget)

Thanks
Jbird

Riger · Joined: 15 Apr 2005 Posts: 524 Location: Dubai

I have the 28-135 as the walk-around lens on my 300D.

I look forward to using it on my 20D (when I get enough $$ here).

Seriously, I have not had any problems with it, I like it.

JBird · Posted: Thu May 19, 2005 7:58 pm

thanks Riger.. I was also curious if it was good for shooting portraits?

StuartE · Posted: Fri May 20, 2005 1:01 am

For most of us, the 28-135 is an excellent all rounder... it's good in the longer 1/3 for portraiture... gives you a wide enough angle to work with, and does a passable close up... the 24-70 L is a lot sharper, and quicker, doesn't help with IS at slow shutter speeds, and costs a packet more, and while the 18-55 isn't a 'great' lens, neither are many of the other mid range zooms... the exception is the 'metal mount' either 28-105 or 35-105 - I forget which - that is an awesome lens...

Cheers,
Stuart

Forgiss · Posted: Fri May 20, 2005 10:25 am

It's the 28-105, Stuart, and that lens is great from end to end!

When my 28-105 wore out after literally YEARS of use I upgraded to the 28-135 IS. It is a really great lens, as long as you are carefull of the widest and furthest zoom points (slightly soft). But for the rest it's a cracker!

Nir Levy · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 282

A bit off topic, but I don't want to start my own...

I went to the mall today to buy nice shoes for my graduation tomarro, and once I bought them, my dad and I went into circut city I think to see if there were any camera my mom would like. I picked up the 20D and just took pictures of random things. There was no memory card in it, but it was soo much fun. lol. It feels so good in your hand, and it would be a huge leap from my PowerShot S1 IS. Even if I had the money, I wouldnt buy it though. Too expensive, and I don't know yet if my hobby will last long enough to spend 1,500. If I still want one by the time I finish college, I'll see about getting a nice SLR.

A question: Does anyone know about a good digital camera for a woman that hates anything that doesn't fit/work/function/look perfectly. One that is very easy to use, not too small, not too big. Perfection would be key. And taking my mother would do no good as we would be there the entire day, and we would end up buying none, either because none of them are good enough or she saw one for cheaper in a magazine or something. Yup, that's my mom.

Forgiss · Posted: Mon May 23, 2005 2:30 am

wow....

Maybe have a look at DPReview? there are soooo many variables, that I, personally, wouldn't know where to start in recomending...

I would have a look at something like the Canon A95

JBird · Posted: Mon May 23, 2005 11:37 pm

haha yes, it's amazing to just hold and snap anything. When I get bored i take my memory card to best buy and put it in the 20D and play with it haha.. soon it will be mine!

JBird · Posted: Tue May 24, 2005 12:52 am

after looking at beach camera dot com (best prices that i've found) it looks like it would be smart to purchase the package that includes the standard 18 - 55 mm lens, because it is only $70 more than just the body alone. can't wait!!

chitema · Joined: 23 Feb 2005 Posts: 257 Location: Spain

rankamateur · Joined: 23 Dec 2004 Posts: 957 Location: Colorado

allankent · Joined: 26 May 2005 Posts: 2

Hi,

just joined, waiting for my first batch of photos to go through the approval process.

I've considered getting either the 28-135 or the 17-85. I already have the 18-55 and a 75-300 with my 350D. I also want a nice utility lense that I can take with and not cart a boatload of lenses with me (like I could afford a boatload of lenses, but still).

Anyone had any experience with both these lenses? I realise the 17-85 has a better wide angle and the 28-135 has a better zoom, but in terms of a general purpose lense, which would be more usefull? perhaps it'll make a nice alternative to the 28-135?

thanks
Allan

Forgiss · Posted: Thu May 26, 2005 7:03 am

The 17-85 is a "digital" version of the 28-135mm (it gives you the old range of 28-135mm with your 1.6 enlargement)

both are excellent lenses, but I would go for the newer one. It runs the new IS systems and is much faster in focus and stabilisation.

allankent · Joined: 26 May 2005 Posts: 2

JBird · Posted: Thu May 26, 2005 9:18 am

yes, the image stabalizer sounds amazing