Looking for a mid zoom lens - requesting thoughts and opinions

[Sean Dempsey]

I Am looking for something to cover most or all of the 50-100mm range.

I am thinking about the
- Canon 28-135 IS
- Canon 24-70
- Canon 70-200 f/2.8
- Canon 85mm f/1.8
- Sigma 28-70 f/2.8

Any thoughts on this? I want something higher quality than the Tamron 28-300 f/3.5-6.3 that it's replacing. I definitley feel the lack of the 50-100mm range.

[Michael Fanelli]

I Am looking for something to cover most or all of the 50-100mm range.

I am thinking about the
- Canon 28-135 IS
- Canon 24-70
- Canon 70-200 f/2.8
- Canon 85mm f/1.8
- Sigma 28-70 f/2.8

Any thoughts on this? I want something higher quality than the Tamron 28-300 f/3.5-6.3 that it's replacing. I definitley feel the lack of the 50-100mm range.

The 28-135 IS is often considered the best Canon consumer zoom lens in production. I would suspect that the 85mm, as a prime, would be excellent but I'm not a big fan of primes.

[Sean Dempsey]

What about prosumer-professional lenses in that range? I only want to buy a lens once, so if there's an L series or a higher quality lens of a different brand you think would fit that hole, I don't mind spending a little more.

[Liz]

Hi Sean,

This is a tough decision. I have a hole in the same place and found it difficult to find just the right lens(s). Since using the 17-40 L and the 200mm/f2.8L, I'm getting used to those beautiful sharp pics with awesome color rendition! It depends on what you're going to use it for. I settled on the 85mm/f1.8. This is an sharp lens with good color rendition and great in low light. I do mostly street photography with the 17-40, but got the 85mm for closer shots and portrait. For me it was a good decision.

The 24-70 has great reviews (another L), but again, for me, too close to the 17-40.

If I were you I would consider the 70-200mm/f2.8 which has awesome reviews. If you want 50mm, you can get a Canon 50mm/f1.8 for $75 which is a great lens. I would love to have the 70-200/f2.8, but can't handle the size or weight (back problem). I'm even selling the 200mm for that reason.

The 28-135 is an excellent lens, especially for the price, but I like the color rendition of the 17-40 better and it's replaced the 28-135 for the always-on-my-camera lens. I've only had experience with Canon, with 2 exceptions which I eventually sold and/or returned a few years ago.

Then, there is the brand new Canon 70-300 IS DO lens - check out the specs here: I don't know about reviews.....it's very new.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=319783&is=USA

Another IS lens 28-300 IS......$2,499

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=319784&is=USA

Keep posting your thoughts....and updates

Liz

I Am looking for something to cover most or all of the 50-100mm range.

I am thinking about the
- Canon 28-135 IS
- Canon 24-70
- Canon 70-200 f/2.8
- Canon 85mm f/1.8
- Sigma 28-70 f/2.8

Any thoughts on this? I want something higher quality than the Tamron 28-300 f/3.5-6.3 that it's replacing. I definitley feel the lack of the 50-100mm range.

[h2oskierc]

I just got this lens last week, and love it! I love the focal length range. The first two rolls had some great stuff, and the IS is truly a wonderful tool. This is now the lens that stays on my camera. The only drawback is that it is somewhat on the bulky side, and perhaps a little heavy, notice it still stays on my camera...