Canon EF 28-135mm - good upgrade?

[CIV73C]

hey guys, i'm contemplating on buying new lenses for my 400d, currently using the kit lens.

Im just using the lens for everyday use, but i would like to have lens that can provide better quality and sharper pictures.
I chose the 28-135 just because of its zoom length, where i can have an all rounder lens.

Am i looking at the right lens to upgrade from the kit, are there any other comparisons. budget is roughly $600
or should i just stick with the kit lens.

remember im just using the lens for every day usage, just wanting better quality, and possibly faster speeds.

any suggestions is helpful. thanks

[daniel81]

Before buying a new lens, you should consider the following:

- Where will I be shooting?
- What will I be shooting?

Buying an all round lens based on how far it will zoom is a big mistake. Remember you have a cropped sensor on the 400d so you're adding x1.4 to the actual zoom length.

In fact, for everyday, all round shooting, you'll probably use the wide end of the lens more than the long end.

I would recommend the 17-85mm IS USM over the 28-135 for a basic kit lens upgrade, as well as a dirt cheap 50mm 1.8 to cover your bases if you need to shoot in low light or fast moving objects.

[aim54x]

with Daniel, BUT it is actually 1.6x on the Canon bodies.

If you want an all rounder then I would look into the Sigma 18-200mm HSM OS (USM IS equiv) they are about $700 but will cover all your day to day needs (it is cheaper and faster focusing then Canon's own EF-S 18-200mm IS). The EF 28-135 is not going to be as wide as the wide end of your 18-55. The EF-S 17-85mm is not a bad lens, but it does not have the reach that the 28-135mm or 18-200mm offers.

Answer the two questions above and we will be able to better recommend a lens (or two) for you, buying any lens is a pretty big investment so dont rush in.

[garyr]

Agree with both posts - and it really does depend on what you are going to use it for. I have a crop body and I find the 24-end not quite wide enough - when I get teh lotto numbers right I'll be looking for something wider.

In the January edition of PhotoPlus, the Tamron 18-250mm Di11 got a good rap as "best on test" for their superzooms (link to Ted's description here http://www.teds.com.au/www/6/1001102/displayproduct/tamron-af18-250mm-f-3-5-6-3-di-ii-ld--2109829_other-slr-lenses--2074821_.html - and if you shop around you may come closer to your budget.

I have no personal experience with this lens, you can see what other users say at FM - http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=309&sort=7&cat=43&page=1.

Good luck with your decision, I'd be keen to know how you go. And the 50mm 1.8 is such good value for the money!

Cheers