| Review

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Good lens with its ups and downs, Wednesday, 24 December 2008


Overall rating (weighted)		3.5
Sharpness		3.0
Build Quality		3.0
AF Speed		4.0
Value for Money		4.0

I was very hyped up for this lens, and I dont know what it was; either i got a "bad" copy of the lens, or i was overhyping myself or maybe both. First, the color is excellent in pictures taken with sufficient and excess light. Sharpness was actually (for me) the best at 135mm and mildly soft in between. (I am no professional but consider myself an experienced amateur/hobbyist, who expects more results than the average consumer). To me, the images needed P.S. sharpening almost always. Closeups, the lens was great and expressed the most sharpness and contrast. Bokeh was actually decent. The thing that dissapointed me the most (again overhype) was the image stablization. I dont know if i got a bad copy or wahtever, but whenever i had it on, it started making a noise that sounded like there was a loose part or something. It was not as fast a lens as you may think. f/3.5 can only be achieved with a focal length of about 28-35mm. After that, from 35-135mm, you use a higher f-stop. Using the image stablilization in low light was absolutely horrible. I had to be almost completely stable to get a sharp image in the range of 1/30 or below. If i was lucky, i could snag a 1/5 or even 1/4, but it wasnt close to even 30 or 40 percent. This WILL NOT! I REPEAT WILL NOT! Make your images guaranteed sharpness at any light situation. This baby needs alot more light than you would expect in low-light situations. of course, if you use a flash, the images get distorted in color slightly but absolutely get good images.
GOOD:
- Build quality, feels like a truck
- Didnt notice lens creep as people have said
- "Good" (B-) images with sufficient light
- Nice macro shots
- USM was fantastic: silent and super quick even in low light
- Bokeh

BAD:
- Image stabilization was noisy
- Yes, your copy may not be a good copy as mine wasn't
- Noticed hazy pictures randomly
- Wasnt sharp at all focal lengths, nearly at none
- Colors werent saturated enough
- Contrast and sharpness wasn't good at all until i was in macro.
- Image stablilization was not what you think it will be. It is somewhat noticable. But, note, this is not the current IS model, it is the old one. It will be very difficult to do panning, and only slightly helps camera shake by 1-2 stops (i think 1 stop does justice). Newer models of the image stablilzer do panning, and help reduce camera shake up to 4 stops.
- Not good in low light unless you are at 28mm and f/3.5

I didnt believe it when people said the image stablilzer and f/3.5 was still too slow and frustrating at times; believe it. There is 1 star taken off of my rating.
The other star was because the sharpness, contrast and saturation just didn't do it for me. Maybe for others, it would be suitable, but not for me.
In general, this is a nice walkaround lens, for someone who will be shooting in great light, no action sports, and wont mind using a flash at night.

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Good lens with its ups and downs, Wednesday, 24 December 2008


Overall rating (weighted)		2.5
Sharpness		3.0
Build Quality		2.0
AF Speed		2.0
Value for Money		3.0

I was very hyped up for this lens, and I dont know what it was; either i got a "bad" copy of the lens, or i was overhyping myself or maybe both. First, the color is excellent in pictures taken with sufficient and excess light. Sharpness was actually (for me) the best at 135mm and mildly soft in between. (I am no professional but consider myself an experienced amateur/hobbyist, who expects more results than the average consumer). To me, the images needed P.S. sharpening almost always. Closeups, the lens was great and expressed the most sharpness and contrast. Bokeh was actually decent. The thing that dissapointed me the most (again overhype) was the image stablization. I dont know if i got a bad copy or wahtever, but whenever i had it on, it started making a noise that sounded like there was a loose part or something. It was not as fast a lens as you may think. f/3.5 can only be achieved with a focal length of about 28-35mm. After that, from 35-135mm, you use a higher f-stop. Using the image stablilization in low light was absolutely horrible. I had to be almost completely stable to get a sharp image in the range of 1/30 or below. If i was lucky, i could snag a 1/5 or even 1/4, but it wasnt close to even 30 or 40 percent. This WILL NOT! I REPEAT WILL NOT! Make your images guaranteed sharpness at any light situation. This baby needs alot more light than you would expect in low-light situations. of course, if you use a flash, the images get distorted in color slightly but absolutely get good images.
GOOD:
- Build quality, feels like a truck
- Didnt notice lens creep as people have said
- "Good" (B-) images with sufficient light
- Nice macro shots
- USM was fantastic: silent and super quick even in low light
- Bokeh

BAD:
- Image stabilization was noisy
- Yes, your copy may not be a good copy as mine wasn't
- Noticed hazy pictures randomly
- Wasnt sharp at all focal lengths, nearly at none
- Colors werent saturated enough
- Contrast and sharpness wasn't good at all until i was in macro.
- Image stablilization was not what you think it will be. It is somewhat noticable. But, note, this is not the current IS model, it is the old one. It will be very difficult to do panning, and only slightly helps camera shake by 1-2 stops (i think 1 stop does justice). Newer models of the image stablilzer do panning, and help reduce camera shake up to 4 stops.
- Not good in low light unless you are at 28mm and f/3.5

I didnt believe it when people said the image stablilzer and f/3.5 was still too slow and frustrating at times; believe it. There is 1 star taken off of my rating.
The other star was because the sharpness, contrast and saturation just didn't do it for me. Maybe for others, it would be suitable, but not for me.
In general, this is a nice walkaround lens, for someone who will be shooting in great light, no action sports, and wont mind using a flash at night.
***UPDATE***: i got the 50mm f/1.8 for christmas from amazon for $84 bucks. This thing is a animal! If you go to this items product page for this item, and see sample pics, i will upload some. They are phenominal! Look into that lens!

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Buy this Lens, Tuesday, 02 December 2008


Overall rating (weighted)		4.8
Sharpness		5.0
Build Quality		4.0
AF Speed		5.0
Value for Money		5.0

If you are looking for one lens for your D-SLR this is the one to purchase.Image quality is excellent except (as usual) at extremes of focal length. The IS works very well and really does allow you to shoot at least 1 and often 2 stops higher. It is larger and significantly heavier than the kit lens but after a few days you don't really notice it. As others have noted the lens does extend under its own weight when carried on a neck strap but it does quickly snap back wnen needed.As an amatuer photographer I don't see any need to purchase any other lenses in thes focal range.

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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

So so . . . , Tuesday, 02 December 2008


Overall rating (weighted)		3.0
Sharpness		2.0
Build Quality		4.0
AF Speed		3.0
Value for Money		3.0

Purchased June 24, 2008

A little disappointed so far.

The lens creep is more like a lens drop!

The outside shots are very good for the most part (how much is me or the lens!) I have some beautiful shots of weddings and outdoor events on bright days, but hit and miss indoors.

Autofocus not quick indoors and I had expected more from the IS feature.

In a brightly lit gymnasium, the shots were very dull and lifeless and I was unable to get anything good with movement of the subject. Wish I had had my 1.8 50mm Canon for that event!

I will probably sell and look for something else.

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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

Versatile lens, Tuesday, 28 October 2008


Overall rating (weighted)		4.3
Sharpness		4.0
Build Quality		4.0
AF Speed		5.0
Value for Money		4.0

Like so many others, I also had a loose lens body. Last year I spent the money and had the lense realligned, tightened and cleaned. It was worth the $65 I spent to have the lense back in pristine shape. As a result, I use it alot as a general purpose lens.
It takes excellent photos and is rapid in the area of focus and adjustment. I personally think it is worth the money....just make sure you have a tight one.

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

Great Lens for the money!!, Friday, 17 October 2008


Overall rating (weighted)		4.0
Sharpness		4.0
Build Quality		4.0
AF Speed		4.0
Value for Money		4.0

I would highly recommend this lens. I bought this lens specifically for a trip to San Antonio, TX and the lens did not disappoint. I took some of the best shots I have ever taken.

The only drawback is...the lens will extend while the camera is draped around your neck and walking. Small inconvenience for quality shots.

DK

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0 of 1 people found the following review helpful

Decent Lens, Thursday, 09 October 2008


Overall rating (weighted)		4.3
Sharpness		5.0
Build Quality		4.0
AF Speed		4.0
Value for Money		4.0

From the perspective of a hobbyist/amateur, I can not expect more from this lens. Images are sharp, IS works wonderfully and USM is very quiet, compared to my old Tamron 28-80. No more annoying creeping sounds, just smooth.

One Drawback: When you pair it with a light body camera like my XT, it's gonna suck when you try to put it around your neck and go all day long, it's gonna make you tired very quickly since the lens causes the body to be inclined forwards.

Other than that, highly recommend!

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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

Outstanding Lens!!, Monday, 29 September 2008


Overall rating (weighted)		5.0
Sharpness		5.0
Build Quality		5.0
AF Speed		5.0
Value for Money		5.0

I couldn't be happier with this lens. Image quality with this lens is superb, bokeh is very smooth. Auto focus is very fast and reliable, and image stabilization makes getting a clear shot easy, even with a moving target. I'm using this lens on a Canon Rebel XSi, and it is now my primary lens. It is far superior to the kit EF-S 18-55mm IS lens, and is a perfect intermediate lens between the kit lens and my EF 70-300mm IS USM telephoto zoom lens. If you need something with greater reach than the kit lens, but you don't want to spend more than $500, buy this lens. You won't regret it.

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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

Must have lens, Monday, 25 August 2008


Overall rating (weighted)		4.8
Sharpness		5.0
Build Quality		4.0
AF Speed		5.0
Value for Money		5.0

This is a great lens. A little heavy for all-day carry around but the functionality and great pics make it worth it.

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Bad Lens, Monday, 25 August 2008


Overall rating (weighted)		2.3
Sharpness		3.0
Build Quality		2.0
AF Speed		2.0
Value for Money		2.0

Shame on Canon. I got this lens as part of a package when I bought a Canon 40D camera. I thought it would be great with IS and all, but I was sadly mistaken. The images are soft and the IS doesn't really help much. Fortunately I still had a Sigma 17-70mm lens that I got for my Canon 350D and I use this lens most of the time because I get the IQ that I am used to getting and the Canon 28-135mm lens is just a great disappointment. I wish I had spent the extra $200 on an alternate lens. I hope someone will want to buy this Canon lens from me. It's the only Canon lens I own and I am sorely disappointed with it. It is in a box collecting dust!

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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

Good photos, but very loose zoom, Thursday, 07 August 2008


Overall rating (weighted)		3.3
Sharpness		3.0
Build Quality		3.0
AF Speed		3.0
Value for Money		4.0

I got this lens as part of the kit for my EOS 40D. It takes pretty good photos, and has a great range. I had it on the camera on a nature shoot while it was attached to my tripod and whenever I carried the tripod around with the camera attached, the zoom rolled all the way out. Seems very loose to me, so I emailed Canon about it and they said that was normal, but if there was NO resistance to send it back to them. It's not that bad yet, hopefully it won't get any worse. After some experience, I probably should have just got the body only for the 40D and got the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS SLR Lens for a walk around lens. Probably would have been cheaper too.

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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

A good zoom lens for available-light photography, Thursday, 31 July 2008


Overall rating (weighted)		5.0
Sharpness		5.0
Build Quality		5.0
AF Speed		5.0
Value for Money		5.0

I have owned this lens for nearly a year now and am becoming increasingly fond of it. I own several other lenses, but this is the one I now leave mounted on my Rebel XT almost all the time. My love affair with this lens was not immediate, however. At first I was somewhat disappointed with the image stabilization, but after working with it a bit I realized that it was my mode of operation that was at fault. The stabilization doesn't kick in until you partly depress the shutter button (as you do to auto focus) and it takes a couple of beats before it gets up to speed. Also, the lens has to be relatively still (or tracking smoothly) in order for the stabilization to work properly. Initially, I was simply hurrying too much -- raising the camera and clicking off a shot. Now I have learned to work with the lens by slowing down and anticipating the shot, and the results are much better. I recently had the challenge of taking pictures of a performance from the back of a darkened auditorium. I cranked up the ISO to 1600 and carefully squeezed off my shots. Despite the very low lighting, I got some really great shots even with the lens run out to the full zoom! I think the thing I appreciate most about this lens is that the stabilization gives me just that much more stability to take photos with available light in difficult situations. Of course, there is a limit to what the stabilization can do -- you still have to practice a steady hand and it can't compensate for motion of the subject -- so every shot doesn't come out perfect. But the stabilization feature does greatly improve the odds of getting the shot you are trying for when you can't or don't want to use flash. At this point, my only "negatives" about the lens are that it is fairly heavy for lugging around and I wish I had a little more wide angle capability (the 60% crop factor of my XT makes it effectively a 47-225mm lens). On the vanity side, it's an impressive looking piece of hardware (especially if you fit it with the Canon hood) and the heft of the lens balances well in the hand. All things considered, I'm very satisfied with this purchase.

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Awesome!, Friday, 11 July 2008


Overall rating (weighted)		4.8
Sharpness		4.0
Build Quality		5.0
AF Speed		5.0
Value for Money		5.0

Great lens - does everything that's advertised. I'm a beginner and am just learning to get my camera off auto, but this lens has taken some great pics so far :) It's much heavier than the kit lens and a ton heavier than my 50mm, but it does have a good zoom. It focuses quickly too.

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

Travel Photography, Tuesday, 08 July 2008


Overall rating (weighted)		4.8
Sharpness		5.0
Build Quality		5.0
AF Speed		5.0
Value for Money		4.0

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2PX631O5HPURN

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Best walk around for the price!, Sunday, 06 July 2008


Overall rating (weighted)		5.0
Sharpness		5.0
Build Quality		5.0
AF Speed		5.0
Value for Money		5.0

I was hoping to find a 28-200 like Nikon has, but once I received this lens, I knew I didn't need any more zoom than 28-135. Great everyday lens, perfect for taking one lens on vacation. if there is a down side, it would be that the lens a little heavy. GREAT LENS for the price period!

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