Description
I
f you want a compact lens that will let you take great pictures in a wide range of
situations, this is perhaps the best lens you could get for a Canon digital SLR camera. If you're a professional, you
most likely already have a backpack full of lenses and you're not reading in any
case, so this does not apply to you. If you want something you can throw over your shoulder and not think about when
you walk about, get a cheaper, lighter lens. [fix g]
If you need a
low light lens, this isn't it. If your primary objective is to take pictures in low light situation such as
weddings and
concerts, then get the
24-70mm IS f/2.8L
USM or the
70-200mm VR f/2.8 instead..
Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM. Equipped with an
Image Stabilizer and high
zoom ratio, the Canon EF 28-135mm standard zoom lens delivers sharp, natural-looking pictures virtually ever time. The lens is particularly handy for places where flashes are prohibited, as it excels in dim lighting without requiring a flash or a tripod. Other features include a
ring-type USM for swift, silent autofocusing and full-time manual focusing; a close focusing distance of 20 inches; and a maximum aperture of f/3.5 to 5.6.
Having
image stabilization does not mean that you can take crisp photos with a 1/20 sec exposure while jumping on a trampoline. What it
does mean is that you can pull off not shooting with a tripod in normal lighting, and in
low light when your
photos would be very blurry, the IS will make the images
considerably less blurry. The obvious outcome is that you can get out of using a
flash in lots of
circumstances when a flash would be detrimental or is prohibited.
Standard zoom lens with an Image Stabilizer and high zoom ratio. With the Image Stabilizer turned on, you can obtain sharp, natural-looking pictures in dim lighting without using
flash or a
tripod. Very handy for places where flash is prohibited. Uses ring-type USM for swift, silent autofocus and full-time manual focus. Closest focusing distance is 20 in. (50 cm).
Features
The Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens is a compact and lightweight standard
zoom lens that offers superior optical performance, plus a built-in Image Stabilizer. The IS system reduces the possibility of blurred photographs caused by
camera shake, which allows for handheld
photography in comparatively dim light without a flash or tripod. At the
wide-angle end of the
zoom range, the equivalent
shutter speed gain is approximately 1.5 stops while at the
telephoto end, it is approximately 2 stops.
In addition, the lens has a USM drive mechanism for faster and quieter
AF operation, and the pulse control diaphragm (EMD) ensures precise aperture control.
• The IS system is composed of a pair of gyro sensors to detect vertical and horizontal motion and a microprocessor that compensates for it by shifting special lens elements in parallel with the perceived movement.
• The internal focusing mechanism allows the front of the lens to remain stationary and to easily accommodate specialty filters, such as
polarizing filters.
Reviews
great lens - good all rounder, August 29, 2009
By Robin M "robin_M" (CA, United States)
I actually got this lens to upgrade my original lens from the XTi set (which I was able to sell on Craigslist). It was a good upgrade, the zoom was better up to 135mm and the IS is good for picture taking. It is a versatile lens to use on a daily basis. Sometimes when I need to I use my 50mm prime for portraits but most of the time I have this on.
Plasticity body but does feel solid, would have liked it to have more metal on it for $400. There is zoom creep when pointing extemely up or down especially when filters and hood are on. (does not come with a hood - again for $400 really should be part of the package).
Main objective is the picture quality which is very good. Sharp and well saturated with good contrast. I also like the fine focus adjustment ring - nice.
I think this was a good upgrade for the XTi, I do like using it and think it is a fair price when considering other options. For an extra 1 star should come with a hood and have no zoom creep and perhaps a bit more metal in the outer construction. One of the better non L lens.
Great Walk Around Lens, August 15, 2009
By Jonathan R. Beilke (White Bear Lake, MN)
This is a great general purpose walk around lens, and the Image Stabilization is great when hand holding your camera for shooting. Sharp and Fast outdoors, but unfortunately the lens is not fast enough for most indoors photography (unless very well lit). I've usually got this lens on my camera when I'm outdoors and I need an all purpose walk around lens.
Pros:
Fast and Sharp
Image Stabilized
Great range of wide and telephoto lengths
Cons:
Poor low light performance
Gets soft in the outer ranges
