Canon 17-85mm, 18-135mm or Sigma 18-200mm

c22w1

c22w1

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Chris
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Hi
My current walkabout lens on my Canon 7D is the 17-85mm IS which I am very pleased with, however I quite often find I would like just that little more reach but I dont want that at the expense of IQ.
So does anyone have experience of the above lens against the Canon 18-135mm IS or Sigma 18-200mm OS please? (I still want image stabilisation).
I have even thought about the Sigma 18-250mm OS or Tamron 18-270mm VC but I think that either of those two would be pushing the boundries too far and IQ would suffer?
I dont have a problem buying used equipment off fleabay and my budget is around £200.
Or are there any alternatives that maybe suitable?
Thank you
 
c22w1 said:
Hi
My current walkabout lens on my Canon 7D is the 17-85mm IS which I am very pleased with, however I quite often find I would like just that little more reach but I dont want that at the expense of IQ.
So does anyone have experience of the above lens against the Canon 18-135mm IS or Sigma 18-200mm OS please? (I still want image stabilisation).
I have even thought about the Sigma 18-250mm OS or Tamron 18-270mm VC but I think that either of those two would be pushing the boundries too far and IQ would suffer?
I dont have a problem buying used equipment off fleabay and my budget is around £200.
Or are there any alternatives that maybe suitable?
Thank you
Click to expand...

Hi Chris

Not sure re the Canon 18-135IS, but the Canon 28-135IS is a great lens and certainly worth a look at - I've had one in the past and loved it. You should be able to pick one up 2nd hand within your budget, alternatively if you can stretch a little, Kerso (seller on here) has a new one for £239

http://www.flashcamera.co.uk/canon-ef-28-135mm-f-3-5-5-6-is-usm-autofocus-lens-white-box/

If you opt for one of the superzooms - 18-250, 18-270 lenses, I think you are going to suffer with the IQ...
 
I had a Sigma 18-200 when I had a crop camera (400d), and whilst the lens was extremely convenient as a walk about option, the IQ definitely did suffer. Slow to focus, suffers terrible zoom creep if you tipped the camera at all (which Sigma told me was sighing their tolerance), lack of contrast and not hugely sharp at any aperture (but not really soft either, a definite average). The only upside was that it was very cheap for a brand new lens, sourced from Jessops, but it showed in the results.
 
andyred said:
Hi Chris

Not sure re the Canon 18-135IS, but the Canon 28-135IS is a great lens and certainly worth a look at - I've had one in the past and loved it. You should be able to pick one up 2nd hand within your budget, alternatively if you can stretch a little, Kerso (seller on here) has a new one for £239

http://www.flashcamera.co.uk/canon-ef-28-135mm-f-3-5-5-6-is-usm-autofocus-lens-white-box/


If you opt for one of the superzooms - 18-250, 18-270 lenses, I think you are going to suffer with the IQ...
Click to expand...

I never thought of the 28-135mm IS. I have looked at images taken with it on Flickr and the IQ certainly does stand up well and is what I am looking for although I will lose a little of the short end.

Just as I thought about the superzooms and will give them a wide berth.

Thank you very much for your reply
 
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c22w1 said:
I never thought of the 24-135mm IS (didnt know there was one). I have looked at images taken with it on Flickr and the IQ certainly does stand up well and is what I am looking for although I will lose a little of the short end. Also had a look on Ebay but they seem like they maybe pretty rare so I may have to stretch myself for the new lens on the link you supplied. Just as I thought about the superzooms and will give them a wide berth.

Thank you very much for your reply
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Your welcome.

Don't forget it's the 28-135 IS lens and if you contact Ian (Kerso) I'm sure you get a slight discount from TP. You'll still have the other lens for the wider angle you'll be missing.

Any more questions, ask away ...
 
The 18-135 IS is very good.

I can post up some images taken with it if you want? Personally, I prefer it to the 28-135 I used, though the 28-135 was better built... 28 at the 'wide' end just wasn't wide enough for me for a "do it all" lens but will be for some.
 
odd jim said:
The 18-135 IS is very good.

I can post up some images taken with it if you want? Personally, I prefer it to the 28-135 I used, though the 28-135 was better built... 28 at the 'wide' end just wasn't wide enough for me for a "do it all" lens but will be for some.
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Hello Jim
That would be great if you would please. I bought the 17-85 IS and now that I need to replace it I would prefer to make the right decision about my next lens so that I dont have to rebuy again in the future. So pictures that I can view and opinions of people that have used each lens is invaluable to me.
Thank you
 
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c22w1 said:
Hello Jim
That would be great if you would please. I bought the 17-85 IS and now that I need to replace it I would prefer to make the right decision about my next lens so that I dont have to rebuy again in the future. So pictures that I can view and opinions of people that have used each lens is invaluable to me.
Thank you
Click to expand...

No probs, here's a few. I've tried to use a variation to show how flexible this little thing is:

Taken in very low light, here is where the excellent IS system comes into its own!

Andy Fleming by Odd Jim, on Flickr


Clock tower detail by Odd Jim, on Flickr


Atlantic from Cape Cornwall by Odd Jim, on Flickr


Lands End Landscape by Odd Jim, on Flickr


Harbour by Odd Jim, on Flickr
 
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+1 on the 18-135, it's a great lens, especially when you shoot raw & run pictures through DPP for automatic corrections.
 
I like the look of the 18-135mm lens but seeing as I will be buying new would I be better to get the new STM version? I have read that the IQ has been improved along with quieter focussing etc, would it be worth the extra money? The STM can be bought for £250ish.
 
I'm using the 18-135mm IS STM which is even better than its predecessor, sharper better built and much faster focusing
 
I find it better its defiately sharper and focus much faster only about 60 quid more on eBay if you don't mind grey imports, I'm away at moment but if you message me I will find out the supplier for you, he. Has good reputation
 
ive had the 18-135 on my 60d for a year and it was a great lens - used it everywere.. only just replaced with primes and a 17-50 tamron - its for sale if your interested !
 
it will be going on the forum this weekend at £180 which is less than they sell for on ebay (given fees) should add any offers etc will need to go on that thread
 
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