A few user reviews are finally coming through:
I have the new Canon 7D DSLR. I also have both the new efs 18-135mm lens as well as the older ef 28-135mm lens. Today I was testing both and was surprised to find that the newer 18-135mm lens actually focused faster than the older 28-135mm despite the latter having the USM motor. However, the new AF system on the 7D is beautiful. I sold my 40D to get this new camera and am truly happy I did if for nothing other than how fast the new AF system is and how quickly and tightly it locks onto birds in flight. Tomorrow I'll test the two lenses more thoroughly as to focus times and photo quality. Though in my early testing, the older lens did seem to be just a bit sharper. I'll test more thoroughly tomorrow and get back to the forum with my results. I'm an advanced enthusiast in terms of my ability. Hopefully, I'll help you to make a better choice when considering which lens to purchase with this fine new camera.
Okay, here are the results of my own testing of the two lenses on my new Canon 7D. I took a series of photos of various objects in my own back yard. It was about 4pm today, sunny skies, shaded yard. I took about 10 shots of tree bark, statuary, yard art objects, angel statues, etc. As for the focusing, the difference between the two lenses, despite the USM motor on the 28-135mm lens was imperceptible. The 28-135mm IS USM was quieter, however, this didn't seem to me to be an issue. A little quieter, so what? As to picture quality, I was surprised by this. The results were very different from what I had noticed first time I checked out the images. The NEW 18-135mm IS lens blew away the older 28-135 IS USM. The photos were noticeably sharper with leaves, wood, statuary being markedly clearer. The colors, YES, the colors, were far more saturated on the new lens. The difference is vast. The colors from the older 28-135mm IS USM lens were muddy and indistinct by comparison. The colors on the images taken with the new 18-135mm IS lens popped and this even added to the apparent sharpness and distinctness of the objects in the photos. There truly is no real comparison. The Newer Lens is the way to go. It's no contest at all. I compared the images side by side in Adobe Lightroom 2. Looking at the differences... Well, it's time to retire the older 28-135mm lens. My suggestion. Go ahead and purchase the 7D in kit form with the 28-135mm IS USM lens for the extra $200.00. Immediately upon opening the box, take out the lens and put it up for sale on ebay as new, you'll get about $325.00 - $425.00 for it. Put the extra money you make towards the new 18-135mm IS lens and smile! Here's how I tested both lenses: AV setting at f/11, AWB, as jpg images at highest quality settings, all shots taken on a manfrotto tripod. I only wish I was able to post the differences for you to see. What amazed me even more than the sharpness difference was the remarkable difference in color saturation and clarity! Now how this lens will stack up against the new 15-85mm IS USM, I can not say. Will be interesting though. Hope this helps you.
) once I've tried it out with some photos.