2 lenses ....which is the better for me: I am looking for a lens and have narrowed it down to the Canon 70-200 F/4 L USM and the Canon EF 28-135mm F/3.5-5.6 IS USM. The 70-200 is not...

Moray Loc: East Coast Canada

I am looking for a lens and have narrowed it down to the Canon 70-200 F/4 L USM and the Canon EF 28-135mm F/3.5-5.6 IS USM.
The 70-200 is not the IS model.
I want a lens to be ready for a shot of a building , a car, a person etc just a general walk around lens. I lean to the 28-135 for the IS but it is not a L lens and for close to te same money I can get the 70-200 L but not IS. Does anyone use this lens for handheld shooting and with what results.
Is the quality of the L lens twice as great as the non L lens?
I do not want to have to tripod up all the time but would I get great quality pics with the 28-135? I did search the forum and didn't see too much on the 28-135.
Thanks for your valued informtion .

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

Why would you be concerned that a lens is not an L, I don't have one check my site, what I do have is a 28-135 Canon

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

I still have the 28-135 from way back, just have not used it for a looong time. It is actually a decent performer with a very nice, usable range, but the 70-200 will blow it away. I don't think you'll need to worry, not having IS, even it is nice to have. You'll be much happier with the results.

haroldross Loc: Walthill, Nebraska

Are you using a cropped frame or full frame camera? The 70-200mm is a very sharp lens and the color and contrast is better than the 28-135mm.

The problem is that you would be limited on taking photos of buildings or cars since it is a mid telephoto lens. The 28-135mm would be the better walk around lens for what you are describing.

Moray Loc: East Coast Canada

JR1 wrote:

Why would you be concerned that a lens is not an L, I don't have one check my site, what I do have is a 28-135 Canon

JR1 It is not a big concern though in the Canon line, L glass is the top. But not to say another lens can take great shots.
I believe as it stands the IS is more of a concern and having a 60d cropped body the 28 mm would be more suited at this time.
After seeing your pictures I will be pleased with this lens.

Moray Loc: East Coast Canada

speters wrote:

I still have the 28-135 from way back, just have not used it for a looong time. It is actually a decent performer with a very nice, usable range, but the 70-200 will blow it away. I don't think you'll need to worry, not having IS, even it is nice to have. You'll be much happier with the results.

Yes I was thinking the quaility would be great. I may end up having to buy both.

Moray Loc: East Coast Canada

haroldross wrote:

Are you using a cropped frame or full frame camera? The 70-200mm is a very sharp lens and the color and contrast is better than the 28-135mm.

The problem is that you would be limited on taking photos of buildings or cars since it is a mid telephoto lens. The 28-135mm would be the better walk around lens for what you are describing.

Yes I have a 60d and realize I will be very limited with the 70mm.
I know for what I am looking for the 28-135 would be better suited but I so want to own the 70-200.
I need more money

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Moray wrote:

I may end up having to buy both.

If you think you'll end up owning both of the lenses in the current discussion, get the 24-105mm f/4L IS instead as he's about the same price of the two lenses combined although you'll lose the reach of the 70-200. The 70-200 is a steal new or used in terms of quality vs cost.

mariak Loc: Las Cruces, New Mexico USA

Moray wrote:

I am looking for a lens and have narrowed it down ... (show quote)

I have the 70-200 f4 for my Canon system and use it handheld a lot, it's not IS but that never seemed a problem. I'm a little old lady that wanders around in the desert and I would imagine if I can hold it steady anyone ca. Buff, I am not.
it's a lovely lens.
mariak

Moray Loc: East Coast Canada

CHG_CANON wrote:

If you think you'll end up owning both of the lenses in the current discussion, get the 24-105mm f/4L IS instead as he's about the same price of the two lenses combined although you'll lose the reach of the 70-200. The 70-200 is a steal new or used in terms of quality vs cost.

I looked at the 24-105 first and it is just what I want. But I also want the zoom also. I will have to do some more thinking for sure

Moray Loc: East Coast Canada

mariak wrote:

I have the 70-200 f4 for my Canon system and use it handheld a lot, it's not IS but that never seemed a problem. I'm a little old lady that wanders around in the desert and I would imagine if I can hold it steady anyone ca. Buff, I am not.
it's a lovely lens.
mariak

That is good to hear about the lens Mariak. You are leaning toward this lens. I am old and getting a bit shaky also. Do you ever get lost in the desert?

FredB Loc: A little below the Mason-Dixon line.

On an APS-C body, the 70-200 will be cramped. Get the 24-105 as Chg_Canon has suggested. Then get the 70-200 for Christmas, used, for about $450.

Nightski

Moray wrote:

Yes I have a 60d and realize I will be very limited with the 70mm.
I know for what I am looking for the 28-135 would be better suited but I so want to own the 70-200.
I need more money

Me too. :( More money :thumbup:

mariak Loc: Las Cruces, New Mexico USA

Moray wrote:

That is good to hear about the lens Mariak. You are leaning toward this lens. I am old and getting a bit shaky also. Do you ever get lost in the desert?

Moray,
Never been lost yet, but I seldom wander into areas I am not familiar with At least most of the time. The drought has brought some of the animals down from the mountains looking for water so a bit of care is in order. I also carry a 1.4 extender in my pocket for the times I see a hawk or something. I am going to start carrying a monopod I think for my shakier days and to scare the snakes.
It's a nice lens and my only piece of L glass.
Good luck
mariak

02Nomad Loc: Catonsville, MD

The 28-135 was one of my first lenses. I had also acquired along the way a 70-300 4.5-5.6; they both served me well for a long time on my crop sensor cameras. Eventually, I got the 24 - 105 f4L and a 20 f2.8. The 28-135 sat unused, so I sold it and got the 85 f1.8. Initially, the 28-135 was my walk around lens.