18-135 or 28-135

[Zim]

I was told I could get a 7D kit with the 18-135 lens. Which the 18 is great. But just wondering how much the USM will matter. Both have image stabilizers. If I get this I will be putting my Nikon lens on it most of the time,but would like at least one autofocus lens.

So opinions on USM and these lens...thanks

[mhood]

I could be wrong but beyond the quicker, quiter motor, the ability to have the lens switched into AF and just reach up and grab the focus ring and manual focus without stripping gears or damaging the lens is a really nice feature that non-USM lenses don't have. I do know my Tamron warns you against manually twisting the focus ring while the lens is switched into AF.

Again, I'm no expert nor do I have any experience with Canon, so someone please correct me if I'm wrong...

[Zim]

I don't know either but it is a good point what you are saying. I'm thinking 28 on the wide side sucks. 18 is a lot better. The IS is probably more important than the quiet motor

[Uwe Lansing]

I´ll take the 18-135. USM is a bit faster + more quiet, and yes you can use af + manual focus simultaneous. But for me personally its only "a day by day all around range lens". It has a micro motor for af - here a short explanation: http://photo.net/equipment/canon/lens-motors. Good enough for the most photo situations. The rest (video in lowlight...) will be done with my old nikon glasses.

2 first impressions from dpreview:


I just got my 7D with the 18-135 here in Beijing (kit). The lense focuses VERY fast, as fast if not faster then the USM 17-85, which I had used on a 50D, I don't know if this is due ot the new focusing system on the 7D but even without USM, this lenses focuses fine even in dim light. There is however quite a bit of barrel distortion at 18mm however the lenses is overall very sharp, a improvement over the 28-135. I feel its optical quality is as good if not better then the 17-85. Still playing around with it. Will try to get pictures out soon.
I passed on the kit 5 minutes ago with the 18-135.
No USM is a deal breaker for me. I like the manual override.
Also ring USM have far fewer dirt and failure issues.
I also don't need the wide side of the 18-135, I have L glass for that.
I need a good walk about and the 18-135 just didn't do it for me.

[FatDaddy]

I didn't think the 18-135 was an option as a kit lens?

[Uwe Lansing]

I didn't think the 18-135 was an option as a kit lens?

In europe you have the choice between the 15-85 and the 18-135. I don´t really know what are the choices in the us market. Perhaps los americanos can only choose the 28-135 instead of the 18-135? For sure, you can build your own set, but maybe a bit more expensive...

Here a customer review from amazon:


Week after buying Canon T1i camera I went to Mt St Helens National Park and realized how much I need extra zoom. So I ordered the new Canon 18-135IS. My first impressions are very positive:
- The build quality is pretty decent.
- The lens is relatively light and feels pretty balanced on the T1i body.
- Front of the lens doesn't turn during auto focus which is a plus if you use a polarized filter.
- AF is quick and very accurate - it easily finds focus even in dark conditions.
- Image Stabilizer supports horizontal and vertical panning.
- I think sharpness is comparable with the kit 18-55IS (looks like corners are a bit softer).
- Zoom range is perfect for vacation/outdoor photography.
- There is no zoom creep (so far).
- Very smooth bokeh (background blurring)

Few cons:
- No zoom lock.
- Doesn't have USM/full-time manual focus - this is the feature I'd expect in the $500 lens.
- Distortions on the wide end (18-24mm)
- More CA than 18-55IS.

[Zim]

I think it is starting to be in a few places. I was offered it this morning for $1999
Now I have a few minutes to decide!!


I didn't think the 18-135 was an option as a kit lens?

[Uwe Lansing]

I´m pretty amazed at how well this new kit lens 18-135 turns out. The sharpness + colors look really convincing to my eyes (first user shots):

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/7114/truckt.jpg (http://img21.imageshack.us/i/truckt.jpg/)http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/5694/truck100.jpg (http://img24.imageshack.us/i/truck100.jpg/)

http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/1723/masty.jpg (http://img269.imageshack.us/i/masty.jpg/)http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/930/mast100.jpg (http://img12.imageshack.us/i/mast100.jpg/)
http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/5922/hahn.jpg (http://img15.imageshack.us/i/hahn.jpg/)
http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/7617/apfelf.jpg (http://img12.imageshack.us/i/apfelf.jpg/)

(http://img15.imageshack.us/i/hahn.jpg/)