A Different "Best Lens" quesion

[radiorickm]

I am official looking for a new lens (CANON EF type). (Carry around, probably 28-135~)

We all know the reputation of the L Lens. But honestly, it's just not in my price range yet.

So the question I pose to ya'll is this:
Is there any other division in the Canon lens line, other than "L", then all the rest.

More specifically, I am looking at some of the USM lens.

Is there any reason to think that a USM lens might be better than a non-USM lens. I understand about the focusing mechanism, but I am asking about optically?

IN other lines, you can look for APO and things like that, but is there a division in Canon thats better than KIT and less than L?

Any toughts???

 

[Overread]

Canon only really has L or others in its EF line up - then you've the EFs which are crop sensor only and then only one or two highly specialist lines after that.

Honestly best thing is to give us an idea of what sort of budget you have to work with - might be that canon don't do the lens, but that Sigma, Tokina or one of the other 3rd party companies has something that would suit your needs.

 

[zdlux]

What do you shoot with right now? And are you set on something with a 100+mm range ( since you mention the 28-135)?

 

[radiorickm]

Well, here's the thing. I live a LONG ways from anywhere. No camera stores anywhere even remotely close. I have been watching Craigs' List, but no luck. So this leaves me to the great E-bay. I have an overwelming fear that I will get a 3rd party lens that is not compatible with my cameras. I know they are reverse engineered and that getting one that won't work is a chance. I have looked at the Tamron and Sigma lens, and am very interested in some of them, above concern aside. This is why I was asking specifically about the Canon, and the USM's.

I would like to spend ~$400.00 or less for now.

 

[zdlux]

Ive had good luck with Sigmas on my canons over the years. I used a 17-70mm f2.8 From Sigma for awhile as my walk around lens. You can swoop them on EBay for between $250-$350.

 

[radiorickm]

I have a EF-S 18-55, a 28-80. 70-300, and I do have a Sigma 28-80.
The zoom range was not set in stone, but looking for someting more appropriatea for portraits generally around 35-50(low) and under 200 long end. In 35mm days, something in the range of 50-150. So I'm looking at the 28-135 USM. I don't want a superzoom, 20-300 type. Limited focal range is ok. even looked at 35-80's.

Like I said, just beginning my research.. BTW, Canon xti, and 40d.

 

[enzodm]

Aiming at portraits, I recently bought a Sigma 50-150/2.8, used. Like other Sigma, may have some frontfocus that can be adjusted by Sigma labs (mine seems to have some at tele end, on short distances). Anyway, I'm glad of it.

 

[scorpion_tyr]

Tamron 28-70 f/2.8 is a great lens with a great reputation. I have a 10-20mm and 10mm fisheye from sigma for my wide angle work that seems to be great! If you're looking for a real "walk-around" lens I suggest the Cannon EF-S 18-135 or if you can find one in your budget a EF-S 18-200. I know the 18-135 is a kit lens, but mine has done some pretty good work. With your cropped sensors that extra 10mm on the wide side compared to the 28-135 is well worth it to me. It gives you great focal length range and not a bad aperture range considering f/5.6 doesn't kick in unil close to the 135mm mark.