T3i - Kit EF-S 18-135mm IS or EF IS USM 28 - 135 mm F/3.5-5.6

[ro76]

I'm planning to get a T3i as a new entrant to the DSLR world.

Everyone says that the kit lenses are poor and that even a newboie will want to upgrade soon, so I'm thinking of buying a body only and a better lens.

I'm looking at the EF IS USM 28 - 135 mm F/3.5-5.6. There seems to be good value on ebay buying these lenses from 7D kit owners who are upgrading.

Is this a viable option, or should I be considering others?

Thanks

 

[MLeeK]

It's another kit lens. For quality they are about the same. The nicer thing about the 28-135 is that there is more reach and that keeps you more content as you start out.

 

[ro76]

OK. It seems better spec'd and better built than the similar T3i kit lens for about the same price. I thought it would be a better starter lens.

 

[thierry]

Well I would agree with Mleek... The 28-135 is a good choice and can give you added reach like he said.. You can pick one up used for a pretty decent price here: Amazon.com: Used and New: Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Standard Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras

 

[greenjeans]

I personally don't think you are going to see much difference in image quality between the 18-135 and the 28-135. The 28-135 does have faster focusing and full time manual focusing. The 18mm wide end is much better on the crop body.

 

[jaomul]

^^^^ that. I bought the 28-135mm initially with my crop camera and soon sold it. It be great as a complementary lens but restricted at wide end, I'd go with the 18-135mm lens