Lenses: Canon 18-55mm kit vs 28-105 3.5-4.5 USM II

Cameron

I'm likely going to buy the 30D when it is available. I plan to save for some nicer glass, but in the meantime would I be better served by the kit lens or the EF 28-105 F/3.5-4.5? I already own the latter which I used with my old EOS 10s. Granted, the kit lens is only $100 when purchased with the camera, but I could put that $100 towards something nicer down the road if the 28-105 would serve me well in the meantime.
My suspicion is that the 28-105 is of better quality, albeit lacking the wide-angle of the kit lens. Thoughts?

Jacksmyname

I got the 18-55 with my 20D; not bad for what it is considering the price.
The EF 28-105 f/3.5-4.5 II, which is the mid-range one not the cheapie, was the first lens I bought. Very nice and capable lens for the money, and makes a pretty good walk around lens.

KA0TVO

I have the same gear. Got the kit with the 20D then later the Canon 28-105 3.5-4.5. My copy is very sharp and a great walk about lens. I recently purchased the Tamron 28-75 f2.8. for the extra speed. The 28-105 is great but a little slow for concerts and theatre.

DanielB

true, the 28-105 is muchhhhh better build quality, has pretty fast USM, and is a great all-around starter lense...

however, many times i find myself wanting someing on the much wider end.

the 18-55 and the 1.6 crop make it a 28-88
the 28-105 and the 1.6 make it a 44-168

so you have to figuer out...
A) how wide would you normally shoot
whats the subject matter you wanna shoot
C) do you wanna spend 240 dollars because i recommend the hood that comes with it.

28-105 review, its the MkI but they're practicly the same
18-55 review

i recommend giving the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 a nice hard look. although it can be hard to find a good copy of one.

Scott_Quier

I second the suggestion for the Tamron. I bought one (obviously) and either I got a good one or I don't know any better. My brother also bought one and he is very happy with it.

My brother got the 18-55 when he bought his digital Rebal (the first version). I popped in on my camera (thinking I might be interested in buying it from him) and found it to have significant problems. I handed it back with a thanks.

I know nothing about the 18-105 - never laid eyes on one.

I hope this helps, fear it didn't.

GAUG3

I bought 28-105 recently. However, I am thinking about sending it back because it has a noticeable "squeak" when it attempts to focus. Other than that, it is pretty sharp. Hunts a good bit in low light.

I hate to squat in this thread with my issues of this particular lense. Although I'm a noob to the SLR world, I don't think lenses are suppose to squeak. Or do they?

DanielB

GAUG3 wrote:

Although I'm a noob to the SLR world, I don't think lenses are suppose to squeak. Or do they?

nope, thats a bad thing... send it in. mine's never had any sound at all, its dead-quiet while focusing.