18-55mm USM Version

yoyostock

Hey folks, does anyone own one of these? What are your thoughts on it? I have the regular kit len version (used along with a 20D) and am generally pleased with it (I guess as pleased as I can expect to be with it since it's my only lens for now). I'm taking a little trip down to the Caribbean in about a month and would like a simple walk around lens. But, don't have hundreds of dollars to spend on nicer glass. So, I'm thinking about picking up the USM version. Is that there too insignificant a difference between the kitty lens and the USM that this would be a dumb idea?

TristanP

The USM version has the same optics, so save your pennies for something better.

Blurmore

For 139 dollars....
I'd get 50mm f1.8

Or even a used Sigma or Tamron 90 mm macro, you'll have more fun with either in the islands.

cmason

I am only going by what I have read in reviews here, as I have no experience with either lens...but if I were in your situation, I would not get the USM version, but would go for one of the better lenses in the Canon consumer line up: 28-105 f3.5-4.5II USM. This one sells for $229 vs $139 for the 18-55, so it is more, but not a huge increase. It has longer reach, ring USM (the best), full time manual focusing, etc. And it gets rave reviews for image quality:


http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/10d300dlenses.html#28-105
the-digital-picture.com
FM
photozone

DanielB

cmason wrote:

I am only going by what I have read in reviews here, as I have no experience with either lens...but if I were in your situation, I would not get the USM version, but would go for one of the better lenses in the Canon consumer line up: 28-105 f3.5-4.5II USM. This one sells for $229 vs $139 for the 18-55, so it is more, but not a huge increase. It has longer reach, ring USM (the best), full time manual focusing, etc. And it gets rave reviews for image quality:


http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/10d300dlenses.html#28-105
the-digital-picture.com
FM
photozone

i vote for the 28-105 II USM

yoyostock

Thanks! I'm going to pass on that USM version and find myself something else to play with. I'll certainly check out the 28-105/3.5/4.5. If not, I'm finally get that 50/1.8.