First post Hello and... yep - a question!

[Bullsprig]

Hello all! Glad to have just found this site. Pretty cool! Of course I found it trying to solve an "issue" I am currently having...

The background:

I have an XTi and Tamron 17-50 (great lens!). Just getting back to SLR and last venture was EOS Rebel. Sometimes I find the 17-50 length limiting. For nature/sports/etc I want to get the 70-200 but that will be down the road as the old 75-300 is getting me by for now. I want a general walk around/vacation/etc. lens to fill the gap between the 17-50 and 70-200. Given the current budget, and a deal I have pending, I was thinking the 28-135 IS or maybe the Tamron 24-135. The prints will be < 8x10, mostly 4x6. I am picky but don't expect this to be an L.

The question:

Your thoughts?

Thanks in advance folks!

[claudermilk]

I'm not real familiar with those lenses, but can point you at some review pages:

Canon 28-135:
http://www.photodo.com/product_176.html
http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/lenses/canon_28135_3556_is/index.htm

Tamron 24-135
http://www.photodo.com/product_546.html (I have to disagree with the "take to a concert" comment on the review--this lens is way too slow for that)
http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/lenses/tamron_24135_3556/index.htm

[gryphonslair99]

Removed. Sorry, misread the OP's post.

[davev]

I have a long list of lenses, including the Tamron 17-50 F2.8.
I use a Tamron 18-200 for a light weight walkaround lens. At the longer end it's not great, but it's still there. If you're looking to print less than 8X10's, this lens may work out for you.

For that matter, Tamron just came out with a 18-250 lens that I've read is just as good as the 18-200.

Good luck in your quest.

[Bullsprig]

Thanks all - appreciate the advice!

Good point - I think I am going to mind that gap for a while... and focus on the 70-200. And www.slrgear.com (http://www.slrgear.com) has a pretty good rating on that 18-200.

[claudermilk]

Huh, I didn't know about that slrgear site. Looks interesting, though the summary format is an exact ripoff of the FM reviews summary--wonder if Fred knows about these guys?

[dangin]

i too would have to reccommend the tamron 18-200 or 18-250 for a general lens.