| I have owned the "28-105" for over two years and the "L" lens for a
year. Whenever possible, I used the "L" lens; the "28-105" got brought
along only when weight or space was at a premium. I recently bought
the "IS" lens (second-hand) as part of package deal. My intention
was to replace the "28-105" with the "IS" lens as my light-weight alternative
to the "L" lens.
Even before I used the "IS" lens, I noticed how large it was (with the lens hood on, nearly the size of the "L" lens!). Its also a somewhat heavy lens, about 60% the weight of the "L". Soon after acquiring this lens, I took it on a cruise to Alaska (along with the 28-70 "L" and other lenses). In "real" use, the "IS" lens handles well, focuses fast, and produces sharp images; and the "IS" feature really works! The image comparisons on the other pages show that all three lenses can produce sharp images. Clearly, the "IS" and "L" lenses are sharper than the 28-105 lens, but not by much. I've still not decided whether to keep the 28-105 or the "IS" lens (I'll only keep one, along with the "L" lens). |
| EF 28-105/3.5-4.5 USM lens observations:
This lens is quite "compact" compared to the other two lenses. Its slightly faster than the "IS", but slower than the "L" lens. Its cost is about ½ that of the "IS" lens. The 58mm filter size matches that of the similar EF 70-210/3.5-4.5 USM lens (which I also own). |
| EF 28-135/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens observations:
This lens is much larger than the 28-105, and with the hood on, its close to the size of the "L" lens. The "IS" a heavy lens, but still only 60% the weight of the "L". The "IS" feature really works, allowing a decent photo to be taken at 1/30 second. While the "IS" feature works as well or better than advertised, "IS" won't freeze subject motion. Its cost is less than ½ that of the "L" lens. The 72mm filter size matches the EF 80-200/2.8L, EF 20-35/2.8L, EF 200/2.8L and EF 180/3.5L Macro lenses (none of which I own). |
| EF 28-70/2.8L USM lens observations:
This is one large and heavy lens! Its also one fast and sharp lens! Its also one very expensive lene (thanks goodness for the second-hand market!). The 77mm filter size matches the EF 70-200/2.8L USM, EF 300/4.0L USM, EF 20-35/3.5-4.5 USM lenses (all of which I own), and the EF 17-35/2.8L and EF 300/4.0L IS USM lenses. |