« I Almost Bought a Lens... »

That’s right, almost.
We managed to have a night off from running chickadees to various ECAs (extra-curricular activities), and I jumped on the chance to drag the wiz to Henrys to peruse their lenses.
Particularly the CANON EF 28-135MM/3.5-5.6 IS USM and the CANON EF 24-105MM F4 L IS USM LENS

For a moment, ignore the fact that there’s a $600 difference between the lenses. This is going to be my *everyday* lens. The one I reach for like a best friend, whenever things get tough. The one that’s going to be taking atleast 75% of all my photos. I can *justify* an extra $600, just give me enough time and incentive.

In fact, I was almost 100% convinced to go with the 24-105, and asked Brian (the smart photo guy behind the counter) to get me the real lens, in the box, so I could bond. Alas, they were out of stock. WHAT!?!?!? Henrys was out of stock on what could arguably be one of the most popular lenses for Canon? WHAT!?!?!?!? 5 days to get one in? In this day and age when I can have something FedEx’d overnight, they stuck with 5 days? Do you know what could happen in 5 days?? I could find another lens. How about an option to have something not in stock FedEd’d to the customer’s house?

Sigh. Alas, no sale was made. In fact, I’m now reconsidering everything. I might go back to the 28-135. In fact, if it’s going to be my everyday lens, and is going to take the most beatings and wear and tear, maybe I don’t want that for a $1200 lens. See - I can justify just about anything. And where to buy it? Maybe Craigslist.

:-)
Technorati Tags: Henrys, Canon, Lens, Craigslist, Federal Express

Comments

[Roland Tanglao]

i have had the 28-135mm f3.5 USM lens for 4 years now. Works great with my Canon 20D. I wish it had f2.8 but what can you do? In lenses you get what you pay for seemingly. Luckily the 20D has ISO3200 so f3.5 is not much of a hinderance.

[jules]

Thanks Roland!
I'm finding it hard to even find a used 28-135 f3.5 now.... i might have to buy it new!!! ;-)

cheers,
jules

[josh]

Why not EF 28-90MM/F4-5.6 USM ($180) ? For me, F4 is a good reason. I had an opportunity to once use a 70-200MM L series. F2.8, wow. Here are some options in your focal length range which are on their web site and may have been missing from the store display, but remember that a prime (single focal length) lense will be much lighter to carry.

CANON EF 24-70MM F2.8L USM $1450 (a couple stops better, loses Image Stabilization as compared to CANON EF 24-105MM F4 L IS USM LENS $1300 (trades off a couple stops for Image Stabilization)

TAMRON DI 28-75MM D F2.8 XR CANON $530

SIGMA 28-70MM 2.8 EX DG CANON (67MM) $400

or lots of light, little price:
CANON EF 50MM/1.8 AF II $130

Aside: I adore this tutorial http://web.canon.jp/imaging/enjoydslr/index.html (now done in Flash).

[jules]

Thanks Josh!
I've totally got to get a 2.8 Tamron - that's next ;-)