I am planning to buy a Canon EOS 33 (Elan 7 without Eye Control) body shortly and am still considering which zoom lens I should purchase to go with it.

It would be used for general picture-taking, mostly outdoor/travel, but also people/portrait shots. I had chosen the 28-135mm IS over a 28-200 lens due to the perceived better optical quality (less of a compromise), but recently I learned of the apparently successful Tamron 24-135. Judging from the posts on photographyreview.com, users seem to find it very sharp, which is not always the case with the Canon lens.

How do the two compare in terms of sharpness and consistency of quality? And are there any other points I should consider which make the Canon worthy/unworthy of the extra 100-200 dollars?

Thank you for your views.

-- Gediminas Pateckas (gediminas@mail.lt), April 23, 2002

Answers

You won't be disapointed with either lens. They are both very sharp for consumer zoom lenses. The Tamron goes to 24mm. The Canon adds Image Stabilization, Full Time Manual focusing and faster auto focusing.

-- Jim Strutz (j.strutz@gci.net), April 23, 2002.

Thanks Jim.

The decision has hardly become easier after your comment:)

However, I think I will opt for the Canon. Primarily because of IS.

-- Gediminas Pateckas (gediminas@mail.lt), April 24, 2002.

I also suggest getting the optional EW-78B II hood as an essential accessory.

-- Julian Loke (elan7e-owner@yahoogroups.com), April 24, 2002.

Julian - I am planning to get the hood as I understand there will be a flare problem even with an external flash.

I will not be original, however, in saying that Canon should include the hood with the lens like Tamron does.

-- Gediminas Pateckas (gediminas@mail.lt), April 24, 2002.

Yes, but Canon's marketing plan is so much better. Since they charge extra for the hood, they have that much more to pour into research & development for the benefit of us all.

I just wish I could believe this when I type it. :~)

-- Jim Strutz (j.strutz@gci.net), April 24, 2002.