This report briefly summarizes my review of four moderate range consumer zooms for Canon autofocus cameras. I compared the performance of several consumer zooms lenses against each other as well as Canon L-zooms and Canon prime lenses.

A full-frame Image Stabilizer, the Canon 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS ($410, street) is sold both separately and as part of high-end Canon EOS 30D and 40D kits (adding only $200). We tested it years ago as a full-framer, but we wanted to see how it performs on the 40D's APS-sized sensor.

This lens looks on the surface to be a great all-purpose lens, and at first the pictures looked a step up from my Canon PowerShot A720IS 8MP Digital Camera with 6x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom. It has image stabilization, and a good range, I thought it would be a good general purpose lens.

Though not the image quality desired for PRO use, this lens is very capable for the hobbyist. Close work with average to good lighting has resulted in some clear quality images with my Canon 40D. I was not as pleased with the far range as the focus seems soft.

Consistent Output; Easily Interchangeable; Good amature lens; Lightweight; Quick Focus

Not weatherdust sealed; Soft focus at far range

Though not the image quality desired for PRO use, this lens is very capable for the hobbyist. Close work with average to good lighting has resulted in some clear quality images with my Canon 40D. I was not as pleased with the far range as the focus seems soft.

Consistent Output; Easily Interchangeable; Good amature lens; Lightweight; Quick Focus

Not weatherdust sealed; Soft focus at far range

Though not the image quality desired for PRO use, this lens is very capable for the hobbyist. Close work with average to good lighting has resulted in some clear quality images with my Canon 40D. I was not as pleased with the far range as the focus seems soft.

Consistent Output; Easily Interchangeable; Good amature lens; Lightweight; Quick Focus

Not weatherdust sealed; Soft focus at far range

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM was first released in mid 1998 and was one of Canon's first lenses to incorporate an Image Stabilization technology. Priced at about US$450 (as of April 2007) the lens is clearly positioned for the entry level market with appeal to amateurs purchasing their first...

If you are on a budget, but want an overall good lens that will give you sharp pictures for the price, then this is the lens to buy. If you can only purchase one lens go with one with image stabilization (IS) you will be happier and have fewer blurry pictures.

Wide range of zoom positions and has IS

Not great for low light pictures

There's a lot packed into this compact lens, starting with a generous 4.8x zoom range that covers the entire gamut of frequently-used focal lengths for full-frame photography.

Great all-rounder

Cheeky "macro" designation

The AF mechanism is internal and employs an efficient (USM) that leaves the focusing ring undisturbed in automatic mode but with the option of full-time manual focusing intervention if this is required.

Great all-rounder

Cheeky "macro" designation