from 28-135 IS to... the new 24-70 f4 or 24-105?

[Bruce75]

HI,
I have the 28-135 that I use for video, but also for stills.
The quality of my copy is pretty decent (also thanks to lightroom CA very good correction), but definitely is not at the professional grade.
What do you think is better?
1) sell the 28-135 and buy the 24-105
2) sell the 28-135 and buy the new 24-70 f4 (no 105, but better macro, sharpenss and IS then solution 1)
3) just buy the 24-70 f4 and use it for stills, while using the old 28-135 for video and as a backup

What do you think?
thanks

Stefano

 

[mariusx1]

Since you apparently have enough money (~$1600) for option #3, here's another option:

Sell the 28-135, buy either the 24-70mm f/4 or 24-105mm f/4 and a fast prime or two (50mm 1.8, 50mm 1.4, 85mm 1.8). That'll give you decent range plus additional low light capability if you need it. Plus, you might find you like shooting with primes!

As far as the debate between the 24-70 f/4 and the 24-105 f/4, you might want to wait for some reviews of the 24-70. To me, it seems a bit pricey compared to some of the other options, but the price will probably come down a bit over time.

 

[Bruce75]

I have fast primes and that's why I don't want to invest in zoom.
Usually i go with 2 bodies sometimes with 2 primes and other times with a zoom (that covers in case I can't move) and a prime (35 inside and 85 outside).
for small prints the 28-135 is ok and it's also very good (for the focal range) with video, but I've found that if I want to be sharp starting from 5,6 to f11 (the studio situation) it is not enough.
Both the 24-70 and the 24-105 should be suitable and I can buy them.
or go even cheaper and buy the (two times) old 28-70...

 

[robbymack]

How about the tamron 24-70 f2.8? It has IS so good for video and also has f2.8 for low light. Best of both world and still cheaper than the new f4 canon zoom.

 

[Bruce75]

Before going to tammy I would know:
how are the borders, maybe not at f 2.8; but at f 5.6 I want them damn good;
and what about the autofocus? is it reliable and enough fast?

 

[robbymack]

bruce

i only rented a copy of the tamron for a weekend alongside the 24-70ii so my experience may not be as great as some, and since no one has hands on a 24-70 f4 the rest is speculation on my part. What I can tell you is that compared to your 28-135 you won't be disappointed with the tamron. Its sharper than any 24-70 f2.8 mark i I have ever used and it's $1000 cheaper than the 24-70ii. The 24-70ii is sharper across the range than the tamron, but I wouldn't call it twice as sharp which is what it should be for twice the price. I suspect the 24-70 f4 you are considering will be likely as sharp as the Tamron, but you lose the f2.8. AF does feel a tad bit slow when compared to the 24-70ii, and it does struggle a bit more in low light, but then again you have primes to cover that issue. I would say for a GP zoom it is probably the best bet right right now. You get the f2.8 advantage over the 24-105 and it has the IS advantage over the 24-70ii, and while canon says you can have a 24-70 f4 maybe by christmas I'm going to guess the normal canon production delays will end up tossing it into february.

Personally I am holding out for a price drop on the tammy to closer to $1100 before pulling the trigger. In the mean time I picked up a nice copy of a 24-105 on craigslist a few months back for a little less than $700 and if I ever want to sell it I won't lose much if any value. Heck if the 24-70 f4 is not that great I may even make a little money on that lens.