My new lens has arrived!!!!

[Lizziejane]

Just got my 28-135mm IS today - it's time to go play!!!!

My only beef is that I bought it off ebay, it was part of a package on a 30D and the seller already had one of these lenses. However, no owners manual came with it. This is the first lens I have with a distance scale on it, and I haven't a clue how to use it.

Can anyone share with me what it does, and how to use it? Or a website that has the info?

 

[minie_meese]

I am assuming your lens is a Canon lens. I'd go to the Canon web site and see if they have the manual in pdf format.

 

[AZ JazzyJ]

You also might try theusermanualsite.com they have a lot of manuals for a lot of things.

Jeff

 

[jann1033]

the manual isn't much help...it says ..
the infinity distance mark( the line of white numbers ending in the infinity symbol.) is to compensate for shifting of infinity focus point that results from changes in temp...to ensure accurate focus look through the viewfinder and check the focus( well duh). the normal temperature position is the point where the vertical line of the L mark is aligned with the distance indicator on the distance scale...clear as mud to me. i assume the L mark is the long line right before the infinity symbol. the red marks above the scale are for infrared...if you understand how to use the first set of lines for hyperfocus points please post...it might not be the same thing???????

 

[mabas9395]

I wouldn't worry too much about the distance scale. The only time I ever use mine is when I want to set the focus to infinity (for fireworks or the moon, etc). If you like using the hyperfocal distance when focusing is when it comes in most handy. Read more about it here. http://www.dofmaster.com/hyperfocal.html

BTW, I'm pretty sure that the canon website doesn't have a manual for this lens.

One last thing, I highly recommend getting the hood for this lens. A very, very useful accessory.

 

[Lizziejane]

thanks everyone. Jann...very helpful...absolutely clear as mud to me now too!!

mabas9395 - already have it! Bought that on ebay too and it arrived before the lens did. Now I just need to get out with the darn thing and shoot!

 

[ChesapeakeTechie]

Oooh can you post some pics? I have a Digital Rebel XT and have been looking at the IS lenses. How did you decide between this and the others available?

 

[Lizziejane]

ChesapeakeTechie, I will try to post some this weekend. I haven't had an opportunity to spend any real time with it yet.

I was waffling between the 28-135 and the 17-80 (or is it 85)? DH likes to shoot wide; I like to get in close, so we were at odds on the choice. Reviews for both lenses were fairly positive, and price was very close.

The deciding factor was finding the great deal on ebay. Here in Canada, the regular price is $800 although I've found one retailer listing at $630. 13% tax NOT included. Ebay, new in the box, including shipping, was $400 Cdn. It was a good enough deal to make the decision for me!

And for the few minutes I spent with it yesterday, I LOVE having the extra reach over the kit lens, without having to switch to the 70-300. I think I'm going to really like this new addition!

 

[Lizziejane]

I officially LOVE this lens! I took these this evening at the local park.

 

[DVC Jen]

Nice photos! Glad you are liking your new lens. I love my 28-135 as well. Use it more than any other that I have. Ya know - if your hubby starts really really getting into photography - ya just may have to go and get another one. Ya may start fighting over this lens.

 

[ChesapeakeTechie]

Is this an EF or EF-S lens? I don't really know the difference, are the EF-S series designed for the DSLRs specifically?
Care to comment on this lens vs. the standard lens that comes with the Digial Rebel / XT?

Thanks!

 

[Lizziejane]

It's an EF lens - to be honest, I have no idea what an EF S lens is!

This lens definitely appears to give me sharper images. Not that I couldn't get sharp with the kit lens, but the majority was on the softer side and when I did get a really sharp image it was almost a shock. It could be my imagination, but I could swear the colors are richer this new lens too. And being a "zoom" queen, I LOVE the extra reach. I forget I have the new lens on, and go to zoom, and then it's like a shock at just how much closer I can get now. My only regret was putting this purchase off for so long.

Ok, this one is now stricken off the list. Next up - 100mm macro....

 

[Lizziejane]

Nice photos! Glad you are liking your new lens. I love my 28-135 as well. Use it more than any other that I have. Ya know - if your hubby starts really really getting into photography - ya just may have to go and get another one. Ya may start fighting over this lens.

Well we've been kicking the "second body" option around for a little while. if we go that route, I'd pick the packaged 30D with the 17-85, I'd take the 30D, switch lenses with him, then we'd both be perfectly content!