EF-S 18-135 IS lens enough?

[Harpo63]

I just upgraded from the powershot point-n-clicks to my first DSLR. PIcked up a T2i with the "new" kit lens, the 18-135. Store owner says that for most of what I want (I enjoy travel and landscape photography) this lens is good- better quality than the usual kit composing of a prime and a zoom lens. Yet, I have not been able to find anything on this lens on this site. Is it too new to review?

We are headed to Juneau this summer for a vacation and am wondering if a second lens should be considered?

[OsmosisStudios]

The 18-135 is the kit lens for the 7D. Its built to a higher spec than the 18-55 lens that is usually the kit lens for the rebel bodies.

I dont know what "kit" the shop was referring to that has a zoom and a prime. None of Canon's kits are like that.

Depending on what you want to take pictures of, that lens should cover the vast majority of your needs. When I was in Alaska I used two lenses predominently: a 10-24 and a 70-300. Usually at the extreme ends. You may want to look at renting a lens, perhaps a 100-400.

[Harpo63]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

The 18-135 is the kit lens for the 7D. Its built to a higher spec than the 18-55 lens that is usually the kit lens for the rebel bodies.

I dont know what "kit" the shop was referring to that has a zoom and a prime. None of Canon's kits are like that.

Depending on what you want to take pictures of, that lens should cover the vast majority of your needs. When I was in Alaska I used two lenses predominently: a 10-24 and a 70-300. Usually at the extreme ends. You may want to look at renting a lens, perhaps a 100-400.

You're right, the 18-135 lens is for the 7D. It was explained at the camera store that Canon has put together a kit package for stores like them as an incentive that is not offered elsewhere. The T2i package advertised on sale had the 15-85 lens with a choice of either the 55-250 IS or 75-300. A similar combination is also available at places like Best Buy and Costco. The speciality kits only offered to the camera stores has the T2i matched with some of the 7D features, primarily the lens. This is supposed to draw customers to the store for better quality kit combination vs what the big box stores can offer.

I didn't know you could rent lenses... thats worth checking out since we will be in Alaska for a week.

[OsmosisStudios]

You mentioned the store's sale was for a kit with "comprising of a prime and a zoom lens". None of the lenses you mentioned are primes.

[asoupley]

I have that 18-135 on my T1i and I love it. Sure, it's not L glass, but it is still a great lens. I found it to be the perfect walkaround lens for vacation... there are two things I dont like about it though... no zoom lock (it creeps when it hangs down), and no USM. Didn't think I had a need for USM when I bought the lense, but now I really wish I had it.

[Harpo63]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

You mentioned the store's sale was for a kit with "comprising of a prime and a zoom lens". None of the lenses you mentioned are primes.

My bad. Im still learning the terminology. sorry!

[inkista]

As everyone's telling you, the 18-135 is a step up over the 18-55 kit lens and optically better than the 18-200, but there are better (read: more expensive) lenses out there. The 18-135 is still more on the "bargain" side of the fence. I don't think you wasted your money, though.

DPS isn't as much of a gear site as it's a technique site. If you want reviews on the lens and samples, you might want to hit the following links:

• Digital Picture review
  
• Photozone.de lab results
  
• Bob Atkins review
  
• Photo.net review
  
• POTN 18-135 samples This is actually the important one, as it's based on real-world usage from multiple shooters, not so much the chart squinting and looking at the lens from a pro perspective of someone who can afford a bunch of L lenses in their bag. Make sure you get to the last few pages of the thread where more folks who have the lens join the discussion.

[tlake55]

I have that lens, came with my 7D...it is OK...for me I need way more reach. I just rented the Canon 100-400L from rentglass.com. I haven't received the lens yet but it seems to be a pretty simple process, and it's only costing me $71 incuding the shipping (rental for a week/7 days). I photo the kids, wildlife, auto racing, sometimes just stuff If you are going to Alaska I would definitely recommend a longer lens, rental is not a bad idea...then you will get an idea if you like the lens before you spend the big bucks (that is my plan). Maybe try the 70-300?...it will give you more reach but it isn't quite as big as the 100-400, and with the EF 18-135 you will have a pretty big range

[Harpo63]

Thanks guys for the links and info. The rental option for a longer lens is very appealing right now especially for Alaska and its wildlife. How many times do you get to go there! Its good to know my lens will do for most situations.