Walking around& portrait lens

[rosburg]

I want to get general purpose lens, something to walk around with and shoot portraits. I was thinking about Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM for my XSi. Can someone tell me what they think of this lens or give me other option. Thank you.

[OsmosisStudios]

Generally speaking "walk-around" and "portraits" are mutually exclusive. The 28-135 is a great option for walk around (though you lose the wide end, it being a 44 equivalent). For portraits, I'd recommend a fast prime: 50 f/1.8, 85 f/1.8, etc.

[candleman]

i use a 24-70 f/2.8 as my "one lens does all" and it does a good job.
occasionally i do find it lacking in the telephoto department whilst at events.. but hey.. you have to walk with a prime, so why not walk a little with a zoom too.