Am I crazy for thinking this?

[Hyperblaze]

I have a DSLR Rebel XSi and just recently purchased a Canon EF 28-135MM/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens for it. I plan on taking a lot of action shots (read: sports) in the future.

Just this past weekend I was the second photographer at a wedding shoot. I found that I could of used a wide angle lens to make several of my shots easier on me. I did have my 18-55mm lens (which originally came with my camera) but I would of hated switching back and forth constantly.

I'm considering buying a Canon EF-S 18-200MM 3.5-5.6 IS LENS for an "all-purpose" lens when I'm not shooting sports and using the 28-135 for when I don't need wide-angle and want really sharp images.

is this a good idea or just flat out....bad?

 

[jpeyton]

Both those lenses are variable-aperture consumer zooms. But you are correct about 28mm not being wide enough on an APS-C camera. Ditch the 28-135mm altogether and stick with the 18-200mm, because there isn't really a huge difference in optical quality between them.

If you want better quality action photos, pick up a 70-200mm f/4L or f/2.8L.

 

[996GT2]

The 28-135 isn't really one of Canon's really sharp lenses. Compare it to a good prime like an 85mm f/1.8 stopped down to f/2.8 and you'll see that it's much worse.

 

[GodlessAstronomer]

Aaahh yeah, it's crazy to want completely overlapping focal length when neither of the lenses is really remarkably better than the other.

 

[soydios]

Originally posted by: GodlessAstronomer
Aaahh yeah, it's crazy to want completely overlapping focal length when neither of the lenses is really remarkably better than the other.

^ this

Also what jpeyton said: 70-200mm f/4 for sports, or maybe the 70-300 IS if you want more reach?

 

[Zenmervolt]

Have you considered a non-Canon lens? For an "all-around" lens, Tamron's 18-270 has been getting favorable reviews and it should cost less than Canon's superzoom offering. Optically rather impressive given what it is. The focus is admittedly a little slow, but it's not the right lens to choose for sports anyway. For an "all purpose" superzoom, it's as good as anything out there.

A 70-200 f/4 lens is a great starter for sports, though sometimes if you look around enough you can find good deals on 70-200 f/2.8 lenses which offer even more flexibility.

ZV