I used the kit lens that came with my 50D this weekend at the zoo and was pretty impressed. The 28-135 is a lot of range that handled everything I needed. I am thinking this may be a pretty good walk around lens for the time being. It may not be as sharp as an "L" lens or the nifty 50 but the pictures look impressive IMO. I used this lens with my XSi because I haven't yet explained my 50D purchase to the wife.

It's my walk around lens, and enough range for shooting from the boat. I really like mine. I'm sure that might change when I get my 70-200 L in May.

Great lens i just bought one before i went to Ireland. My chick hated it when i would walk around with a 70-200L lens. On the other side of that coin you can pretty much go wherever you want with a lens like that people just think you are press/paparazzi...lol

I was wondering the same thing... I am thinking about stepping up to the 40D with the 28-135 and I was wondering if that would be a good enough lense to get good pictures from the boat for the time being.... As it will be my 1st step up to the DSLR. They also have it with the 18-55.... Which route would you go?? It would seem to me that you would get more bang for the buck with the 28-135. Also, where any tips as to where to find the best deal?? I found the 40D w 28-135 IS lense for $1039.99 at Newegg.com

It is a little short for boarding IMO. I'd probably get just the body and then a 70-200 f4L. Then buy a 50mm 1.8 for $85 and call it a day. I bought my 50D at a Circuit City during the closeout sale for only $1106 w/ the 28-135mm. The cheapest I found just the body for previously was around $1199.

Billy I think it's fine for a boat len's. Here are a couple of shots taken from the boat with a Canon 40-D with the 28-135. Both riders are riding 80' ropes. <BR> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/87667/678214.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/87667/678215.jpg" alt="Upload">