New Canon IS "kit" lens vs older CANON EF 28-105mm F/3.5-4.5 USM MACRO lens

[rj10719]

New to this forum. Into photography last few years. Bought Canon 450D/XSi last year. Came with 18-55mm IS and 55-250mm IS "kit" lenses. These seem to work quite well. Recently bought used CANON EF 28-105mm F/3.5-4.5 USM MACRO lens Made In Japan. Have only taken a few pictures with it so far with mixed results. It is not an IS lens. Seems extremely well made. How can I get the best results with this lens? Wanted it as a general walk-around lens. Paid $180.00. Is this really a decent lens. Any advice on usage?

Thanks in advance for all help.

[Geoff F]

Hello rj10719 (how about using a less 'formal' name?)

You may find this review useful http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/18...report--review

That lens is something of an in between lens and certainly won't be a star performer. But you may get better results by, whenever possible, keeping the aperture in the F8 to F11 range with a shutter speed of at least 1/200; unless used on a tripod.

It is sometimes confused with the better quality, although considerably more expensive 28-135 IS and the even more expensive 24-105 IS.

However, used with care, assuming it isn't damaged in some way, you should manage some acceptable results with it.