The auction for this lens can be found on eBay at: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2963321348

This page provides additional information for the lens being auctioned, including detailed test and product/packaging pictures.

BACKGROUND INFO

I purchased this lens to start out my EOS-10D setup. I chose it over the very popular Canon 28-135IS for its superior colors and contrasts. Like all but the most expensive lenses, it can look slightly soft at maximum aperture, but stopped down just a bit it is very sharp, vivid, and colorful. The range (24mm to 85mm) is also a very useful one, particularly on a digital SLR with magnification factor such as the EOS-10D or Digital Rebel.

The reason I am letting it go is that I've decided to go with only prime (fixed-length) lenses, more as a matter of shooting style than anything else, and as such haven't had much need for this zoom. The lens is functionally and cosmetically perfect, and virtually indistinguishable from brand new. I was hoping to keep it around as a handy general-purpose lens, but after buying two Canon "L" primes my bank account is sorely in need of replenishing. Hey, my loss is your gain. :)

This is an absolutely legitimate, genuine Canon product purchased brand new with Canon USA warranty (not gray market!). This means if it requires warranty repair it will be serviced directly by Canon USA, not a third-party repair shop. The serial numbers on the lens, warranty card, box, and receipt all match.

PERFORMANCE

Initially I did not think this lens could keep up with some of the better Canon prime lenses such as the 50mm f/1.8 and 35mm f/2.0; however the lens test below show how surprisingly close the performance is. These are excellent results from an inexpensive zoom lens.

Not all copies of this lens are created equal! It has been reported that many copies can exhibit softness at all apertures. I believe I received a very good copy of this lens, as it is acceptablly sharp wide open and at f/5.6 and above very nearly as sharp as the excellent prime lenses. Color and contrast response are also excellent.

DETAILED PRODUCT & PACKAGING PICTURES

Note: some pictures have had the product serial number blurred out.

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TEST PICTURES

For detailed test pictures comparing this lens to Canon 50mm and 35mm prime lenses, click here.
The 24-85mm test shots were taken with the lens being auctioned here.

Sharpness is very close to the prime lenses, almost indistinguishable, as is contrast and color. Both the prime lenses are considered among the best moderately-priced Canon lenses available.

SAMPLE PICTURES

A few real-world shots taken with this lens on my EOS-10D camera.

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