Canon 28-135 f/3.5-5.6 IS

Many recommend this as the 'first SLR lens' for novices. It has a very useful zoom range and the Image Stabilization compensates for the f/3.5-5.6 maximum aperture. The relatively light weight makes this an excellent walkabout lens. It is capable of producing sharp images, particularly at f/8 and f/11 but compared to the better Canon L lense the images can sometimes appear flat, with dull colors. Levels and curves adjustments in Photoshop, however, can remedy this shortcoming.

This was the first 'walkabout' lens that I bought, and it has served me well. In February 2006 I replaced it with a Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8.

A few random photos (from gallery 'Canon G2 Gallery' taken with this lens (click thumbs for bigger versions):