Originally posted by ReadyAimPhoto Thanks for all the replies so far, the 28-105mm looks like a good option based on your comments, although I am a little worried about the sharpness as different people seem to have different views on it...
My copy of the 28-105 is very sharp, and holds up well to cropping. I don't recall many PF members claiming the lens is optically soft. I consider my copy as sharp as a good prime.
Reports of "shutter shock" blur seem to be be common with the lens, and might lead some to think their lens isn't sharp. Not everyone reports it, so it might depend on mechanical tolerances within each camera, how you hold the camera, and how much you pixel peep.
Shutter shock can be minimized by using electronic shutter or the 2-second timer on a tripod. Handheld, hold the camera carefully when using shutter speeds between 1/100 and 1/200.