This is a comparison of two lenses at 28mm: the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II and the Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di. The crops below were from images shot in raw using a 30D with sharpness set to 0, using the center focal point. They were converted using Canon DPP, cropped from the center and corner, then resized (to 200% for this comparison). No other editing was performed. It is necessary to view the comparison charts at full size to see any differences. I've redone this test due to difficulties with the Tamron lens at f/2.8 and the Canon at f/8.0 the first time around. It seems that attaining good focus at this focal length and aperature can be challenging (at least with these lenses). Keep in mind, these are 200% crops. I think both lenses do fine here. The Tamron is slightly soft at f/2.8 and f/4.0 in the center and softer still at f/2.8 on the edge. Overall, though, I think it performs fine. In terms of sharpness, detail, and contrast, the Canon lens lags behind slightly in the center crops and a little more nearer the edge. However, I think it does fine, also , especially considering the cost of the lens. And, finally, my barn needs to be painted and I have to get rid of the two Saab hoods leaning up against it.