The good and the bad.
 

After looking thru several len's reviews I've decided on a Canon EF 28-135 mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM as my pick. I would appreciate anyone that has this lens give me their pros and cons. Also how often you use it? And can you use it for outdoor shots?

After thinking things over again, I rented a Canon 70-200 L/4 and compared this to my kit lens. This was with a flash and a tripod was used. I have now decided I need to improve my skills and quit thinking the lens makes the big difference.

Hi InaLisa

A couple of comments on your testing.

First of all the 75-300 does take some beating at the 75mm end of range but it's sharpness does fall off dramatically at the 300mm end.

Shame you did not compare both at 200mm.

The 70-200 L f4 shot to my eye does have the edge on the other 2 shots especially as the lens was wide open @ f4

You will probably find that the 18-55 & 75-300 sharpness sweet spot will be in the range of f8 to f11. The 70-200 L f4 should start to really shine at f5.6.

another factor that expensive lens will have over the 18-55 & 75-300 is reduced colour fringing in bright contrasty shots. ( often seen with trees against a sky or white object is really bright sunlight) The sharpness across the frame ( edge to centre ) will be more consistent.

If the latter are not your problems then concentrate on getting the best out of your exsisting lens. I feel it is better to go through the learning curve to get the best out of your lens and know when and why it has let you down. That way you will understand what a better quality lens is doing for you.

Having better equipment does not gaurantee 100% results if you don't know how to use it.

I went ahead and compared at 200 both lens, my kit lens 75-300 and the L 70-200. I had the focus on auto and used a tripod again. There is more difference noted between to the two at that range, but as I was beginning to think all the problems I was having was not having a L lens, now I can rethink my position, start using my tripod more. Work on my technique and then go for the better glass. Thank you for helping me work through this process.