The Zoom Lens EF28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM replaces the EF35-350mm f/3.5-5.6L USM released in 1993. The new lens offers an extended zoom range at the wide-angle end and incorporates an Image Stabilizer (IS), which compensates for approximately three shutter speeds, allowing the handheld capture of shots that would otherwise be blurred by Camera shake.
The EF28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM delivers high-Contrast, high-Resolution images for which Canon's L-series is renowned. A combination of advanced optical technologies, including UD (ultra-low Dispersion) and aspherical lenses, work in concert to achieve a high zoom ratio of approximately 11x while effectively correcting for a variety of aberrations that can occur when zooming.
Featuring a new optical design, the lens makes possible a minimum focusing distance of just 0.7 meters throughout the entire zoom range. Other features include a circular diaphragm for improved background Blur, and a hardy waterand dust-resistant construction, ensuring professional users unfailing performance under even the most grueling of conditions. And, in consideration of the environment, the model uses only lead-free glass elements.
Editor review : Canon EF 28-300mm f3.5-5.6L IS USM
Overall rating (weighted)
1.0
Sharpness
1.0
Build Quality
1.0
AF Speed
1.0
Value for Money
1.0
Editor lens review will be updated shortly.
Why should you care what I think?
My relationship with this item: Editor review
Conclusions at a glance
Would you recommend this Item: Undecided
User Lens Reviews
Average user rating from: 27 user(s)
Overall rating (weighted)
4.4
Sharpness
4.5
Build Quality
4.3
AF Speed
4.6
Value for Money
4.2
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This is the one!, Tuesday, 01 June 2010
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
I just got this lens not too long ago, and all I can bitch about this lens is the weight. Sometimes when I go in the field I do not want to carry the heavy lens, but lately it seems like I always end up using this lens for my assignments.
Great but Heavy and not EF-s, Tuesday, 04 May 2010
Overall rating (weighted)
4.3
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
3.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
I purchased this back before we went 100% digital and since then we seldom drag it out.
When we do, we love the shots as it lets in much more light and has better optics than our similar range EFs lens, however it is SO much bigger and heaver that we just never use it anymore.
The other huge downside is the loss of the wide angle with the 1.6 multiplication factor of our APC sized CCD.
I suspect if Canon were to every make a full sized 35mm CCD camera with a built-in flash, that we would wind up getting it and using this lens a lot more. We like the Canon 5D, but would miss too much the option of a built-in flash.
We like it enough that we have been reluctant to sell it.
Pros and cons of the Canon EF 28-300mm, Saturday, 10 April 2010
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
Fantastic lens. Best $2500 I have spent on camera equipment. After several thousand pictures, and dragging it around the world, from humid jungles, to subfreezing photo shoots, I have nothing but good to say about its quality, and my happiness with this lens. The quality is fantastic. The image stabalization works great. These are all the features I expect from the Canon L series.
The 28-300mm feature is tremendous. If you are on the small sensor cameras (D50, Rebel, etc), you need the 28 to get the every day use. If you are on the full size sensor professional EOS cameras, it gives you that wide angle versatility.
It is heavier and a little larger then some lens, but for the quality of glass you are getting, I do not mind.
The only thing I do not like about this lens is that there are no lock outs on the auto focus and lens function buttons. Occasionally, this means that they get bumped in field use, and you end up with a few non-focused pictures, the image stabalization is off, or the lens is seeking through a longer focal range then desired before it shoots. The only solution I have found it to be more careful before shots or put a wide rubber band around the lens (over the function buttons) to prevent them from being bumped.
The other thing I have found, is when using multiple lens for field use, it is inevidible that you will get dust on your sensors. Field lens change outs are just not desirable, and sensors are hard to keep clean. I am planning to buy a second EOS body to dedicate this lens to (where I never take off the lens) so that I can capture the perfection of this lens' optical qualities without the worry of dust on the sensor compromising pictures. Unless you use really wide angle (which I sometimes do since I am on a small sensor D20 camera), this lens is all that you will need.
Would I recommend this lens? Absolutely! In my opinion, worth every penny.
Just buy it. You won't be sorry, Friday, 12 March 2010
Overall rating (weighted)
4.3
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
4.0
Excellent lens! I just got back from my safari in Tanzania where I took over 3000 pictures. Attaching this lens to my 5D mark II gave me fantastic results. I really can't add anymore to this review than what has already been stated by others, so ... Just buy it. (Git-er-dun)
My only travel lens..., Wednesday, 13 January 2010
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
4.0
The only lens you need to carry when traveling. The choice was between a two lens solution of a 24-70/f2.8 + 70-200/f2.8 or just this one lens. I rented the 70-200/f2.8 and this lens to try them back to back. The weight differential is not that noticeable. The choice came to lower overall weight of the one lens solution over the two lens solution. The compromise was in losing the f2.8 capability. I shoot with a 5D mk II and already have a 24-70/f2.8, the plan was to use the 24-70/f2.8 for indoors/lower light and the 28-300 as the outdoor/bright light solution. However knowing my intense dislike for changing lenses. It turns out that I am seldom using the 24-70/f2.8 anymore. For recent travel I just carried the 28-300 lens as the sole lens and addressed the low light requirements by carrying the very compact EX270 flash Canon Speedlite 270EX Flash for Canon Digital SLR Cameras
The 28-300 is definitely heavy but it is still lighter than a camera bag full of lenses. I have done away with the 5D strap and use the following strap Op/Tech Bino/Cam Harness, Elastic Version for Cameras & Binoculars - Black which takes the load off the neck and makes it more evenly distributed on the shoulders. It has the added advantage that it keeps the camera/lens close to your body when hiking rather than swing out and hit something that the neck strap is prone to do.
If you are looking for a one lens solution look no further. It is the L lens to get...
It was a long road of trial and error to get me to this lens. I have owned a (All Canon) 18-55 kit lens, a 28-135IS, a 100 macro 2.8IS, a 18-200IS, a 70-300IS, a 70-300DOIS, and a 100-400LIS as either combos or do it all lenses. All the while not completely happy with them (All were sold). I finally bucked up and decided to give this lens a try. I have not looked back once. I read the reviews and found them very helpful, so after having this for about 6 months decided to write one myself. This lens is very often overlooked do to its weight and price. Its reviews while solid were not stellar. I can not put to words how happy I am that I got this lens. The focal length is just plain fantastic and the biggest advantage this lens has. It does like light and performs better outside than in (But most lenses are this way). I get consistent sharp shots at all focal lengths. Auto focus is fast and accurate (Except in low light-it will hunt a Bit). IS works great too. Panning mode is great for shooting anything moving left to right or right to left. Just got some great shots of my nephew snow boarding. Bottom line: This is an "L" lens and is deserving of the classification. Focal length can not be touched for the IQ of the shots, period! Heavy duty construction, very well built. Heavy! Don't kid yourself that you can get all of these benefits without a tradeoff. I shoot mostly candid and my kids, but this lens allows me to "Do Anything". Really.
The only all in one L zoom, Thursday, 07 January 2010
Overall rating (weighted)
3.5
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
3.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
3.0
I use it on 5D shooting mostly kids during field trips.
Pro:
- Good IQ/Color/AF speed, typical L zoom (I'd say it's in the same league as 100-400L and 70-200/2.8 IS L that I used, 28-70L and 70-200/4L probably is better.) - Good IS - Hand heldable - Fast zoom with push pull
Neutral:
- Bought it as second hand with "light use" according to the previous owner. The lens looks good but the damping between the main push/pull cylinders are mostly gone and it sounds like metal to metal when zooming in and out. This also happened to my second hand 28-70 MF ring. L quality is "not forever" after all :) - The weight is expected and is actually managable if you handled other big L zooms before. better support will bring out better IQ since IS is not everything.
Con:
- Too expensive. I used 40D+ Tamron 18-270 VR, a much cheaper and more flexible combo for the same job. The most obvious advantage of the big L is its unbeatable AF speed and accuracy in any reaonsable lighting condition. Tammy is good, but not in this league. But the price difference is ...
Bottom line -
This is the only real high quality all in one for full frame for bright out door shots.
A lens that will blow your socks off!, Sunday, 13 December 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
5.0
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
I purchased the EF28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM lens for my EOS 40D after grueling over it for months. It's a lot of money but after using it, it worth every dime. I had been using the 28-135mm lens and always found myself short in focal length for some shots. The 135mm just isn't enough for many shots. So, I searched and searched and found this lens.
The lens is heavy as others have mentioned but the quality of the photos will ease your pain! I have a couple of different bags to carry it in, depending upon the situation. Let's face it guys & gals, you don't get "something for nothing!" You want that life like shot at any light condition and, you want it at wide angle &/or telephoto ranges; so don't complain!
Canon's quality is obvious in all aspects of this lens from the stabilization system to the fast focus speeds. As you can tell, I in love! This is truly a magnificent lens. It is the 5th Canon Lens that I own. If quality, reliability, flexibility, stability and speed are your game and you take your photography seriously, then this lens is for you. After all, you can buy another body but a lens you keep for a life time.
one of the best lenses that will compliment your o, Wednesday, 02 December 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
4.5
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
5.0
I'm not a professional photographer. This was my first L lens. Over a period of time that I acquired other L lenses (70-200mm f/2.8 IS USM, 15mm Fisheye etc) , I've come to realize this lens isn't anywhere lesser in the leagues as other premium Canon lenses like 70-200L lens.
First the Pros:
1. Once you get used to the push-pull zoom, focusing and zooming onto any object, at any distance becomes a snap. 2. Much has been said of the tightening ring, in my experience it has been a life-saver. With the same hand using the zoom push/pull just a flick of finger can increase or decrease the friction and one can adjust how quickly or slowly zoom push pull works. 3. The picture quality is amazing at least on my camera (50D) I did not notice much difference in picture quality between this and the 70-200mm lenses. Maybe it works differently for full-frame cameras. 4. I was quite skeptical about distortions as noted in some of the reviews. But in actual experience, Photoshop always had the correction data since both the 50D and this lens are supported. Its just a matter of loading up the RAW and your PS filters can automatically apply the respective correction for the FL you have the picture taken at. 5. One lens, huge range. One doesn't realize how easy this lens makes it until you've been using it for a while and then one day decide to go back to other lenses. 6. Beautiful pictures, bokeh as well, HDR shots, at least on 50D, there's not a single flaw I could find. 7. The lens is heavy; at least for me it means more stability. Combined with the IS on the lens I can be sure, my hand held shots will rarely have a shake. It may be a matter of personal preference but I did not find the lens to be heavier than two lenses put together to get the same range. 8. For a 3.5, the lens is surprisingly quick(unless in low-light scenarios). I've rarely missed a moment because of the lens. Of course, if you've not used the lens for a while or do not use the fl selector, you could cause the lens to hunt (happened rarely to me but my friends definitely complained about it).
Cons: 1. True, the aperture falls very quickly somewhere after the 50mm range but once you get a hang of how quickly and where, its not much of an issue. 2. In low light conditions, this lens does turn out very slow. Expect grainy, Ghost or long hunting times in the dark. I typically switch to manual focus and manual settings to correct these issues. 3. Obviously, using this lens means you wouldn't be hanging the camera or the lens around your neck. It goes in the backpack!
All in all, I think this is a great lens. It does not replace the 70-200mm plus other lenses to get the same range. It compliments them when you cannot carry multiple lenses. Feel free to look at the images taken by this lens on my Flickr page [...]
It's all about the versatility, Tuesday, 01 December 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
4.3
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
4.0
I find it funny how some reviewers complain about the weight of this lens when the alternative is carrying around the camera with one lens on it plus a camera bag with at least a second lens to get similar shooting versatility. How is that any less cumbersome? While the lens might be on the heavier side for an average woman or smaller guy, at 6ft. 200lbs. when I want to keep things simple with versatility, I take just my camera with this lens on it for extended periods and it doesn't really bother me. I leave the camera bag with the flash and other lenses, etc. in the car just in case. I hate that having the correct lenses for whatever it is you shoot is an absurdly expensive bunch of compromises. This lens is no different except that it's a damn good compromise.
As others have noted, it's a love/hate affair with this lens. After having this for only one day, I am hopelessly in love with this beautiful piece of craftsmanship from Canon. Sure it's heavy, but give a moment's consideration to the fact that this covers a HUGE expanse of focal lengths and does it near flawlessly. And that's not to mention the very well built and RUGGED construction that went into this, I think most the weight is due to the metal body, which by nature must be much heavier than the plastic body you have on so many other lenses. The other factor I see mentioned here is the price. Frankly, you get what you pay for here. You put together everything I just said and compare that to all the other comparable lenses by Canon and you can see why this lens is justifiably a little more pricey than say the 70-200mm or 100-400mm. Neither of those support wide angle, putting this lens in a class of it's own and making it more of a specialty item. In the end though, it comes down to how you personally want to use your camera. This thing is a two handed broadsword and it's not for everyone. The one thing you're going to want to get is a good camera backpack, at least that's what I did after running around with this shooting for a couple of hours. I picked up a Lowepro Slingshot 200 camera bag and was immediately relieved of the immense weight, plus I was able to fit the camera, lens attached with the back of the camera body facing the side flap for easy extraction at a moments notice. That really made all the difference in the world. But, if hefting a big gun around isn't in your comfort level and want light and fast, then you'd definitely want to pass on this lens.
Canon has excellent lens but this one weigh 5 pounds. I would recommend a monopod or tripod if you are using this lens. Bright pictures and what a good quality 28-300 lens.
After reading all the reviews, I pretty much have no more to say because they have given very precise opinions about this len.
I was spending quite a long time on deciding which len to go, 70-200 f/2.8L IS USM or this 28-300mm. They are both amazing lens and everyone hopes to own both if possible. Finally, be true to yourself, what is this len made for? what is the most desirable feature of this len? Then I realized and went for this baby.
The only thing you need to think about is why do you need this HUGE RANGE provided by this single len. Because you don't have time to (or are lazy to, just like me) change lens!!! :-)
I like to travel and try to bring as fewer gears as possible. In many situations, you just don't have time to change lens to shoot some once in a life time scenes. And if the schedule is tight, frequently changing lens will degrade sightseeing quality. This is the KEY! Make this as your priority concern then decide which lens to go. 24-70 + 70-200 or 28-300 :)
FYI. I got another 17-55 f/2.8 IS USM for low light or in-door conditions. Also the 10-22 wide angle len since I am using 40D with the 1.6x factor.
One last thing I would like to remind you is that some gears seem not to be compatible with this len. For example, close-up len, extender. So do check before buying. And this len comes with hood and bag. No need to buy separately.
Most flexible range, lives up to L designation!, Wednesday, 22 October 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.3
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
4.0
Since this is a somewhat slow lens, I was a little dubious about purchasing it, as it didn't seem to provide as much as many other Canon L lenses, yet is priced so high. However, I have found this lens to be extremely sharp, regardless of f/stop, and focal length.
NOTE: I use a certain range of f/stops, from whatever is wide open on a given lens up to MAYBE f/11 on rare occasions, and more rarely f/16, so this is the portion of the range to which I refer. As an additional note, numerous years of experience, and much reading, have made it clear that stopping down beyond that point is not beneficial to image quality. Furthermore, I am partial to subject isolation, especially in working with high end cameras/lenses.
This lens makes a great all-purpose lens, especially when you don't want to have to make a lens change. For example, in a Wedding that I recently shot, the locale was on a beach. I have done A LOT of bikini model photography on beaches in the MD/VA/DC area, South Carolina, Miami, Cabo, Puerto Vallarta and elsewhere, and so I knew from experience that you don't want to take off the lens when there's a lot of sand and wind around. No matter how careful youy might THINK you are being. The 28-300mm fit the bill in every way you could hope for. It was early evening/late afternoon at the end of summer, so the light was perfect. And a very wide aperture would've been tricky anyway - so what this lens provides was definitely good enough. The only question was if it was going to be good enough quality-wise, sharpness, color contrast. I am happy to say that the results were stunning. Having reviewed all of the pictures that were taken at this Wedding, I was pleasantly surprised at HOW sharp and contrasty they were (bear in mind, I have been using a lot of primes - the Canon 50mm f/1.2, 85mm f/1.2 and the 135mm f/2.0). I also own the 70-200mm f/2.8L IS, and I believe the results were on par with that particular lens. Which is why I believe it carry's the price tag that it does.
Many people have found the push/pull zoom to be undesirable. I think it is a matter of getting used to, and it really doesn't take long. My earliest film 35mm camera from years ago (when I was about 12 yrs old I got it), a Ricoh camera (re-branded with the Sears name on it) had one lens that was an 80-210mm that was push/pull manual focus. It's funny how you forget over the years because that thing is far more awkward to try to use, and yet I still needed to "re-learn." What is nice about the Canon 28-300mm push/pull is the locking ring. You have to really understand it correctly to use it correctly. Once you do, the benefits are well worthwhile. You will find yourself easily loosening and tightening the tension as needed. This is key because the tighter setting will nearly lock the zoom in place when you don't want it extending, and once loosened all the way, the push/pull zooming is as rapid as you'll get. Combined with Autofocus and good shooting skills, you can get some amazing performance.
Many people will look at the Sigma or Tamron 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 and see, based on cursory spec review, little difference in the lenses, and huge price differences. Make no mistake, these are a COMPLETELY different class of lens, and the price difference is totally warranted. To understand this, you may need to go to a camera store and try each one out. This will make the difference obvious. But let me try to enumerate a couple of things here. First, these cheaper lenses are NOT 300mm on the outside length. I have done MANY test shots with the Tamron and Sigma 28-300mm lenses, and in NO case could either of those zoom in as close as the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS. What?? He wrote the wrong lens down right there. No I did not. Yes, I meant what I wrote - the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS. I also own the Canon 200mm f/2.8L prime lens, which is the same focal length at 200mm. The aforementioned 28-300mm Tamron and Sigma lenses are very close at "300mm" to each of those lenses, just a little short. I have done this same comparison with the Tamron 18-200mm, which is proportionately shorter to their 28-300mm. I purchased and then returned a Canon 28-200mm (a very flimsily built lens for a Canon of any kind, although better than those shoddy 18-55's they were putting in the kits - not sure about the latest 18-55's, I refer to the ones from 2-4 years ago). So, the point is, it's not going to be a true 300mm. This Canon L lens IS a true 300mm, and a true 28mm, and everything in between. Also, if you need to, go read up on stops of light. It doesn't SOUND like much, but jumping from f/5.6 to f/6.3, is a huge amount. The numeric representation is very deceptive. What it really comes down to is the fact that you need a big piece of glass to get more light in there, and more glass for longer focal length, there's just no way of getting around that fact. Regardless of what numbers are used to market a lens, look at the length of a lens (extended if need be, as with this lens) and then look at the circumfrence of the glass at the end. This will alert you to a noticeable difference, if there is one, as in the case of the the two non-Canon brands versus this lens. Similarly, Autofocus performance is ALWAYS noticeably better on Canon lenses, ESPECUIALLY L series lenses, than on non-Canon manufacturers lenses with Canon mounts.
Bottom Line, you get what you pay for. And, in the case of this lens, that holds true above other items that might appear to be similar. This is a top notch lens, and the ideal walk around lens if you don't want to change lenses.
