Canon EF 28-135mm F3.5-5.6 IS USM Review

General information

This is a zoom lens manufactured by Canon and the lens was released 1998.
The lens belongs to the category standard zoom lenses, a normal lens where you have the possibility to zoom in and out.

Product description from Canon

At launch 1998 Canon wrote this regarding Canon EF 28-135mm F3.5-5.6 IS USM :

"This is a high-magnification standard zoom lens with 5X zoom ratio, ranging from wide-angle of 28mm to medium-telephoto of 135mm. This lens features a built-in compact Image Stabilizer(IS) unit, which is newly developed for this lens. This new compact IS unit and a compact optical system with multi-lens-group zoom design achieves compact and lightweight design of high-magnification zoom lens. The IS system is the same as other IS lenses. The image stabilizing effect is equivalent to about two steps of shutter speed. The optical system uses a molded glass (GMo) aspherical lens element(14th) to provide sharp definition throughout the entire zoom range. A ring USM (Ultrasonic Motor) and inner focusing system assures silent and high-speed AF and full-time manual focusing."

Compatibility, autofocus and focal length

This lens is constructed to fit all models of Canon cameras, regardless of camera model or type of sensor.

The ability to use autofocus is available for all cameras.

The lens has a focal length of 28-135 mm. Depending on which camera the lens is used, the experienced and perceived focal length will be different. Please visit the list of compatible cameras below, it will provide the equivalent focal length you get on each camera.

Lens brightness and image stabilizer

The lens brightness and aperture value is f/3,5-5,6.

This lens is not considered to have a good aperture value and brightness. It is something to consider before you purchase the lens. To compensate for this you might, while photographing in less favorable light conditions, be forced to either use higher ISO settings (which generates more noise in the image), slower shutter speeds (which may give some motion blur) or flash lightning. Read more at the link below what lens brightness means to you as a photographer.

One thing to consider is that the lens has a variable brightness, which means that depending on how much you are zooming the lens will have a different maximum aperture value. At 28 mm the lens brightness is f/3,5 and at 135 mm the brightness is f/5,6. Through the link below you can read more about what this could mean for you as a photographer.

Inside the lens there is an image stabilizer, which helps to fend off possible movements and tremors. This is very positive and can be of great help in situations and conditions where the light is inadequate and not enough for decent shutter speeds.

Filter and Lens Hood

The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 72 mm which also the filter you will use must have. If you use for example an UV filter can be a cheap insurance against scratches and dust.

There is a lens hood that fits the lens (model name "EW-78B II") but unfortunately this is something that is not included when purchasing the lens and must be ordered and bought separately, as an accessory.

Images of Canon EF 28-135mm F3.5-5.6 IS USM

In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.

Things to consider before buying

Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.

  • Has a built-in image stabilizer
  • Works on all sensor types
  • Poor aperture value with its f/5,6
  • A variable lens brightness at different focal lengths
  • No lens hood is included
  • The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust

Our Review Ratings

Time to grade Canon EF 28-135mm F3.5-5.6 IS USM .

Build Quality     
Image Quality     
Autofocus     
Sharpness     
Versatility     
Value     
Overall rating 3 of 5

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