Canon EF 28-70mm F2.8 L USM Review
General information
This is a zoom lens manufactured by Canon and the lens was released 1993.
The lens belongs to the category
standard zoom lenses, a normal lens where you have the possibility to zoom in and out.
It's been a long time since the lens and this model first was launched. Before you buy an older (and perhaps used and pre owned) lens a recommendation is to check with the manufacturer and their service centers whether there still are spare parts available. Hopefully spare parts wont be an issue but imagine accidently damaging the lens and finding out afterwards that no spare parts exists. We therefore recommend that you, to be sure, check this prior to purchasing.
This lens can also be difficult to find in stores, as 'new'. If you are interested in buying a pre owned and used lens without warranty this may be even more important to look up because you might otherwise be left without both warranty and spare parts.
Product description from Canon
At launch 1993 Canon wrote this regarding Canon EF 28-70mm F2.8 L USM:
"This large-aperture zoom lens features the sharpness and image performance of a single focal length lens with a constant, large aperture of f/2.8 throughout the entire zoom range. The optical system includes an ultra-precision ground and polished glass aspherical lens element(1st) that provides a high level of contrast and sharpness at all shooting distances. Fast and silent AF and full-time manual focusing are achieved by a USM (Ultrasonic Motor), inner focusing system and lightweight lens elements. As the filter attachment ring does not rotate during focusing, 77mm PL-C filters can have good operability. The EW-83B petal-shaped lens hood is designed with sufficient length to provide highly-effective shading of unneeded light throughout the zoom range."
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 28-70 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.
- See compatible cameras and perceived/equivalent focal length
- See a full camera compatibility chart for Canon EF 28-70mm F2.8 L USM
- Read more about focal length and your field of view
- Read more on the cameras impact on the perceived focal length
Lens brightness and image stabilizer
The lens brightness and aperture value is f/2,8.
This aperture value indicates that the lens is very bright. This will make it so much easier shooting in darker environments where you do not want or can use flash lighting, for example in churches or at different sports venues.
A feature worth commenting, which is also related to lens brightness, is that the brightness and maximum aperture-value remains constant regardless of focal length used. This makes it easier for you as a photographer. No matter if you are have the focus ring and focal length at 28 mm or at 70 mm the aperture value can be f/2,8.
The lens lacks image stabilization, which otherwise os good for avoiding the blur that can occur when using slow shutter speeds. Since the lens is bright, with good aperture value, the lack of image stabilization might not be that big of a deal, although a image stabilizer is always an advantage to have.
Filter and Lens Hood
The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 77 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.
If you buy this lens it will come with a lens hood, whose model name is "EW-83B".
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.
- The lens brightness, f/2,8
- Constant maximum aperture value regardless of focal length
- Works on all sensor types
- A lens hood is included
- The lens model is more than 15 years old
- The lens can be difficult to find in stores
- The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust
- Heavy (880 gr)
- The price (more info)
Our Review Ratings
Time to grade Canon EF 28-70mm F2.8 L USM.
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| Autofocus |
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| Value |
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| Overall rating | 3 of 5 |
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