Canon EF 28-300mm F3.5-5.6 L IS USM Review
General information
This is a zoom lens manufactured by Canon and the lens was released 2004.
The lens belongs to the category
superzoom lenses. A superzoom lens gives you a wide zoom range, from a wider field of view (wide angle) to a more narrow field of view (telephoto) and is usually appreciated as an all-in-one travel lens.
Product description from Canon
At launch 2004 Canon wrote this regarding Canon EF 28-300mm F3.5-5.6 L IS USM :
"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 Canonīs 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.
A handy, compact zoom lens for versatile and easy subject selection while travelling, etc. The highest optical performance in its class, plus the convenience of focusing as close as 2.3 feet over the entire zooming range. A powerful ring-type USM drive provides silent, high-speed autofocusing, plus the wide zooming range provides an easy, enjoyable picture-taking experience."
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 28-300 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.
A positive thing is that this lens has a versitale zoom range, where the difference between 'maximum zoomed out' to 'maximum zoomed in' increases the lens versatility since you as a photographer easily can compose your picture without moving yourself physically.
- See compatible cameras and perceived/equivalent focal length
- See a full camera compatibility chart for Canon EF 28-300mm F3.5-5.6 L IS 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/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 300 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.
- Read more about the aperture and lens brightness
- Read more about changing brightness at different focal lengths
- Read more about how an image stabilizer works
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-83G".
Tripod Mount
This lens is equipped with a tripod mount, which makes use of a tripod easier and more stable.
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
- An impressive focal range
- Works on all sensor types
- A lens hood is included
- A tripod mount is included
- The lens is sealed against dust and moisture
- Poor aperture value with its f/5,6
- A variable lens brightness at different focal lengths
- Heavy (1670 gr)
- The price (more info)
Our Review Ratings
Time to grade Canon EF 28-300mm F3.5-5.6 L IS USM .
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| Overall rating | 3 of 5 |
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