OVERALL

SPECS

VS AVERAGE

REVIEWS

ALTERNATIVES

Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM Review | 54 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£390
Lens mount: Canon EF
Maximum focal length: 28 mm
Maximum aperture (telephoto end): 2.8
Optical image stabilization: yes
Maximum angle of view: 75 °

Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM review. Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among camera lenses and if it is worth buying.

7.3

Very good

7.3

Very good

?

9.9
Low-light photography
Score components:
70.0%
9.8
Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
30.0%
10
Optical image stabilization
7.1
Travel
Score components:
30.0%
9.3
Lens length
25.0%
8.3
Lens diameter
25.0%
1.0
Weather sealing (splashproof)
20.0%
10
Optical image stabilization

No image

No image

Best prices in UK

N/A~ £390

Best rankings

#75 in Best Canon Lenses
#542 in Best Camera Lenses

Verdict

The Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM is a compact wide-angle prime lens featuring 9 elements in 7 groups, including one aspherical element to minimise aberrations. Key specifications include a 4-stop optical image stabiliser, a ring-type ultrasonic motor (USM) for fast and quiet autofocus, and a 7-blade circular aperture for smooth bokeh. Its main pros are outstanding center sharpness, lightweight design (260g), and full-time manual focus override, making it highly versatile for landscape and street photography. Notable cons include visible vignetting at f/2.8 and a relatively high price point for an f/2.8 prime lens.

Technical Specifications of Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM

Overall score

7.3

Show more

Hide

?

Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.

Mount & Format

1.0

Show more

Hide

Lens type

What it is: The optical category that indicates whether the lens is a prime, zoom, macro, fisheye, or another design.

When it matters: When you are choosing between a prime, zoom, macro, or specialty lens for the kind of subjects you shoot.

Importance: LOW

prime

Lens mount

What it is: The mechanical and electronic interface that determines which cameras the lens can be attached to.

When it matters: When camera compatibility and access to the right lens ecosystem are central to your buying decision.

Importance: LOW

Canon EF

Sensor format coverage

What it is: The largest sensor size the lens is designed to cover without severe vignetting.

When it matters: When you need the lens to fully cover your camera sensor without heavy corner darkening.

Importance: LOW

Full-frame

Filter thread size

What it is: The diameter of the front filter thread used for screw-in filters and compatible accessories.

When it matters: When you plan to use screw-in filters such as polarizers, ND filters, or protective glass.

Importance: LOW

58 mm

Teleconverter compatibility

What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.

When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.

Importance: HIGH

Show more

Optics & Aperture

8.0

Show more

Hide

Minimum focal length

What it is: The shortest focal length the lens can provide, which determines its widest framing.

When it matters: When wide framing matters for landscapes, interiors, architecture, or travel shots.

Importance: LOW

28 mm

Maximum focal length

What it is: The longest focal length the lens can reach, which determines its telephoto reach.

When it matters: When you need more reach for wildlife, sports, stage events, or distant details.

Importance: LOW

28 mm

Optical zoom

What it is: The ratio between the longest and shortest focal lengths available in the lens zoom range.

When it matters: When you want one lens to cover a broader range of compositions without swapping glass.

Importance: LOW

?

Maximum angle of view

What it is: The widest scene the lens can capture at its shortest focal length.

When it matters: When you need to fit more of a room, skyline, or landscape into the frame.

Importance: LOW

75 °

Minimum angle of view

What it is: The narrowest scene the lens captures at its longest focal length.

When it matters: When you want tighter framing on faraway subjects without moving closer.

Importance: LOW

75 °

Show more

Focus & Controls

6.3

Show more

Hide

Focus motor

What it is: The autofocus drive system responsible for moving lens elements into focus.

When it matters: When fast, quiet autofocus matters for video, wildlife, street shots, or moving subjects.

Importance: LOW

ring USM

Minimum focus distance

What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.

When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

Maximum reproduction ratio

What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.

When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.

Importance: MEDIUM

Full-time manual focus

What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.

When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.

Importance: HIGH

Internal focusing

What it is: A focusing design in which internal elements move while the outer barrel length stays unchanged.

When it matters: When you use polarizers, gimbals, or close-up setups that benefit from a lens that does not extend while focusing.

Importance: HIGH

Show more

Stabilization

7.9

Show more

Hide

Optical image stabilization

What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.

When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.

Importance: HIGH

Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)

What it is: The rated stabilizer benefit, measured in stops, under CIPA testing standards.

When it matters: When you are comparing stabilized lenses and want to know how much handheld shutter-speed advantage they offer.

Importance: HIGH

Build & Handling

7.1

Show more

Hide

Weight

What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.

When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.

Importance: HIGH

?

Lens length

What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.

When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

Importance: HIGH

Lens diameter

What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.

When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Weather sealing (splashproof)

What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.

When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

Importance: HIGH

Metal mount

What it is: A lens mount made of metal rather than plastic for greater durability at the camera connection point.

When it matters: When durability matters because you change lenses often or use heavier gear for work.

Importance: HIGH

Show more

Lab Scores

8.8

Show more

Hide

DxOMark overall score

What it is: The combined DxOMark lens rating based on lab-tested optical performance.

When it matters: When you want a quick lab-based summary of overall optical performance before comparing lenses in detail.

Importance: HIGH

DxOMark sharpness score

What it is: The DxOMark subscore that reflects how much detail the lens can resolve across the frame.

When it matters: When fine detail matters for landscapes, product work, or high-resolution cameras.

Importance: HIGH

?

DxOMark transmission

What it is: The measured light transmission of the lens, expressed as T-stop rather than nominal f-number.

When it matters: When real light loss matters for exposure consistency in studio, cinema, or mixed-lens shoots.

Importance: MEDIUM

DxOMark distortion

What it is: The DxOMark metric that measures how much the lens bends straight lines away from their true shape.

When it matters: When straight lines matter in architecture, interiors, copy work, or product photography.

Importance: MEDIUM

?

DxOMark vignetting

What it is: The DxOMark measurement of corner darkening relative to the center of the image.

When it matters: When even corner brightness matters for skies, studio backdrops, or clean product shots.

Importance: MEDIUM

?

Show more

Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM vs the average camera lens

Why is Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM better than the average camera lens?

Show more

Hide

Has optical image stabilization
Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.
When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.
Importance: HIGH
Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Has focus distance scale
Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
What it is: A marked scale that shows the approximate focus distance set on the lens.
When it matters: When you pre-focus manually for street, zone focusing, or repeatable tripod setups.
Importance: MEDIUM
Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
40.5 mm shorter lens
Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM is shorter than the average camera lens (51.5 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.
When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.
Importance: HIGH
Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM is shorter than the average camera lens (51.5 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.51.5 mm vs 92 mm
9 points higher DxOMark score
Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM has a higher DxOMark overall score than the average camera lens (35 vs 26). The average lens has a DxOMark overall score of 26.
What it is: The combined DxOMark lens rating based on lab-tested optical performance.
When it matters: When you want a quick lab-based summary of overall optical performance before comparing lenses in detail.
Importance: HIGH
Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM has a higher DxOMark overall score than the average camera lens (35 vs 26). The average lens has a DxOMark overall score of 26.35 vs 26
8.6 mm narrower lens barrel
Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM is slimmer than the average camera lens (68.4 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.
When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM is slimmer than the average camera lens (68.4 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.68.4 mm vs 77 mm
0.07 m shorter minimum focus distance
Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.2 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.
When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.
Importance: MEDIUM
Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.2 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.0.23 m vs 0.3 m
0.3 T-stop lower transmission value
Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM has a lower T-stop value than the average camera lens (2.8 T-stop vs 3.1 T-stop). The average lens has a T-stop value of 3.1 T-stop.
What it is: The measured light transmission of the lens, expressed as T-stop rather than nominal f-number.
When it matters: When real light loss matters for exposure consistency in studio, cinema, or mixed-lens shoots.
Importance: MEDIUM
Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM has a lower T-stop value than the average camera lens (2.8 T-stop vs 3.1 T-stop). The average lens has a T-stop value of 3.1 T-stop.2.8 T-stop vs 3.1 T-stop
Has focus distance scale
Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
0.07 m shorter minimum focus distance
Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.2 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
Has optical image stabilization
Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
40.5 mm shorter lens
Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM is shorter than the average camera lens (51.5 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
8.6 mm narrower lens barrel
Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM is slimmer than the average camera lens (68.4 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
9 points higher DxOMark score
Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM has a higher DxOMark overall score than the average camera lens (35 vs 26). The average lens has a DxOMark overall score of 26.
0.3 T-stop lower transmission value
Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM has a lower T-stop value than the average camera lens (2.8 T-stop vs 3.1 T-stop). The average lens has a T-stop value of 3.1 T-stop.

Focus & Controls

Build & Handling

Why is Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM worse than the average camera lens?

Show more

Hide

2 fewer aperture blades
Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
2 fewer low-dispersion elements
Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
1 fewer aspherical elements
Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
Not weather-sealed
Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
Older release date
Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM was released earlier than the average camera lens.
June 2012
Not weather-sealed
Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.
When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.
Importance: HIGH
Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
2 fewer aperture blades
Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
What it is: The number of diaphragm blades that shape the aperture opening and influence blur rendering.
When it matters: When the look of out-of-focus highlights matters in portraits, close-ups, or cinematic video.
Importance: HIGH
Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.7 vs 9
2 fewer low-dispersion elements
Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
What it is: Optical elements designed to reduce color fringing by controlling how different wavelengths focus.
When it matters: When you want cleaner edges and less color fringing in high-contrast scenes.
Importance: MEDIUM
Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.0 vs 2
Older release date
Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM was released earlier than the average camera lens.
June 2012
What it is: The date when the lens model was first officially introduced.
When it matters: When you prefer a newer optical design with more modern autofocus, coatings, or stabilization features.
Importance: LOW
Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM was released earlier than the average camera lens.2012 vs 2016
1 fewer aspherical elements
Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
What it is: Specially shaped lens elements used to reduce distortion and improve sharpness with fewer optical compromises.
When it matters: When edge sharpness and lower distortion matter in wide-angle, travel, or everyday shooting.
Importance: MEDIUM
Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.1 vs 2
6.38x less popular
Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM is less popular than the average camera lens (1.00 vs 6.383).
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters: When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM is less popular than the average camera lens (1.00 vs 6.383).1 vs 6.38

Optics & Aperture

Build & Handling

Graphic comparison of Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM and

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM?

Outstanding sharpness, especially in the frame center and when stopped down to f/4
Effective 4-stop optical image stabilization for low-light and handheld video
Compact and lightweight design, making it highly portable for street and travel photography
Fast, accurate, and nearly silent ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM) autofocus
Solid build quality with a metal mount and high-quality plastics
Low distortion and well-corrected chromatic aberration

What customers dislike about Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM?

High market price compared to its predecessor and non-IS alternatives
Relatively slow maximum aperture of f/2.8 for a prime lens
Noticeable peripheral shading (vignetting) on full-frame sensors at f/2.8
Lens hood and pouch are typically not included in the package
Lack of official weather-sealing
Focus ring can feel less smooth for manual focus pulls in video

Expert reviews

the-digital-picture.com

03/10/2012

Summary of the review

Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 IS Lens Review - The-Digital-Picture.com

The Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM is a premium-tier, non-L wide-angle prime characterized by exceptional sharpness across the frame from f/2.8, becoming critically sharp by f/4. It features highly effective 4-stop image stabilization, quick AF performance, and remarkably well-controlled flare compared to its predecessor. However, the lens exhibits strong peripheral shading (up to 3 stops at f/2.8 on full-frame) and noticeable corner lateral chromatic aberration. Additionally, the AF is audible in quiet settings, the price is steep for an f/2.8 optic, and it lacks included accessories like a hood.

ephotozine.com

10/08/2012

Summary of the review

Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens Review - ePHOTOzine

The ePHOTOzine review highlights the Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM as a lightweight (260g), high-quality prime lens featuring effective 4-stop optical image stabilization and fast, quiet USM autofocus. It delivers excellent sharpness and low distortion, making it ideal for various applications. Conversely, the review notes a relatively slow f/2.8 maximum aperture for its price point and significant vignetting at that setting. Additionally, the lens does not include a hood or case, representing an added expense for the user.

dxomark.com

02/01/2013

Summary of the review

Canon EF 28mm f2.8 IS USM review - DXOMARK

The Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM is a compact, lightweight prime lens that delivers exceptionally sharp optical performance and ranks as a top-tier wide-angle option for Canon shooters. Testing reveals remarkable consistency across the frame, highly effective control over chromatic aberration, and very low levels of geometric distortion. Its standout features include a fast, reliable Ultrasonic Motor (USM) autofocus system and a 4-stop image stabilization system, which successfully compensates for low-light shooting despite the lens's modest maximum aperture. Additionally, it easily outperforms older alternatives like the Canon 28mm f/1.8 in sharpness, and matches the optical quality of premium, manual-focus rivals like the Carl Zeiss Distagon 28mm f/2 at a fraction of the cost. However, the lens does present a few notable drawbacks. It suffers from heavy vignetting of nearly two stops when shot wide open at f/2.8, though this dark cornering quickly disappears as the aperture is stepped down. Its overall resolution and sharpness also experience a noticeable drop-off when shooting at very small apertures due to diffraction. Finally, the maximum aperture of f/2.8 limits its capacity for creating...

kenrockwell.com

01/06/2012

Summary of the review

Canon 28mm f/2.8 IS USM Review

According to Ken Rockwell, the Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM is an optically superb, lightweight lens featuring exceptional sharpness, even when shot wide-open, and fast, near-silent autofocus. It provides effective image stabilization and precise manual focus override, making it a high-performance choice for full-frame cameras. However, the review notes minor mechanical, internal rattling sounds during autofocus, and it lacks the wider f/1.8 aperture necessary for capturing better sunstars and faster shutter speeds in low light. While the stabilization enhances handheld shooting for still subjects, it cannot stop subject movement.

dpreview.com

07/10/2017

Summary of the review

Taking the Canon 28mm F2.8 IS USM to Big Sur, California DPReview

The DPReview article on the Canon 28mm F2.8 IS USM highlights the lens as an exceptionally lightweight and compact travel option for full-frame cameras, offering a dense, durable build with a metal mount and rubberized focus ring. Key performance advantages include effective image stabilization, a fast USM autofocus motor, and notable durability during coastal use. However, the lens faces drawbacks, including a high $499 MSRP, a lack of weather sealing, and noticeable green/purple chromatic fringing that requires post-processing correction. While optically capable, it is described as not exceptionally sharp on high-resolution sensors and possesses a slight internal rattle when powered off.

photozone.de

27/07/2026

Summary of the review

Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 USM IS - Full Format Review / Test

The Photozone / OpticalLimits review introduces the Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 USM IS as the 2012 successor to a 25-year-old classic EOS prime lens, keeping the same focal length and speed while integrating significant mechanical upgrades. Built with a metal mount and high-quality plastics, this full-format lens weighs a lightweight 260 grams and features a 58 mm non-rotating filter thread. Pros highlighted in the review include its ring-type Ultrasonic (USM) autofocus drive, which delivers very fast and virtually silent focusing alongside full-time manual focusing (FTM) support. Additionally, its physical body length remains completely constant across all focus settings, effectively minimizing vulnerable entry spaces for dust and moisture despite lacking official weather-sealing. The core performance boost comes from its new optical image stabilizer (IS), which elevates its utility for hand-held indoor, low-light, and street photography over bulky zoom lenses. Despite these performance upgrades, the lens comes with notable downsides and cons. While Canon officially rates the integrated optical stabilizer for a 4-stop advantage, the reviewer states that in real-world scenarios, it is better to take this claim with a grain of...

lenstip.com

25/10/2012

Summary of the review

Canon EF 28 mm f/2.8 IS USM review - LensTip.com

The Canon EF 28 mm f/2.8 IS USM prime lens delivers excellent general performance highlighted by its highly efficient image stabilization system, which provides up to 4 EV of correction. In terms of pros, the lens boasts very good sharpness in the center of the frame (reaching values over 40 lpmm wide open), negligible astigmatism, and low coma on APS-C sensors. Additionally, it features a very swift and accurate USM autofocus motor, handles bright light well with minimal ghosting or flares, and displays excellent optical properties across smaller sensor bodies. However, the lens suffers from notable flaws when paired with a full-frame sensor. The primary cons include weak image quality on the full-frame edge when shooting at the maximum f/2.8 aperture, coupled with high coma in the extreme corners of a full-frame detector. Photographers will also have to contend with huge vignetting on full frame, and the lens ships with a somewhat modest accessory kit for its price tier. LensTip.com

digitalkamera.de

14/02/2013

Summary of the review

Four full-frame prime lenses from Canon in a lab test

The digitalkamera.de lab test of four Canon full-frame prime lenses—the 24mm, 28mm, and 35mm f/2.8 IS USM models, alongside the EF 50mm f/1.2L USM—finds that the wide-angle trio offers excellent image stabilization, solid build quality, and high center sharpness, while the 50mm f/1.2L provides superior bokeh. However, the 24-35mm lenses suffer from significant corner softness and vignetting when wide open, and the 50mm f/1.2L exhibits pronounced vignetting and soft edge contrast at its maximum aperture.

photozone.de

25/10/2012

Summary of the review

Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM - APS-C Format Review / Lab Test

The Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 USM IS lens is a modernized successor to Canon's 25-year-old classic 28mm prime, updated with an ultrasonic motor (USM) autofocus and an optical image stabilizer (IS). When tested on an APS-C crop sensor DSLR, its field of view narrows to a 45mm full-frame equivalent, transforming it from a wide-angle lens into a standard "normal" lens highly suited for street photography. The reviewer praises its high-level build quality, noting a barrel made of high-quality plastics resting on a sturdy metal mount, and a smooth manual focus ring. Mechanically, its ring-type USM provides virtually silent and very fast autofocus, and the lens maintains a constant physical length during operation. Optically, it excels with outstanding center sharpness and very good performance at the frame borders and extreme corners, even when shot wide open at f/2.8. The smooth bokeh quality and minimal field curvature also stand out as key performance benefits. Despite its strong performance, the review highlights several distinct drawbacks. On the optical side, there is a noticeable degree of light falloff (vignetting) and visible bokeh fringing when...

lesnumeriques.com

20/06/2013

Summary of the review

Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM lens review

The Canon EF 28 mm f/2.8 IS USM is a highly rated, compact, and lightweight wide-angle prime lens built for EF-mount cameras. It weighs 260 grams and measures under 6 cm in length, offering great build quality and handling. On a full-frame camera, its focal length serves as a versatile compromise between standard reporting and landscape photography, while on an APS-C sensor camera, it functions as a standard 45 mm lens. Key strengths include its integrated optical stabilization, which successfully delivers sharp images at slow shutter speeds like 1/8 of a second in low light, and a silent, fast USM autofocus motor. Optically, the lens shows negligible chromatic aberrations and excellent, uniform sharpness across the frame even at wide apertures. However, the lens does have notable drawbacks, such as a manual focus ring that lacks smoothness and a complete absence of dust and moisture resistance. It is also delivered bare without a lens hood or carrying pouch. In terms of optical performance, the review highlights significant distortion at short focusing distances, as well as distinct vignetting at wide apertures that...

lesnumeriques.com

22/11/2012

Summary of the review

Canon EF 24mm and 28mm f/2.8 IS USM Review

The review evaluates the Canon EF 24mm and 28mm f/2.8 IS USM wide-angle prime lenses, testing them on a 21-megapixel full-frame Canon EOS 5D Mark II. Designed to cover the 24x36mm format, they convert to 38mm and 45mm equivalents respectively when mounted on APS-C sensors. Both lenses feature a high-quality, solid plastic construction with an exemplary finish, weighing approximately 250 grams. They stand out for integrating a highly effective image stabilization system (IS) that allows for sharp handheld shots at shutter speeds as slow as 1/8 of a second. Additionally, they utilize an Ultrasonic Motor (USM) for fast, quiet, and precise autofocusing, alongside internal focusing that keeps the front element fixed. Optically, the review highlights spectacular sharpness that becomes particularly striking and uniform across the frame when stopped down to f/11. The lenses display nearly perfect light transmission, low geometric distortion (with the 28mm being subtler than the 24mm), and almost nonexistent chromatic aberrations. However, the review notes significant downsides, including prominent vignetting at wide-open apertures that can create up to a -1.5 EV exposure drop in the corners, and...

photoetmac.com

02/02/2019

Summary of the review

A Discreet, Forgotten Little Genius: The Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM

This article evaluates the Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM lens, a compact and often overlooked prime lens released in 2012. The reviewer discovered it while looking for a lightweight street photography setup, buying it used for around €290 in Hong Kong (compared to €480 new). Positioned between the popular EF 24mm f/2.8 IS and the slightly brighter EF 35mm f/2 IS USM, this 28mm lens serves as an excellent, versatile middle ground. Tested on a Canon EOS 6D Mark II, the combination creates a highly responsive, discreet setup for urban shooting. Lens profiles in Adobe Lightroom effortlessly clean up inherent optical issues, making it a joy to use for travel and candid portraits. The lens boasts several significant advantages, starting with its exceptional portability and weight of just 260 grams, making it lighter than competing mirrorless setups like the Nikon Z6 with a 35mm f/1.8. It features Image Stabilization (IS) and an Ultrasonic Motor (USM) for fast autofocus, alongside impressive sharpness and image quality that far outperforms older lens generations like the Nikon AF-D series. However, the lens does...

dxomark.fr

18/10/2011

Summary of the review

Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM - DXOMARK Review

The DXOMARK evaluation of the Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM highlights it as a highly capable wide-angle prime lens that achieves a top overall score within its focal length category. According to the DXOMARK database, key optical pros include exceptional sharpness consistency across the frame, excellent light transmission matching its f/2.8 rating, and well-controlled chromatic aberration. Mechanically, its standout pros are its compact 51.5mm physical length, lightweight 260-gram body, a highly effective 4-stop optical image stabilization system, and a fast, quiet Ultra-Sonic Motor (USM) for autofocus. Conversely, the lens exhibits clear performance constraints and design drawbacks under lab conditions. The primary optical cons identified by DXOMARK measurements are a noticeable drop-off in resolution when shooting at very small apertures and standard wide-angle vignetting that requires in-camera or software correction. Additionally, external tester evaluations frequently point out that the f/2.8 maximum aperture is somewhat slow for a prime lens compared to faster alternatives like the older f/1.8 variant. The premium launch price relative to other compact options and a lack of weather-sealing also count as major real-world cons.

canonistas.com

17/04/2020

Summary of the review

How does the Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM perform on full frame?

Based on the user forum discussion on Canonistas, the consensus on using the classic, non-stabilized Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 on a full-frame camera (like the Canon EOS 6D) highlights its value as a highly portable budget lens, balanced by notable optical compromises at wide apertures. The primary motivator for buying this lens secondhand is its extremely lightweight and compact build, making it an attractive "walkaround" or indoor prime for users who want to avoid the heavy burden of large zoom lenses. It is also praised for being very affordable, with members agreeing it is well worth a purchase if found on the used market for €100 or less. When analyzing performance, the forum notes distinct optical pros and cons. On the positive side, the lens delivers excellent center sharpness and exhibits noticeably less barrel distortion than high-end zoom lenses like the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM. On the downside, the lens suffers from an outdated design featuring a noisy and buzzy conventional autofocus motor. Furthermore, its optical performance severely degrades away from the center; at f/2.8, the edges and...

smartworld.it

10/02/2016

Summary of the review

Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM review: our hands-on test (photos and video)

The Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM is a compact, lightweight, and versatile fixed focal length lens that offers a relatively affordable option for both photography and video. Tested on a Canon EOS 70D, its wide f/2.8 aperture makes it highly luminous and ideal for low-light conditions, while providing a shallow depth of field that delivers a strong background blur. It is highly recommended for close-up videos due to a short minimum focusing distance of 23 cm, allowing creators to easily guide viewer attention using precise manual or ultrasonic autofocus (USM). Additionally, its built-in optical image stabilizer efficiently provides up to 4 stops of shake compensation, allowing for sharp handheld shots even at slow shutter speeds like 1/8 of a second. Despite its strengths, the lens comes with specific drawbacks. The primary limitation is its fixed focal length, which reduces compositional elasticity and forces the user to physically move to frame the scene. Furthermore, while the lens creates a noticeable background blur that easily outperforms standard kit lenses, the quality of the bokeh is not always perfect and is considered...

clubdelbokeh.wordpress.com

14/12/2013

Summary of the review

Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM - Bokeh Club

The Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM is a compact, lightweight prime lens that offers a high-quality alternative to heavy, expensive zoom lenses like the 24-70mm f/2.8. Weighing just 260g with a 58mm filter diameter, the lens features a solid plastic barrel and a durable metal mount. Its optical scheme consists of 9 elements in 7 groups, including one aspherical element, and it has a 7-blade rounded diaphragm. Optically, the lens delivers excellent sharpness at both the center and borders even when shot wide open, reaching peak performance between f/5.6 and f/8.0. Additionally, it features an outstanding, fast, and accurate ultrasonic autofocus (USM) system alongside an impressive image stabilization (IS) mechanism that allows for handheld shooting at speeds down to 1/4 second. The review highlights several specific pros and cons for prospective buyers. The main advantages include its highly compact and manageable size, superb sharpness across the frame, a highly precise autofocus system, and a small filter diameter that allows the affordable use of older filter systems. Chromatic aberrations are also well-controlled, and distortion is minimal and easily fixable in...

fotografiastore.it

Data non indicata

Summary of the review

Canon MTF Tests - Measurements by the Photographic Progress Research Centre

This MTF Canon Lab Test selection from FotografiaStore.it provides a catalog of downloadable digital reviews for 20 distinct Canon lenses. Conducted by the Centro Studi Progresso Fotografico, these individual reports evaluate optical metrics, including sharpness (MTF), distortion, vignetting, and aperture performance. The collection spans a wide variety of focal lengths, catering to both full-frame EF lenses and APS-C crop sensor EF-S optics, ranging from ultra-wide primes to telephoto zooms. The primary pro of this service is the high depth of technical evaluation, offering precise lab measurements that allow serious photographers to compare different lens models objectively. Additionally, the catalog is priced affordably at €5.00 per individual report, making expert-level data accessible without requiring a full magazine subscription. On the con side, the platform suffers from usability limitations; each lens profile must be purchased separately rather than bundled, and the website itself operates entirely in Italian, which may present a language barrier for international buyers. Furthermore, the page only serves as a digital storefront for downloadable metrics, meaning visitors looking for free summaries or immediate, comprehensive overviews directly on the page...

cameranu.nl

01/02/2024

Summary of the review

Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM - Used

The Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM is a compact, lightweight wide-angle lens recognized for delivering outstanding sharpness and high contrast, making it suitable for versatile, high-quality shooting. Key advantages include a 4-stop optical image stabilization (IS) system for stable, low-light, handheld shooting and a fast, near-silent ring-type USM autofocus motor. Conversely, the lens has a relatively slow f/2.8 maximum aperture for a prime lens and exhibits noticeable vignetting along with slight corner softness when shot wide open on full-frame cameras. Additionally, it lacks weather sealing and does not include a lens hood, which may be disappointing given its premium positioning.

Video reviews

Best alternatives

Sigma 16mm F 1 4 DC DN Sony E Mount

Camera lenses

Fujifilm XF 23mm F2 R WR

Camera lenses

Fujifilm XF 23mm F 2 8 R WR

Camera lenses

Fujifilm FUJINON XF 35mm F2 R WR

Camera lenses

OM System M.Zuiko Digital 25mm F 1 8 II

Camera lenses

Rokinon 35mm F 1 8 FE

Camera lenses

Sigma 30mm F1 4 DC HSM A

Camera lenses

Canon EF 35mm F 2 IS USM

Camera lenses

Viltrox AF 35mm F 1 8

Camera lenses

Tamron SP 35mm F1 8 Di VC USD

Camera lenses

Sony FE 35mm F 1 8

Camera lenses

Samyang AF 35mm F 1 4 FE

Camera lenses

Compare Canon EF 28mm F 2 8 IS USM with

Compare