Canon 28mm f/2.8 EF

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Canon 28mm f/2.8 EF. If you’re looking to purchase this lens I always check Adorama and Ebay for good deals. It helps me if you purchase it through one of these links here in this review. When you purchase through these links it financially enables me to devote time to develop this site further. Thanks for the help! -Todd

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Barrel
Plastic.

Weight
6.3 oz (180g)

Focus Ring
Rubber on Plastic.

Close Focus
1 foot (0.3 meters).

Filter Threads
52mm, Metal.

Aperture Ring
None.

Diaphragm
5 blades stopping down to f/22.

Mount
Canon EOS Metal Mount.

Made in
Japan

 

Focus

 


f/2.8 | f/3.5 | f/4 | f/8

 

100% Crop

f/2.8 | f/3.5 | f/4 | f/8

 

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Corner at f/2.8

Flare and Ghosting

 

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Close Focus at f/4

Bokeh at f/2.8

Bokeh at f/2.8

Sharpness
f/2.8: Decently sharp with decent contrast and only a little chromatic aberration.
f/3.5: Very sharp with great contrast and very little chromatic aberration.
f/4: Really sharp with a hint of chromatic aberration.
f/8: Very sharp with great contrast and color.

Vignetting
The vignette is not too bad but takes quite a while to get rid of and is basically gone by f/8.

Bokeh
Very nice and not too distracting at all.

Distortion

Not too much Barrel Distortion for a 28mm lens.

Recommendations
Optics:         ★ ★ ★ ★
Mechanics:  ★ ★ ★
Ergonomics: ★ ★ ★ ★
Usefulness:   ★ ★ ★ ★
Availability:    ★ ★ ★ ★
Overall:          ★ ★ ★ ★
Out of 5

This lens is way better then I had expected for the price they are selling for these days. It is nearly as sharp as the Canon 28mm f/1.8 USM EF but less then half the price. I love this lens so much because you can literally chuck it in your pocket and it’s really light weight but still has the metal mount.
I was also really impressed with the very smooth bokeh this lens produced for the price and is only a little distracting which is good for a wide lens.
The lens distortion is not too bad and the lens is decently sharp in the corners.
I am very impressed with the color and contrast and when shooting into the sun the lens flare is moderate and at large apertures the light ghosting is not too bad and actually beautiful for some photos.
The only two problems I would have with the lens is the small focus ring and the switch to move from auto to manual focus is a bit dinky. This however is not a deal breaker on this great little lens.
Overall I really enjoy using this lens in almost every way and love pocketing it and putting a 85mm on my camera and I’m good to go.
If you want a similar lens the 28mm f/1.8 is a tad sharper in the center and sides and might be a better option for low light situations but is over double the cost.

 

Did this review help?
My hopes are to take the time to continue developing this website with more test photo based reviews. If you are ever interested in purchasing this lens or other photography equipment please do so through these links here in this review. I always check Adorama and Ebay for good deals. This helps support my family and allows me to take more time for the site. The best part is this site is free for you and I link good deals I find!

Sometimes these links will actually give you better deals then typical retail prices! I personally buy from the links I have listed whether looking for new gear or fun old stuff. I can personally attest to their good & safe service from years of experience. Thanks again to you, our readers, for supporting us! -Todd