Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM

[davo_robbo]

I agree on that point, I have borrowed (been with me for a long time now haha) the 50mm F/1.8 and I love it... always walking around.... but some time when working in a confine space, I nearly kill my self falling off a cliff haha.. so Im also considering of getting this 28mm 1.8...

Another thing... since u talk about flash, I been borrowing flash from a friend, it is from his old film SLR... but I gave it back already... so Im looking into buying one.. wat flash are u using and what would u recommend...

i use the 580ex which is the more expensive canon one,
the 430ex is a great flash and they're not too expensive, however i would recommend in getting the 580ex as it will be a lot more beneficial in the long term

[Pete-eos]

i use the 580ex which is the more expensive canon one,
the 430ex is a great flash and they're not too expensive, however i would recommend in getting the 580ex as it will be a lot more beneficial in the long term


Personally I'd go 430EX first, I can't see myself gaining anything from the 580EX on its own. However buy and use the 430EX then add the 580EX and your in for fun off camera flash times :D

[twoshadows]

^^^ enough about flash :) . Let's post some pics!

1/1000s f/2.0 at 28.0mm iso400
http://www.pbase.com/iangreyphotography/image/99264518/original.jpg

1/400s f/2.0 at 28.0mm iso400
http://www.pbase.com/iangreyphotography/image/99073894/original.jpg

Both taken with the 1DmkIIn.

[Quad]

^^^^
A lot of people in your area into eating flies? The guy holding the olympic rings even has the word bug near his mouth, it is plain wrong trying to go after the literate flies.

[davo_robbo]

okk more pictures :P
been playing around with some flashes



http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3187/2654481009_d32973ef65_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3024/2655309210_f394aee662_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3252/2655308332_bd11c7c038_b.jpg

[mammothz]

I went to buy this lens today... Ill post some pics after I have taken some fotos ... better be as good as u guys' pics :P... I will blame u all if its not

[mammothz]

hey guys... i got the lens.. its awesome but im having this problem... purp edge... is it the lens ?...
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=289051&stc=1&d=1216247712

[mammothz]

do u get this problem dave
i use the 580ex which is the more expensive canon one,
the 430ex is a great flash and they're not too expensive, however i would recommend in getting the 580ex as it will be a lot more beneficial in the long term

[davo_robbo]

do u get this problem dave

looks like a colour cast...
im not very enlightened on the matter.. basically light bouncing off something purple in the room and projecting that color onto the subject

[mammothz]

its call "Chromatic Aberrations (CAs)"
and apparently this lens is bad for it... when wide open that is... but i think at F/4 and above should be fine..u can see that on the left of the tie is red and right of the tie is blue

yeah so just wondering if u come across any in ur fotos

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chromatic_aberration

looks like a colour cast...
im not very enlightened on the matter.. basically light bouncing off something purple in the room and projecting that color onto the subject

[davo_robbo]

not that i notice at all..^^

i think you'd really have to look hard a lot of the time..
could be worse in different situations though

[Lester Wareham]

hey guys... i got the lens.. its awesome but im having this problem... purp edge... is it the lens ?...
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=289051&stc=1&d=1216247712

Chromatic aberration is a problem with this lens although it is very easy to fix in ACR or Photoshop for example.

I presume that example you put up is a 100% crop and NOT the full frame.

It doesn't get better with aperture on this lens, but is easy to fix. Before and after result with by 28/1.8;

http://www.zen20934.zen.co.uk/photography/LensTests/EF_28mm_f1.8_USM/Plots/Corner%20Chromatic%20Aberration%20Max.jpg

and as a crops at f5.6, before
http://www.zen20934.zen.co.uk/photography/LensTests/EF_28mm_f1.8_USM_AS_A/f5.6/Crops/A.jpg

after
http://www.zen20934.zen.co.uk/photography/LensTests/EF_28mm_f1.8_USM_CAC_A/f5.6/Crops/A.jpg

I have ACR presets I for each whole stop I just apply, you can download these from here http://www.zen20934.zen.co.uk/photography/Downloads.htm

They are developed for a 20D so might work for another crop camera but not for full frame.

[cvt01]

Wow! I read it so many times how easy to fix some CA problems but this is the first example I've ever seen. Thanks. Can it be used on jpg files in ACR? (I use DPP for raw conversion)
Can you tell us how to do this manually in ACR? What parameters needs to be changed and how?

[Lester Wareham]

Wow! I read it so many times how easy to fix some CA problems but this is the first example I've ever seen. Thanks. Can it be used on jpg files in ACR? (I use DPP for raw conversion)
Can you tell us how to do this manually in ACR? What parameters needs to be changed and how?

ACR is Adobe Camera RAW, the RAW converter that comes with Photoshop.

You can do a similar thing in Photoshop using the Filter->Distort->Lens Correction menu and adjusting the sliders. The interface for CA correction looks very much like ACR's.

I am not sure if the cut down versions of Photoshop have this feature.

The corrections used are listed here http://www.zen20934.zen.co.uk/photography/LensTests/EF_28mm_f1.8_USM/index.htm, but I just got them by trial and error using a high contrast test target.

[cvt01]

I know ACR but I don't like the color shift it introduces when converting raw files from canon cameras. So I use dpp then I edit the tiffs or jpgs in PS. The latest ACR versions can open jpg files not just raw so some edits are possible on jpg files I was wondering if CA correction is one of them. But I will try the lens correction method inside PS (my tamron 17-50 suffers from CA wide open). thanks.

[twoshadows]

^^^^
A lot of people in your area into eating flies? The guy holding the olympic rings even has the word bug near his mouth, it is plain wrong trying to go after the literate flies.

:rolleyes:

[Lester Wareham]

I know ACR but I don't like the color shift it introduces when converting raw files from canon cameras. So I use dpp then I edit the tiffs or jpgs in PS. The latest ACR versions can open jpg files not just raw so some edits are possible on jpg files I was wondering if CA correction is one of them. But I will try the lens correction method inside PS (my tamron 17-50 suffers from CA wide open). thanks.

Well it is a bit off topic so for a more extensive discussion we should go to the PP forum, but in the interests of continuity:

I agree with you, there is a difference in colour rendition and my experience is ACR is warmer. I also think the DPP sharpening is very good. But the main reason for changing to ACR was the integration of the workflow.

There is not much point in opening JPGs in ACR, you might as well open in Photoshop directly (perhaps this is what you mean). Of course every time you make a change to a JPG you accumulate more JPG artefacts so it is not ideal to edit JPGs. I suggest you DPP to 16-bit TIFF, open in Photoshop and use the filter->distort->lens correction.

Of course the latest DPP supports auto lens corrections for some lenses but only on the latest bodies. Why they couldn’t permit manual corrections to be applied for older body shots I can't fathom.

[ayreonaut]

A few of mine at different apertures on my XTi.

I loved this lens...

f/4
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3166/2655143344_e1c2752670.jpg?v=0


f/2.8
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1078/540840552_8657a1abe7.jpg?v=0

f/1.8
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2175/1815239533_b644ff897c.jpg?v=0

[silvex]

ACR is Adobe Camera RAW, the RAW converter that comes with Photoshop.

You can do a similar thing in Photoshop using the Filter->Distort->Lens Correction menu and adjusting the sliders. The interface for CA correction looks very much like ACR's.

I am not sure if the cut down versions of Photoshop have this feature.

The corrections used are listed here http://www.zen20934.zen.co.uk/photography/LensTests/EF_28mm_f1.8_USM/index.htm, but I just got them by trial and error using a high contrast test target.

Nice tech work like always Lester. Question: Do these settings represent the sliders in ACR ?


<crs:ChromaticAberrationR>-32</crs:ChromaticAberrationR>
<crs:ChromaticAberrationB>-19</crs:ChromaticAberrationB>

[Lester Wareham]

Nice tech work like always Lester. Question: Do these settings represent the sliders in ACR ?


<crs:ChromaticAberrationR>-32</crs:ChromaticAberrationR>
<crs:ChromaticAberrationB>-19</crs:ChromaticAberrationB>

Yes, correct.

Procedure was to shoot the target as shown, view the corner at 400% and adjust sliders to minimise the CA, check rest of frame.

Repeat for all stops, and rerun analysis software (graph shows corner CA before and after), obviously if you are doing this for yourself you don't need to analysis software which is just for info.

Checks in real life situations suggests this is good for most focus distances although my standard test magnification is 1:27, the test target is 0.303M by 0.202M.

I have similar ACR corrections for the EF-S 10-22 and 24-105/4 IS from the same download page.

I tried correcting my EF-S 18-55 but it's CA does not fit well with the Photoshop CA model so that did not work well.

[mammothz]

haha... i send this lens back... and got a 24-105 L instead

[Lester Wareham]

haha... i send this lens back... and got a 24-105 L instead

I have both, they do different things, one fast one slow, one prime one zoom.

If you need a good shutter speed in low light the 24-105 is no help, but the 24-105 is great for walk-around and good for landscape (as long as you correct the CA).

[mammothz]

yep i know...im just gonna use my nifty fifty for now for indoor actions shots... and will look into some prime around 20-30 later... I know u can fix the CA on the 28mm 1.8 now but.. i still get anoyed by it... so i will look into a prime later ... for now will just 50mm 1.8


I have both, they do different things, one fast one slow, one prime one zoom.

If you need a good shutter speed in low light the 24-105 is no help, but the 24-105 is great for walk-around and good for landscape (as long as you correct the CA).

[canonxtip]

Some great pics here! But can we see more? :-) I am about to get this lens...

[BluewookieJim]

I've had this lens for a couple weeks now, and I've had 2 opportunities to use it in difficult low light conditions.

The first five pictures here are from a fundraiser we held at our karate studio on July 12th. The students were sponsored for their kicks, and we donated over $1000 locally to the Yale New Haven Cancer Center.

http://photos.kodanja.net/img/v3/p675993540-3.jpg

http://photos.kodanja.net/img/v3/p868569451-4.jpg

http://photos.kodanja.net/img/v3/p570008212-4.jpg

http://photos.kodanja.net/img/v2/p1029373152-3.jpg

http://photos.kodanja.net/img/v2/p601179479-4.jpg

This past weekend, at our national Tang Soo Do (traditional korean martial arts) tournament in Arlington, TX, we had our annual awards banquet. A couple samples of my cousin and his girlfriend, both shots wide open at F/1.8.

http://photos.kodanja.net/img/v0/p676046141-4.jpg

http://photos.kodanja.net/img/v1/p439614379-3.jpg

[davo_robbo]

heres one from yesterday
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3090/2706495178_444937591d_b.jpg

[P1X4R]

Ryu from Street Fighter!

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh285/P1X4R_2008/TMP/IMG_5045.jpg

Classic Spidey!

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh285/P1X4R_2008/TMP/IMG_5196.jpg

[pixel_junkie]

I love this lens. I really do. Fast, acurate, great colors, very sharp! The bellow two portraits of my girl, I messed them up a little because I shot them at f/2.2 so I couldn't get both eyes in focus, BUT you can get a feel for how sharp this lens can be at that aperture at least ...

f/2.2, ISO200, 1/200 sec
http://www.emilkara.com/Images/Kali1.jpg


f/2.2, ISO200, 1/200 sec
http://www.emilkara.com/Images/Kali2.jpg

[pixel_junkie]

http://www.emilkara.com/Images/shrimp.jpg

[pixel_junkie]

http://www.emilkara.com/Images/28/1.jpg


http://www.emilkara.com/Images/28/4.jpg


http://www.emilkara.com/Images/28/3.jpg


http://www.emilkara.com/Images/28/2.jpg

http://www.emilkara.com/Images/28/5.jpg

[pixel_junkie]

http://www.emilkara.com/Images/28/6.jpg

http://www.emilkara.com/Images/28/7.jpg

[cvt01]

some really great images pixel_junkie, thanks for sharing

[pixel_junkie]

some really great images pixel_junkie, thanks for sharing

Thank you very much! I'm on a quest to prove how capable and undervalued this lens is. I hope I succeed.

[mizouse]

yea nice photos :)

[davo_robbo]

Thank you very much! I'm on a quest to prove how capable and undervalued this lens is. I hope I succeed.

this lens really is undervalued!

you certainly got a sharp copy by the looks of it ;)

nice shots too

[thatkatmat]

Thank you very much! I'm on a quest to prove how capable and undervalued this lens is. I hope I succeed.

well, it's working on me.....with no 35L's in stock anywhere I figure what the heck....I can try it out. Has your lens been to Canon or was it that sharp right out of the box.....How is it at 1.8?

[pixel_junkie]

well, it's working on me.....with no 35L's in stock anywhere I figure what the heck....I can try it out. Has your lens been to Canon or was it that sharp right out of the box.....How is it at 1.8?

It was on its way to CANON Irvine within 1 hour of receiving it from B&H Photo. I can't say that I had a real reason to send it in for calibration. I just wanted to make sure it performs to its limits. They did mention in the paperwork that it did need calibration and it was not up to factory standards. But the whole thing took 5 business days (I'm in San Diego) from the time I sent it to them to the time I got it back. 1.8 is a tad soft, I'm not going to lie to you and say it is razor sharp, BUT it is far from unusable as I had read numerous times before I got it. There's a difference between f/1.8 and f/2 but it is very mild. The Lamborghini picture above, the one of the chrome plate is at f/2. That is plenty sharp for me. I owned two SIGMA 30s before this lens and the difference in real life shooting isn't in sharpness at all. Both are very very close. So close that it doesn't matter. It is more in color rendition, focusing accuracy and flair control. It isn't a 35L for sure, but it is also $650 less.

[thatkatmat]

I'm always trying to see if I can make do with a lower price lens....usually I can't, but some folks are very pleased with this 28mm......Maybe I'll join the ranks. Thanks PJ for the real deal

[studiom]

Here are a few mounted shot with a Mk III..

[twoshadows]

I think the 28mm f/1.8 was born to be on a 1.3x crop body :) .

This thing can focus in a cave!!!
1/125s f/1.8 at 28.0mm iso3200
http://www.pbase.com/iangreyphotography/image/101509995/original.jpg

1/200s f/1.8 at 28.0mm iso3200
http://www.pbase.com/iangreyphotography/image/101509996/original.jpg

1/250s f/1.8 at 28.0mm iso3200
http://www.pbase.com/iangreyphotography/image/101510019/original.jpg

[twoshadows]

http://www.emilkara.com/Images/28/6.jpg

http://www.emilkara.com/Images/28/7.jpg
PJ,

Nice work. I love this lens and you're showing why.

[Pete-eos]

Here's some recent shots taken with my 28 of my pet snake, the MFD is rather handy on this..


http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y167/BluePete85/Marmite/IMG_8773-PS.jpg


http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y167/BluePete85/Marmite/IMG_8776-PS.jpg


http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y167/BluePete85/Marmite/IMG_8231-PS.jpg

[thatkatmat]

Nice shots....But man, snakes, yikes.....

[Dorman]

Seeing as how the 35L is a)perpetually out of stock, and b) bloody expensive, this is looking like a very good alternative. Shots from Pete-Eos, TwoShadows, and Pixel Junky are starting to convince me!

[pixel_junkie]

PJ,

Nice work. I love this lens and you're showing why.

Thanks man! I'm sure glad I went "against the grain" with this lens.

Seeing as how the 35L is a)perpetually out of stock, and b) bloody expensive, this is looking like a very good alternative. Shots from Pete-Eos, TwoShadows, and Pixel Junky are starting to convince me!

Good! At least, you can try it and exchange it if it isn't close enought to the 35L for you. $650+ price difference ... why not. Or you can get a SIGMA 30 ... ;):lol:

[Dorman]

Good! At least, you can try it and exchange it if it isn't close enought to the 35L for you. $650+ price difference ... why not. Or you can get a SIGMA 30 ... ;):lol:

I don't think so man - I'm not feeling lucky!

[BluewookieJim]

Wow, there are some really great images in this thread the last few weeks.

I really need to find more occasions to use this great lens. I tend to think of it as strictly an indoor, low light lens, which is clearly selling it short.

[brandon9585]

I'm really loving this lens. My friends on the way to philly. I round of USM makes everything crystal clear.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3058/2925223348_24306d0a55_o.jpg

[spelunker]

Like, what up socks.

http://i33.tinypic.com/mmtmx.jpg

[Perry Ge]

Shot from the hip:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3243/2679860334_5ba5053496.jpg?v=0

[spelunker]

I like that.

[Perry Ge]

Thank you!

[slug]

Just got this lens to replace my sigma 30mm f1.4 once I move to full frame. Took a couple quick shots of the flowers on my table. I don't really pixel peep but they seem very comparable. I don't think I'll have any regrets.

f2.2 1/80 ISO 800 40D
http://neilvaleriano.com/blogphotos/2008_10_16/IMG_4951.jpg

[PhatheadWRX]

I really want this lens. Seems like everyone else does too, its super hard to find used.

[John_TX]

Just got this lens to replace my sigma 30mm f1.4 once I move to full frame. Took a couple quick shots of the flowers on my table. I don't really pixel peep but they seem very comparable. I don't think I'll have any regrets.


Have you had a chance to use the 28 1.8 some more? I'm debating between the Sigma 30 f1.4 & Canon 28 f1.8 and was wondering what made you switch and if it seems worth it.

[pixel_junkie]

Have you had a chance to use the 28 1.8 some more? I'm debating between the Sigma 30 f1.4 & Canon 28 f1.8 and was wondering what made you switch and if it seems worth it.

He moved to FF ... SIGMA doesn't work on FF.

[slug]

Have you had a chance to use the 28 1.8 some more? I'm debating between the Sigma 30 f1.4 & Canon 28 f1.8 and was wondering what made you switch and if it seems worth it.

Yes. I'm really liking the 28 1.8 so far. I have done some tests on a tripod w/ mirror lockup between the two lenses and the biggest difference to my eyes is color rendition. Sharpness between the two copies I have is very close and that wouldn't be the reason I chose one over the other. I did these tests all on my 40D.

I am at work right now, but tonight I can post some of my results for you.

[slug]

He moved to FF ... SIGMA doesn't work on FF.

Yup. Sigma's 30mm f1.4 is one of the best lenses I have ever used. I would not have switched but the 28mm works on FF. I will probably get Sigma's 50mm f1.4 to replace the focal length on FF.

[John_TX]

Thanks for the info, I didn't realize the Sigma 30 was a crop lens. BTW, I'm not too familiar with the Sigma line, I assume all their DC lenses are crop & DG are FF?

[dan_1337]

the focus ring on my 28mm feels a bit loose. it has a little bit of front and back movement. is this normal?

[rnb2]

the focus ring on my 28mm feels a bit loose. it has a little bit of front and back movement. is this normal?

Mine has a tiny bit of movement.

[rnb2]

Thanks for the info, I didn't realize the Sigma 30 was a crop lens. BTW, I'm not too familiar with the Sigma line, I assume all their DC lenses are crop & DG are FF?

DC are crop lenses, and DG denotes digital-optimized coatings, so can be either crop or full-frame.

[spelunker]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3224/2975664128_097922baf4.jpg

[PhatheadWRX]

I just got a 28mm yesterday. This is a very nice lens.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3273/2975793419_b36e5f8404_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/frenchbrown/2975793419/)

[Boucher]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3191/2961395522_01eea4abee_b.jpg

[spelunker]

phathead, that's nice! What aperture was that?

[slug]

Some shots testing my 28mm 1.8 in my backyard. Ranges from f1.8 to f2.8 on a 40D.

http://neilvaleriano.com/blogphotos/2008_10_27/IMG_5263.jpg

http://neilvaleriano.com/blogphotos/2008_10_27/IMG_5266.jpg

http://neilvaleriano.com/blogphotos/2008_10_27/IMG_5280.jpg

http://neilvaleriano.com/blogphotos/2008_10_27/IMG_5267.jpg

http://neilvaleriano.com/blogphotos/2008_10_27/IMG_5283.jpg

http://neilvaleriano.com/blogphotos/2008_10_27/IMG_5296.jpg

[PhatheadWRX]

phathead, that's nice! What aperture was that?
f/2.2 1/80 ISO1600

Its a fun little lens! I found my 50mm on the crop so limiting.

[Antj]

I'm a newbie to photography and recently got a 50mm 1.8, do you think this lens would be good for landscapes and family events? The wideness will be such a bonus over my 50mm.

[spelunker]

It is wider than the 50 1.8, but it's not really wide per se. For family events I think it's excellent, but you likely want something wider for landscapes.

[Antj]

Hmmm, not sure if this is the place to ask but could you recommend me something which would be suitable for both under the £300 range? :p Probably a hard task!

If not, this is to everyone, even though I have a 50mm 1.8 would this lens be worth getting? I love the pictures it takes, they suit my style.

[Pete-eos]

Hmmm, not sure if this is the place to ask but could you recommend me something which would be suitable for both under the £300 range? :p Probably a hard task!

If not, this is to everyone, even though I have a 50mm 1.8 would this lens be worth getting? I love the pictures it takes, they suit my style.

I sold my 28mm for £230 a few weeks ago, just keep an eye out, otherwise I think you can get them for sub £300 still, although prices have gone up a fair amount since I bought mine a year ago.
http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/prod78.html

Drop the member Kerso a message, should have a slightly better price.

[kansascityshuffle]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3044/3091989532_15da1f31db_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3030/3091150495_776c8955b2_b.jpg

[spelunker]

http://i38.tinypic.com/16bc0g2.jpg

[ALaS]

I'm pretty sure this is going to be my next lens to haul around EVERYWHERE!

[Meista]

hey,
so how does this lens compare (stopped down to 2.8 ) to the 24-70L at 28mm ?
my 24-70 is pretty weak at the short end, but i'm not sure if this is normal or if mine
needs some calibration ?

[davo_robbo]

any prime lens will far surpass any zoom lens in image quality (to an extent)
2.8 on the 28mm is razor sharp (i had a copy but it was a little too wide on FF for my liking)

but you will get much sharper and much more detailed shots through using primes over zooms.. 24L is another option (L primes are in a league of their own)

[Meista]

any prime lens will far surpass any zoom lens in image quality (to an extent)
2.8 on the 28mm is razor sharp (i had a copy but it was a little too wide on FF for my liking)

but you will get much sharper and much more detailed shots through using primes over zooms.. 24L is another option (L primes are in a league of their own)

that's what i thought, but then i read this review:

"The Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Lens exhibits softness wide open.
I generally find that when stopped down to f/2.8 or f/4, the Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Lens is quite sharp.
The corners are best after f/5.6. The Canon EF 24mm f/1.4 L USM Lens and Canon EF 35mm f/1.4 L USM Lens both are noticeably sharper.
The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM Lens is noticeably sharper with the extreme full frame corners being an exception.
The Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 Lens is much softer than the f/1.8 - especially in the corners."

from:
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-28mm-f-1.8-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

[Sam N]

http://samn.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p349461661-4.jpg (http://samn.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p349461661.jpg)

http://samn.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p105251645-4.jpg (http://samn.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p105251645.jpg)

[ChromeThunder]

have this lens on order....will have it tuesday

[davo_robbo]

that's what i thought, but then i read this review:

"The Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Lens exhibits softness wide open.
I generally find that when stopped down to f/2.8 or f/4, the Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Lens is quite sharp.
The corners are best after f/5.6. The Canon EF 24mm f/1.4 L USM Lens and Canon EF 35mm f/1.4 L USM Lens both are noticeably sharper.
The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM Lens is noticeably sharper with the extreme full frame corners being an exception.
The Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 Lens is much softer than the f/1.8 - especially in the corners."

from:
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-28mm-f-1.8-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

nearly every lens is soft wide open..
the copy that i had was razor sharp (for the parts that were in focus) from f2.2 and further. 24L and 35L are always going to be sharper, being L primes and having the higher quality optics.

"The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM Lens is noticeably sharper with the extreme full frame corners being an exception"

typo? there is no way that the 24-70 is sharper @ 2.8 than the 28mm 1.8 is at 2.8

[kansascityshuffle]

Pet shots

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3207/3142466164_923a02cdc1_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3122/3141637645_0cd4931d1e_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3210/3142465364_d6993a894f_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3109/3142464978_880c54bb2d_o.jpg

[dissembled]

How about 100% crops of it wide open? Please? :)

[spelunker]

http://i40.tinypic.com/212flma.jpg

[spelunker]

http://i43.tinypic.com/2lnz56x.jpg

[mai_lin]

Bought this lens as a christmas gift to myself...

On back order from Canon :( I'll just have to lust at the pictures for now...



Jen D.

[ChromeThunder]

my first shots with this lens just arrived today

http://dalawrence.smugmug.com/photos/445510262_W4M6s-M.jpg

http://dalawrence.smugmug.com/photos/445510257_UW8Yg-M.jpg

[slug]

All @ f2 ISO 1600 on a 5DmkII. The lens is really growing on me.

http://neilvaleriano.com/blogphotos/2008_12_28/IMG_0241-Edit.jpg

http://neilvaleriano.com/blogphotos/2008_12_28/IMG_0237-Edit.jpg

http://neilvaleriano.com/blogphotos/2008_12_28/IMG_0242.jpg

http://neilvaleriano.com/blogphotos/2008_12_28/IMG_0243.jpg

[ChromeThunder]

an outdoor shot from this lens

http://dalawrence.smugmug.com/photos/447348136_JxcmZ-L.jpg

[Max F]

I have this lens on my xti and really like it alot. However, I'm really blown away with the shots I've seen with it on a 5d or 5dII.

[Collin85]

Great little lens. It is a little soft wide-open, but sharpens quickly by f/2-2.2. Main problem has always been CA and corner sharpness for this lens - and that's been a consistent view by many owners it seems, not just reviewers. IQ-wise, there aren't many zooms which are better, although there are a few. 17-55 and 70-200 f/4L IS being two.

Here's a recent shot from the 28:

http://www.collinzphotography.com/photos/448510445_YBdV4-M.jpg

[ernst_blofeld]

Before the Dawn at Semifinal club in Helsinki, 5D + 28mm 1.8:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3141/2905138672_5ed2264e47_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3232/2904295019_912da89a97_o.jpg

[slug]

Took some pics of some of my friends toy collection over the holidays with the 28mm.

F2 IS03200 5DII
http://neilvaleriano.com/blogphotos/2009_01_13/IMG_0514.jpg

F2 ISO3200 5DII
http://neilvaleriano.com/blogphotos/2009_01_13/IMG_0515.jpg

F2.8 ISO6400 5DII
http://neilvaleriano.com/blogphotos/2009_01_13/IMG_0548.jpg

F2 ISO3200 5DII
http://neilvaleriano.com/blogphotos/2009_01_13/IMG_0516.jpg

F2.8 ISO6400 5DII
http://neilvaleriano.com/blogphotos/2009_01_13/IMG_0556.jpg

F4 ISO6400 5DII
http://neilvaleriano.com/blogphotos/2009_01_13/IMG_0573.jpg

F4 ISO1600 5DII
http://neilvaleriano.com/blogphotos/2009_01_13/IMG_0577.jpg

F2 ISO6400 5DII
http://neilvaleriano.com/blogphotos/2009_01_13/IMG_0598.jpg

[spelunker]

These I took today. Very foggy outside, interesting weather for photography. Not my best work, but the composition is very typical for the stuff I do.

http://i40.tinypic.com/2ls8cya.jpg

http://i44.tinypic.com/2rgjtjr.jpg

http://i43.tinypic.com/2d99rm1.jpg

[Bunny]

F 2.8 ISO1600 40D
http://hka.smugmug.com/photos/457045113_GJajT-M.jpg

[strobe monkey]

I just bit the bullet and ordered one from amazon. Will be here this week.

[kansascityshuffle]

I just bit the bullet and ordered one from amazon. Will be here this week.

Safe to say you won't be disappointed!

[strobe monkey]

Finally got mine today. Initial tests are looking good. Useable at f1.8 and gets better as I stop down. I still have to test it (basketball) next Saturday and see if it lives up to my expectation.

[Ob Com]

These I took today. Very foggy outside, interesting weather for photography. Not my best work, but the composition is very typical for the stuff I do.

http://i40.tinypic.com/2ls8cya.jpg

http://i44.tinypic.com/2rgjtjr.jpg

http://i43.tinypic.com/2d99rm1.jpg

I really like these. I checked out your flickr too and its really very good photography imho. i think you have refreshingly different approach to composition and a great eye for the unusual amoungst the seemingly mundane.

[spelunker]

Thank you so much. It seems that you understand my point of view, composition and the curiosities of the ordinary mean a lot to me.

[dwash_72]

I am by no means a pro but I got mine a few weeks ago and it has not left my XSI. At least to me, they make a perfect match.

[drPheta]

I certainly enjoy this lens. Mine seems to be a very nice copy. The following shots are all WIDE OPEN!

http://www.petertphan.com/pics/taos_2009/images/IMG_0689.jpg

http://www.petertphan.com/pics/taos_2009/images/IMG_0703.jpg

http://www.petertphan.com/pics/taos_2009/images/IMG_0713.jpg

[Perry Ge]

You guys are depressing me. I liked this lens a lot more than I liked the 35L, and now I miss mine. I didn't use it as much as other glass, and sold it for quite cheap to fund the 85L, so I'm hesitant to re-buy it.

But man, I miss this little guy. One of the most underrated lenses in Canon's lineup, and one of my favourites.

[drPheta]

Perry, it's great on my 40D, but now with the 1D I've found a new love for it. Just need to get some opportunities to really make it shine on the MKIII

[spelunker]

DrPheta, I think you've gotten ahold of a great copy. Make sure to hold on to it!

[brandon9585]

Great shots Doc, did you have a polarizer on there?

[drPheta]

Thanks! Truly is a great little lens. No polarizer, just some color adjustments in CS3 ACR.

[4rgentum]

f/1.8
iso1600
5dMii
http://dl.getdropbox.com/u/53098/pics/potn/cup-01.jpg

f/1.8
iso3200
5dMii
http://dl.getdropbox.com/u/53098/pics/potn/cake-01.jpg

[xtrematrix]

Great shots everyone. This is definitely my next lens purchase.

[blindseeker]

More photos please (f 1.8-2.8 od FF would be the best). Anybody else have this lens?

[4rgentum]

both shot with the 5d mii wide open at ISO 800

http://dl.getdropbox.com/u/53098/pics/potn/isushi-07.jpg

http://dl.getdropbox.com/u/53098/pics/potn/isushi-08.jpg

[4rgentum]

f/2.2 on 5d mii

http://dl.getdropbox.com/u/53098/pics/potn/fruit-06.jpg

[xtrematrix]

f/2.2 on 5d mii

http://dl.getdropbox.com/u/53098/pics/potn/fruit-06.jpg
Love the colors in this shot... looks tasty also ;)

[silvex]

F2 ISO3200 1/15 no flash on 40D handheld
http://silvex.smugmug.com/photos/466284068_ZtaqD-XL-2.jpg
F1.8 ISO3200 1/160 no flash on 40D handheld
http://silvex.smugmug.com/photos/466283037_2n8md-XL-3.jpg

[John_TX]

F2 ISO3200 1/15 no flash on 40D handheld
<image> <image>
F1.8 ISO3200 1/160 no flash on 40D handheld


Wow, both of those shots look really clean for the 40D @ ISO 3200.
What did you do to clean them up?

[gospastic]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3532/3228038972_b2e99d351d_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3268/3223475924_240bbfacef_b.jpg

[silvex]

Wow, both of those shots look really clean for the 40D @ ISO 3200.
What did you do to clean them up?

Shoot RAW, proper exposure (to the right) and noise filters in CS3 and NeatImage.

[ppucci]

Got a question.... how far you need to be when using this lens on a crop Canon XS for head + shoulder portrait?

[PhatheadWRX]

28mm on a 1.6 crop means you have to be pretty close to the subject for head and shoulder shots. Maybe a few feet away. Its great for small rooms, but a little in-your-face.

[SnoDork]

great thread guys.

Gonna pickup a 28mm f/1.8 this weekend, can't wait!! I've already got a 50mm F1.4 & shoot with a 40d. I primarily shoot my 1.5yo daughter and i found the 50mm a bit too close? My daughter is usually within arms reach to a few steps form me, you know being the running mobile curious monkey that she is.

I figured the 28mm would give me a wider FOV without having to "step away" from her...

This thread helped make may decision! again...thanks POTN!

[drPheta]

^ good choice. It focuses fairly quickly, and the FOV if offers on the crop will make it a go to lens in those situations.

[silvex]

Got a question.... how far you need to be when using this lens on a crop Canon XS for head + shoulder portrait?

You gotta be carefull when doing shots that close. It will create distortion (big noses, wide faces.

[brandon9585]

Couple from this weekend.

f/2.0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3591/3282901378_fa49162a21_o.jpg

f/2.5
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3573/3281915937_0847c5e2bc_o.jpg

[ChromeThunder]

http://dalawrence.smugmug.com/photos/473408047_VxxRb-M.jpg

http://dalawrence.smugmug.com/photos/473410671_Gb2P8-M.jpg

[vuthuyduong]

Couple from this weekend.

f/2.5
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3573/3281915937_0847c5e2bc_o.jpg
Did you use any filter to create the blue sky effect?

[brandon9585]

No polarizer used. Exposure lock was on the red hat I believe and I bumped the saturation a little in Adobe Camera Raw.

[Simply Ravishing]

Just bought this lens! super excited for it to arrive, the Fedex guy can't get here fast enough!

[spelunker]

http://i41.tinypic.com/2nqqv5h.jpg

http://i43.tinypic.com/205fspx.jpg

http://i40.tinypic.com/2iv1zq9.jpg

[ChromeThunder]

http://dalawrence.smugmug.com/photos/478713540_G6eVR-L.jpg

f/11 @ 1/50sec ISO 1600 handheld, flash for fill

[SnoDork]

Haven't gotten much time to play with my new lens, but here are some samples...

@ f/1.8
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r260/m_baylon/Stuff/IMG_6002.jpg

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r260/m_baylon/Stuff/IMG_6028.jpg

@ f/2.2
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r260/m_baylon/Stuff/IMG_6040.jpg

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r260/m_baylon/Stuff/IMG_6041.jpg

0% PP, right off the CF card

[René Damkot]

28mm wide open:

http://www.moonglade.net/~rene/090206_Roosbeef/content/bin/images/large/rhd_20090206_Roos_0181.jpg

[ChromeThunder]

http://dalawrence.smugmug.com/photos/480850306_abFEh-L-2.jpg

[spelunker]

http://i40.tinypic.com/1pgtx0.jpg


f 2.5.

[spelunker]

http://i40.tinypic.com/2zeclf5.jpg

[Lester Wareham]

28mm wide open:

http://www.moonglade.net/~rene/090206_Roosbeef/content/bin/images/large/rhd_20090206_Roos_0181.jpg

Great shot René and excellent flare control 28/1.8.

And some people have the nerve to say this lens flares badly... hah!

[drPheta]

In the wrong hands it certainly will flare badly. But that's why we love this lens and others don't. We can do our best to keep it under control. That is a great shot.

[borna]

I really want to but this lens...but the price is only thing that getting into my way...So i'm thinking about Sigma 28mm f1.8. Can any one tell whats the big difference between those two lens? Should I buy Sigma instead or save for some time and then but the Canon one?

[John_TX]

I really want to but this lens...but the price is only thing that getting into my way...So i'm thinking about Sigma 28mm f1.8. Can any one tell whats the big difference between those two lens? Should I buy Sigma instead or save for some time and then but the Canon one?

Depends on what you want to do with it.
Be sure to check out the Sigma 30mm f1.4 as well.
Lens prices have been all over the place the last couple of weeks here in the states. I picked up the Sigma 30mm for $385 and a couple days later, it was $439 (it's been back & forth between those prices the last couple of weeks).
Same goes for the Canon 28 f1.8, I've seen it from $395 to $450 online when I was deciding between the two.

Not sure how prices are in Canada though, but I'd suggest watching the prices for a couple of weeks & see what they do.

http://search.live.com/cashback/products/offerings/18018/5547496

http://search.live.com/cashback/products/offerings/18009/1456632

[SnoDork]

I got my Canon 28mm f/1.8 used from a local photographer (who went to a 35L + FF)

there are a few (as of late) Canon 28mm's up for sale in the classified section...going used is what sealed the deal for me and this thread of course!!

Recent shots with this Fantabulously fantabulous lens:

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r260/m_baylon/babyE/mar_02.jpg

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r260/m_baylon/babyE/mar_01.jpg

[ChristopherChen]

I've been gassing for a nice prime for my 40D's crop body.

Grant yes this lens does have a bit of softness and CA fully wide open, but it does have a very sweet spot. A lens hood is a must for me on this lens.

It's my go to lens right now, and a permanent fixture on my camera.

I love it to bits.

From f2.8 and up it's really sharp and the results are rewarding too.

Here are some shots of my guitar gear indoors.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v633/ChristopherChen/IMG_5138.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v633/ChristopherChen/IMG_5153.jpg

I've used it lately to take some pictures of sunsets during my weekends, will upload those once I manage to find my CF card (argh...)

[twoshadows]

This lens, I've discovered, is a great street lens on 1.3x and FF. If you like these, you can find more at:

http://www.iangrey.com/userPage_30_Street.htm

"...And Here Is the Steeple..." (5D)
http://www.pbase.com/iangreyphotography/image/110097882/original.jpg

The Art of the Deal (5D)
http://www.pbase.com/iangreyphotography/image/110097904/original.jpg

Tired of the News (5D)
http://www.pbase.com/iangreyphotography/image/110097920/original.jpg

Madame, May I? (5D)
http://www.pbase.com/iangreyphotography/image/110097934/original.jpg

Glued (5D)
http://www.pbase.com/iangreyphotography/image/110097924/original.jpg

The Calm (1DmkIIn)
http://www.pbase.com/iangreyphotography/image/110097939/original.jpg

Communication (5D)
http://www.pbase.com/iangreyphotography/image/110097894/original.jpg

[twoshadows]

I really want to but this lens...but the price is only thing that getting into my way...So i'm thinking about Sigma 28mm f1.8. Can any one tell whats the big difference between those two lens? Should I buy Sigma instead or save for some time and then but the Canon one?

Auto focus, auto focus, auto focus!

[ChristopherChen]

Something from this morning...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v633/ChristopherChen/IMG_5695-1.jpg
Apologies if I went a little overboard with the PP, my first time using Lightroom! :D

[strobe monkey]

Something from this morning...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v633/ChristopherChen/IMG_5695-1.jpg
Apologies if I went a little overboard with the PP, my first time using Lightroom! :D


Lovely colors. It that an HDB near ASIA Gardens near China Town?

[ChristopherChen]

:D

Actually it's somewhere in Eunos, accompanied my Dad for a visit to my Aunt.

Days here have been slightly gloomy lately, quite lucky to get a sky like that!

I'll be visiting Perth in April, this lens will be a must have!

[jasonleehl]

Lovely colors. It that an HDB near ASIA Gardens near China Town?

These HDB flats looking alike (their design has been the same during the 1990s). Btw, great shot Chris; the weather is not getting good lately and I was close to get hit by a falling tree when travelling in the expressway!

[DavidSR]

I was on Ken Rockwell's site and he said that if you own a Canon that this lens is superior to Sigma's 30 1.4. Is he correct in saying that? I need a lens that would be wider than a 50mm. We are getting ready to have our 2nd baby and need something that isn't going to make me stand on the other side of the room to get everyone in the hospital delivery room in the shot. I have heard good and bad things about Sigma's lens, but would like to see what others think who have tried both of these lenses. I will be saving up for one of them and will hopefully have it by the time of the new arrival!!

Thanks for the help!!

[SnoDork]

I was on Ken Rockwell's site and he said that if you own a Canon that this lens is superior to Sigma's 30 1.4. Is he correct in saying that? I need a lens that would be wider than a 50mm. We are getting ready to have our 2nd baby and need something that isn't going to make me stand on the other side of the room to get everyone in the hospital delivery room in the shot. I have heard good and bad things about Sigma's lens, but would like to see what others think who have tried both of these lenses. I will be saving up for one of them and will hopefully have it by the time of the new arrival!!

Thanks for the help!!

great thread guys.

Gonna pickup a 28mm f/1.8 this weekend, can't wait!! I've already got a 50mm F1.4 & shoot with a 40d. I primarily shoot my 1.5yo daughter and i found the 50mm a bit too close? My daughter is usually within arms reach to a few steps form me, you know being the running mobile curious monkey that she is.

I figured the 28mm would give me a wider FOV without having to "step away" from her...

This thread helped make may decision! again...thanks POTN!


Can't comment on the quality of the Sigma 30mm, but as for the comparison between using a 50mm & 28mm...i picked up the 28mm for almost the same reason you described...

I love my 28mm on myh 40d, we have our 2nd baby due in july and i'll more then likely have my 28mm poised for action that day!!

[mzondeki]

I was on Ken Rockwell's site and he said that if you own a Canon that this lens is superior to Sigma's 30 1.4. Is he correct in saying that? I need a lens that would be wider than a 50mm. We are getting ready to have our 2nd baby and need something that isn't going to make me stand on the other side of the room to get everyone in the hospital delivery room in the shot.

Thanks for the help!!

This lens is worth every penny. Sigma might come close, however, sigma wont work with FF (in case you upgrade to Full Frame).
I found my copy amazing sharp, better build quality than 50F1.4, feels solid, and Fast.
I find best use for parties and indoor group shots.
In reviews you find Flare is an issue, however this is an issue only if you are shooting against sun.
on bad side, Its bit expensive.. however it will hold its value unlike 401K.

[strobe monkey]

I was on Ken Rockwell's site and he said that if you own a Canon that this lens is superior to Sigma's 30 1.4. Is he correct in saying that? I need a lens that would be wider than a 50mm. We are getting ready to have our 2nd baby and need something that isn't going to make me stand on the other side of the room to get everyone in the hospital delivery room in the shot. I have heard good and bad things about Sigma's lens, but would like to see what others think who have tried both of these lenses. I will be saving up for one of them and will hopefully have it by the time of the new arrival!!

Thanks for the help!!

I also have a Canon 50 1.4 which id sharp and I love it but its not wide enough for with my 40D so I bought the 28 f1.8 USm. Its a lot quicker focusing than the 50 1.4 and has a more solid feel. I prefered this against the Sigma as the sigma is only for a cropper and I've had bad experience with Sigma lenses.