Any comments on Canon 28-300mm 3.5/5.6 L series

[Canon User]

Any comments on Canon 28-300mm 3.5/5.6 L series

This is a lot of money but it also looks like a lot of lens. Any user comments I'm thinking about one.

[geekyrocketguy]

They have a lot of info here:
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-28-300mm-f-3.5-5.6-L-IS-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

[fWord]

Yes, I had this lens for a short while. Sold it to recover funds to upgrade the camera body and I still miss it for its versatility. If you're keen, do read up the two threads I started here:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=251518

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=256450

From my very limited experience, it seems that this lens does a good job with subjects that are a medium to far distance from the camera. At its closest focusing distance, some softness creeps into the image. This happens with other lenses too I guess, particularly those without a floating system that would correct for aberrations. The Sigma 100-300mm f/4 is one example.

[cjm]

Personally I dont think I am that interested in this lens as I once was. I imagine there will be a steady f4 28-300L in the works but the Tamron 18-250 looks like a pretty good deal for an all purpose lens (did I just say that?)

I still would love to get my hands on a 28-300 L but I am unsure I will ever buy one.

[Skip Souza]

It is fairly well respected as a photojournalist's lens, especially on a FF camera. Does a good job for a one lens does all without need to change lenses, especially useful in inclement weather or adverse conditions.
Not noted for killer sharpness or buttery bokeh of other L lenses. It just serves a different calling.
I did observe a wedding photographer using one inside a church without a flash, then outside in a park with the wedding party. (Side note, my wife's photos of the same wedding were much better) :-)

[hooookup]

A lot of Hollywood Red Carpet photographers use this lens and seem to like it.

[frank t]

perhaps you might try using a less costly version of the same range,(28-300mm..f3.5-6.3) that Tamron offers...at @17oz, and 3.2" long, it is an amazing piece of glass for very little $$$'s...(I paid $235.00 used for mine), and it has become an almost permanent fixture on my 20D....It's certainly not my sharpest lens, but it is usually more than adequate to "get the shot", and p/p can take care of any tweaking needed most of the time...
IMNSHO...this range lens is a great thing to have in your kit, but not at $2000+....:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

[crn3371]

Even though it is an L lens, it still falls prey to the same issues that all of the superzooms have. When you try to cram that much range in one lens you have to make sacrifices. It's also kind of big and heavy. I was out the other day and ran in to a guy that was using one on his 5D. While certainly a nice one-lens solution, it was also kind of cumbersome for everyday walkabout use.

[Canon User]

Thanks for your comments and review links so far. It looks like the scores up to now are

Versatility 5 Stars
Image Quality 4½ Stars
Convenience 3 Stars

So at this point I'm still in the frame for one.

When I visit a location to shoot I usually choose one lens and work that for a while then swap to another and cover the same ground again. A full ranger would unleash more creative thinking as well as being ready for any length shot. How does it compare to my L series lenses I have now at similar settings do you think. (See sig for lenses).

[calicokat]

The lens hood is not good for the 300mm end of things

[fWord]

How does it compare to my L series lenses I have now at similar settings do you think. (See sig for lenses).

The 17-40mm and 70-200mm is a versatile kit in itself, though you lose the IS which the 28-300mmL has, and weather-sealing on one half of it. But having 17mm is very nice. I've never used the 17-40mm before, but I haven't seen too many things sharper than the 70-200mm f/4. If you have the habit of viewing things at 100% on screen or printing large, I suspect you may occasionally miss the IQ of your current setup.

It has been remarked that the 28-300mm is an excellent PJ lens. From this I would assume that people who benefit most from it are those who:

-probably are under a lot of pressure to take photos quickly
-hate changing lenses
-don't want to lose a photo because of a lens change (kinda ties in with the first point)

I don't believe it's for people who are more critical of IQ. But surely, a wide zoom range with weather-sealing and 3-stop IS throughout will definitely appeal to some. It even did, for me.

[Canon User]

And the result is...

<::: Bought it :::>

(Kept the other L series as well)

[fWord]

And the result is...

<::: Bought it :::>

(Kept the other L series as well)

Oh wow...congratulations! It was over a month ago since you posted up this thread for enquiries. Glad you went for it in the end. It's one heavy beast, but considering the few compromises, it's a very sweet package over all. Hope you enjoy it.

[cjm]

Congrats!

Now if you don't already have one, you might want to think about a light weight monopod for this beast. Actually for all your lenses as its amazing how much sharper images seem to be when used with just a monopod.

[Canon User]

I use a monopod quite a lot. Comes in handy.

The lens is a monster at 6lbs. Lookinf forward to some good results.

[Canon User]

Right..... Looks like we need a new tripod.

Seen a Benbo today. Looks good and will hold the 6Lb lens with ease

Any users ot there........

[Tapeman]

Congrats. That's a lot of range. Enjoy it.

[rammbs]

@canonuser, congrats on the lens! i would love to see some more shots from it. if you don't mind.

as i am considering this lens too.

thanks!

[Canon User]

Your Crits / Congrats please on the 28/300

http://picasaweb.google.com/canonuseer/ScarboroughShoot/photo#5095236356526967282

These beach huts were nearly a mile away

http://picasaweb.google.com/canonuseer/ScarboroughShoot/photo#5095236549800495714

Post processing by dxo optics pro

[Canon User]

!!! SOLD !!!

Moved on to the 100-400mm L series.

Still miss it though. Great PJ tool but was a bit of a compromise on sharpness and contrast. Good second hand value - Had a year out of it for not a lot of cash

[fWord]

!!! SOLD !!!

Moved on to the 100-400mm L series.

Still miss it though. Great PJ tool but was a bit of a compromise on sharpness and contrast. Good second hand value - Had a year out of it for not a lot of cash

That's unfortunate, but at least you had the taste of it. It's quite uncommon on the market so it's no surprise it has pretty good resale value. I might try it again some day.