Canon EF 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 USM Review

[theveed]

The Canon EF 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 USM is a wide focal length lens that is designed for the traveler in mind. The 28mm wide-end covers a decently wide coverage for sweeping landscapes and crowded captures while the 200mm reaches far enough for most detailed work. Before we go further, here’s how Canon describes their product:

Features:
* Diagonal Angle of View: 75° - 12°
* Lens Construction (elements/groups): 16 / 12
* No. of Diaphragm blades: 6
* Minimum Aperture: f/22 - 36
* Closest Focusing Distance (m): 0.45
* Maximum Magnification (x): 0.28 (at 200mm)
* Filter Diameter (mm): 77
A handy, compact zoom lens for versatile and easy subject selection whilst travelling
A handy, compact zoom lens for versatile and easy subject selection while travelling, etc. The highest optical performance in its class,plus the convenience of focusing up to 45 cm over the entire zooming range.The micro USM drive provides silent,high-speed autofocusing,plus the wide zooming range provides an easy,enjoyable picture-taking experience. This lens is also available with a DC motor instead of a USM to drive the AF.

Build and Design

As mentioned, this lens is marketed for the consumer level among the wide range of the Canon EF lens line-up. The silver ring around the lens signifies that this lens was designed for the APS-C film size in Canon’s IX series of SLRs back in the film days. On a crop sensor (1.6x), the field-of-view is equivalent to 45mm to 320mm, which isn’t too wide, but the telephoto end more than compensates if you like to shoot things from afar. Despite the IX-design, though, this lens is fully compatible to full-frame EF mounts on both digital and analog EOS bodies.


read the review here

[ben_r_]

When was this lens released?

[theveed]

Quite old, as mentioned, it sported a silver ring, so that was when the EOS IX series were "in", so figure around very late 90s to early 2000s.

[Geejay]

Well, as there are no pictures so far for this lens, here's one...



I bought this lens used, without really knowing anything about it. Not regarded as the best that Canon have produced, but it's not too bad. It filled a space when I needed a walkabout lens and I still find it useful.

[gkarris]

^^^ How timely.... I think it's nice - have more?

So, this lens or the EF-S 18-200 IS? USM more useful or IS?

[Geejay]

Here's an action shot...

Exif:
28mm
Tv
f6.7
1/1000s
ISO 400.......


Levels and USM only


100% Crop..

[Geejay]

Oh as for this vs 18-200. I think the reviews have the 28-200 lens as a bit of dog. I think these two shots reinforce the view that 'every dog has it's day'..

[HoosierJoe]

Not a popular lens evidently. I picked one up on the forum. It was advertised as purchased in 2000 new and sitting on a shelf almost unused since then. Also said to take "tack sharp" pictures.

The good and bad, I have seen so far.

First the bad:
It is not tack sharp. Even with microadjust it is not "tack sharp" wide open. Stopped down it is reasonably sharp and the images can be improved on in pp. But then, again I never expected it to be tack sharp when I bought it, despite the sellers claim.


The good:
It gives excellent color and contrast.
USM works perfectly.
The lens really was purchased in 2000 from Fry's and looks to be almost unused.
It performs much, much better than the Canon 55-250IS I sold. I had to do all kinds of pp on images from that lens.

I got this lens for use as a telephoto. My aim is to leave it on a backup body once I purchase one. It should be a good all around lens provided I stop it down sufficiently.

[HoosierJoe]

Wow, no activity on this thread is there? OK, I'll post some things this weekend.

[gkarris]

^^^ not a lot of people here have the older EF lenses...

I picked up the old EF 80-200 "Pocket Rocket" - loved it so I posted pics so that others can see. Upgraded to the 55-250 IS anyways for low-light shooting.

I was wondering about this lens - thanks for posting.

[Geejay]

Another couple of shots...


f8
1/180th
ISO 160
200mm


f3.5
1/350th
ISO 160
28mm

[HoosierJoe]

My grandson.



The lens does well, especially stopped down. I did VERY little pp to this. Nice color, contrast and sharpness right out of the camera.


Image info:

File Name IMG_2261.CR2
Camera Model Canon EOS 50D
Shooting Date/Time 9/24/2010 11:45:05 PM
Shooting Mode Program AE
Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/320
Av( Aperture Value ) 10.0
Metering Mode Evaluative Metering
Exposure Compensation -2/3
ISO Speed 400
Lens EF28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 USM
Focal Length 45.0mm
Image Size 4752x3168
Image Quality RAW
Flash Off
FE lock OFF
White Balance Mode Auto
AF Mode AI Focus
Drive Mode Low-speed continuous shooting
Live View Shooting OFF
AF Microadjustment 7

[mapmgr]

I've had this lens for as long as I've had my Digital Rebel. Will it do reasonably well (say over the kit lens) with the latest class (550D/60D/7D) bodies? Would the 24-105/F4L be a significant improvement albeit at a loss in the long end?

[HoosierJoe]

Originally Posted by mapmgr

I've had this lens for as long as I've had my Digital Rebel. Will it do reasonably well (say over the kit lens) with the latest class (550D/60D/7D) bodies? Would the 24-105/F4L be a significant improvement albeit at a loss in the long end?

Yeah, the 24-105 will be better all around. At $900-1200. It just depends on what you want to spend.

As far as superior to the kit lens 18-55IS. The kit lens is probably sharper at wider apertures. But not a long reach lens.

I use this lens on my 50D. If stopped down it does a pretty good job. I like it for occassional use.