Canon EF28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM

• Specifications
• Reviews
• Sample Images
• Initial launch information.

Canon's best extreme zoom lens (44mm - 480mm equiv.) is still pretty hefty, compared to cheaper models. However you get 'L' build quality. Note that it's a push-pull zoom design, which some people find inconvenient. Distortions are noticeable at the wide end.

Available from: Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk | B&H | Adorama

Lens specifications

Focal Length & Maximum Aperture	28-300mm 1:3.5-5.6
Lens Construction	22 elements in 16 groups
Diagonal Angle of View	75° - 8°15'
Focus Adjustment	Inner focusing system with USM
Closest Focusing Distance	0.7m / 2.3 ft.
Zoom System	Push-pull type
Filter Size	77mm
Max. Diameter x Length, Weight	3.6" x 7.2", 3.7 lb. / 92 x 184mm, 1670g

A quick guide to MTF charts (which only measure contrast and resolution. Canon's guide to their MTF charts) Black lines reflect lens performance at widest aperture. Blue lines show the performance at f/8 Thick lines indicate lens contrast Thin lines indicate lens resolution Dashed lines: Lens performance with meridional lines. Solid lines: Lens performance with sagittal lines Closer sagittal and meridional chart lines indicate more 'natural' out of focus areas. Remember that MTF charts are good for comparing similar lenses, so comparing ones from the 14mm f2.8L and 300mm 2.8L won't tell you much at all, whilst comparing the EF14 2.8L with the EF14 2.8L II will show meaningful differences. Note that other manufacturers may have different ways of displaying such information that may or may not match up with the Canon figures.

EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM reviews and articles

• Canon UK / US Information Page
• Amazon
• Northlight Images
• Canon CPN article
• Fred Miranda
• Lens Tip
• Digital Picture
• PhotoZone
• SLR Gear
• Lens Review
• ePhotozine

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Sample images

Product launch

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 29 January 2004.

Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, today releases the professional series EF28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM ultra high magnification zoom lens. With an approx. 11x zoom range covering everything from wide-angle to telephoto, Canon's latest dust and moisture proof 'white lens' is designed to appeal to professional EOS photographers looking to reduce lens changes and the number of lenses they need to carry.

Image Stabilisation

The lens incorporates Canon's renowned Image Stabilisation (IS) technology, compensating for approximately three stops without any perceptible increase in image blur when shooting static subjects or panning. This vastly increases the range of circumstances in which hand-held photography is possible, limiting the need to carry a tripod. During major movement in a single direction, IS Mode 2 automatically determines that the movement is conscious panning and halts correction in the relevant direction, thereby preventing shake-return. The system automatically detects a lack of movement/vibration in order to preventing errors during tripod use.

Fast Auto-Focus

The inner focusing ring-type ultrasonic motor (USM) converts ultrasonic vibrational energy into rotational force to deliver high-speed, high-precision, super efficient and virtually noiseless auto focusing, with good holding torque for rapid response, accurate stopping. Full-time manual override without damage to the autofocus mechanism is featured. Minimum focusing distance is just 0.7m throughout the entire zoom range.

Ideal for digital

Lens shape and coatings have been optimised to suppress ghosting and flaring. This makes the lens ideal for use with digital cameras that are more susceptible to reflections off the recording media than are film cameras. When fitted to digital cameras with an APS-C size sensor such as the EOS 10D, the lens will have a magnification advantage, with an equivalent focal length range of 45-480mm in the 35mm format.

Precision optics for high image quality

22 lens elements in 16 groups offer low distortion, high corner-to-corner resolution throughout the entire zoom range. As with all EF lenses, aperture is controlled with an EMD (electromagnetic diaphragm) for fast, quiet, highly precise control and incorporates a circular aperture diaphragm for beautifully pleasing background blur, from full aperture to two stops down. The use of 3 Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) glass elements effectively curtails the residual chromatic aberrations that can plague lesser quality long lenses, while aspherical elements correct various kinds of aberration that occur during zooming to give the lens the unsurpassed clarity and resolving power that are the hallmark of professional L-series lenses.

Zoom Adjust

A zoom adjust mechanism allows sensitivity of the zoom movement to be adjusted to suit personal preferences. The zoom can be locked at any focal length.

Environmental protection

As expected from a Canon 'L' series lens, the EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM features a rugged dust-proof and drip-proof construction, designed for professional photographers working in harsh environments under a wide range of operating temperatures and humidities.

Working with EOS

The drive pattern of the lens is tailored to specifically match that of the latest EOS range, extracting maximum benefit from the lens' speed advantage.
In harmony with the environment

In keeping with Canon's stringent environmental policy, only lead free glass is used in the lens' optics.