Canon EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Lens

This is definitely one of the very best and most versatile “affordable” lenses ever produced for the Canon EOS camera line. Unless you have unlimited financial resources (in which case, buy the superior Canon EF 24-105mm IS USM "L" professional model for about $1,200.00!) Otherwise, please keep on reading.

I have owned several examples of this model. This glass is mounted on my EOS 10D camera nearly all of the time, because it is usable in almost any situation. I can always change it if I need to, but when I am in a hurry to catch a fleeting shot, I know that I will at least have a chance with this baby. My camera is always in the bag beside me, with the EF 28-105mm 1:3.5-4.5 USM "MACRO" mounted and ready for action.

THERE HAVE BEEN THREE DIFFERENT VERSIONS OF THIS MODEL. A new fourth variation has been released as a replacement model, but it is no where near the same class as the other three. It has a slow f/4-5.6 aperture. The superior f/3.5-4.5 model was updated a few years ago. The newest one is called the Mark II, and has had a Roman numeral II added to its model number. The previous version, which is the actual subject of this review, is commonly referred to as "THE MACRO". These two most recent versions are basically the same in optical and mechanical performance. The "Mark II" had a minor facelift to allow it to match the "look" of the current mid-grade USM "Ultrasonic" lens lineup, but the "innards" are essentially the same. The very first version of this model was not quite equal in performance to the two newer variations. All three “Made In Japan” versions are now out of production and have become very desirable.

I owned the original version on my old EOS 10S in the mid 90's, but I didn't like it very much. It was the one with the yellow "flower" icon on the side and in the distance window. It had a simple five-blade aperture that noticeably distorted the points of light in blurred backgrounds. It created geometric shapes (pentagons) instead of nice smooth circles when I took close-ups of flowers and insects. It also had a mild case of "zoom creep". When I pointed my camera downward, the lens would tend to slide out a bit.

The "MACRO", on the other hand, is a fantastic zoom lens. I truly believe that the "MACRO" version or the RARE "MADE IN JAPAN" Mark II should be in every Canon EOS camera bag. It covers about 85% of the common focal lengths that most people need, and it has been completely reliable. Photos that were shot with this model are very sharp and they have great color with better than average contrast.

Anyone who is still using the cheap "kit" lens that came with their EOS should consider the "MACRO" as the very first upgrade lens for their camera. It has the super heavy-duty stainless steel lens mount and the very best "Ring" type USM auto-focus motor that you can get. (This is the same motor design as the one in the professional "L" lenses!) It focuses unbelievably fast and it is almost completely silent. If you have a lot of extra money lying around, go get the "L" lens, if not, this may be the perfect glass for you.

I have three recommendations for potential buyers:

1. Avoid the oldest one with the yellow flower symbol on the barrel.

2. Make sure it was MADE IN JAPAN.

3. Read the eBay "Buyer's Guide" to see how to find the best versions of this fantastic lens. You can find it at: http://search.reviews.ebay.com/members/profaudio1

Copyright © 2006 All Rights Reserved. ProfAudio1

There are 5 versions of this lens not 4 as people claim

1 The original EF 28-105mm 1:3.5-4.5 USM with the flower (Canon Product ID # 24945197) good lens but only has a 5 blade Aperture

2 Macro with seven-blade diaphragm (most call the real thing but its not )


3 (If it is a real Japanese Mark II, it will say "CANON ZOOM LENS EF 28-105mm 1:3.5-4.5 II USM (space) CANON LENS MADE IN JAPAN (space) ∅ 58mm". This is printed EXACTLY AS SHOWN HERE, all the way around the front trim ring, in all white letters and numbers. On the original retail box, if it's available, it will show Canon Product Code #C21-0121.

4 Same as above but the Made In Taiwan" stamped into the gray plastic surface around the rear lens element, right beside the gold electrical contacts, in small print not as good as the made in japan model

5 The current version ok upgrade but not as good as the above


be sure you know Which lenes you are bidding on

I bought this lense because I was taking a portrait class at a local vo-tech. I had read that this lense was a great lense for portraits. The lense was in very good shape when it arrived. I replaced the original kit lense with this new one and it took great portraits. There isn's anything wrong or bad about this lense. I would recommend this lense to anyone wanting to have a great all around lense or for anyone wanting to do portrait work.

Easy to attach, easy to use, great for busy life with kids. Took incredible photos at the pumpkin patch today. A little bulky but the quality is great over little pocket cameras.

After buying my Canon Rebel XT, I wanted a bit more telephoto than the kit lens (18-55), and couldn't afford the 28-135 IS, so I settled for this one. For the price, you can't beat it. It's relatively small, yet quality, with a metal mount, 15 elements, etc. It's relatively light at less than 14 ozs. And it's very inexpensive, as SLR lenses go, trust me!

This lens doesn't get rave reviews from the experts, but to me it seems very capable and sharp. I just took it on a trip, and have over 500 rather nice photos to show for it. The range is quite adequate, the focus is fast, the optics are sharp and clear. It doesn't seem to have any creep yet, although that may occur later. With a polarizing filter it gives some truly amazing results. Even without, the results are top quality. This may be all the lens I ever need. I highly recommend this as a great all-around lens, which won't financially cripple you and won't break your neck.

IT IS A GOOD LENS SMALL AND EASY TO HANDLE. GOOD GLASS.. WOULD LIKE IT TO HAVE I.S. FOR LOW LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY..REASONABLE PRICE..

I love the USM... Super fast... I had tamron and wow, its night and day.
Examples can be found in my Flickr stream flickr / AHPZuazua

This is an exceptionally good lens for a semi-pro walk around lens. It is sharp, light and takes fantastic all around pictures. For price performance, it cannot be beat.

Very nice mid range lens. This lens is robust and covers wide angle and short zoom needs. Very good quality for everday lens.

Originally designed for the Canon film series cameras, this lens was a good all round lens which made it popular with autofocus owners. The 28 to 105mm range offered a good wide angle lens and a medium teleophoto with an aperture range that allowed use in well lit rooms during the day without flash.
Able to mount on the Rebel series DSLR camers, this lens will extend its usefullness for us older photographers like me who have switched from film to digital but want to carry some familiar hardware in our camera bag.

Great, shiped fast...........................................................................................................................................................
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