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

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