Is the Canon 28-300 L IS lens for me?
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- Опубликовано: 27 ноя 2024
- While shopping for the Canon 70-200 f2.8 I ran across the 28-300 which is also an L lens. Would this replace my current 24-105L and expand my focal length to 300mm? Knowing it was not as sharp a lens would I as a hobby photographer notice the difference?
WARNING: I am not a RUclipsr. I don't have experience in Vlogging and doubt I'll make another video. I just thought I would share what I found when I rented these two lenses and tested them for myself.
Lanscape/nature photographer here. For some reasons RUclips put this video in my face. I feel that I must comment since I own an EF 28-300mm f3.5\4.5 L. Like the author, I am neither a pro or an amateur. I have been doing photography out of passion for over 30 yrs. All of my Canon lenses are L lenses; I own 6 of them. I am currently own an EOS R and an EOS R5. My EF 100-300mm L has always been my go to lens. Even on long overnight hikes and I have only one lens to choose, I lug this beast on the trail instead of my RF 24-105mm f4 L. In term of sharpness, this lens ranks 5th while my EF 28-70mm 2.8L Mark 2 is the worst! But one has to look at the context of my work to understand why the 28-300 is my go to lens. When talking about sharpness, I have to ask sharp at when aperture range? For landscape, I mostly use f11 regardless of which lens I am using. My apertures range from f7.1 to f16 with the use of tripod for trees, waterfalls, and mountains. When set to f11, I can't even tell the difference in sharpness between my RF 24-105 and my EF 28-300. When doing landscape, the subject is always suffering from environmental distortion (haze). Even the sharpest lens can't fix this. I have to rely on Lightroom in post for correction anyway. This lens goes with me even on my most expensive oversea hiking trip. Would I use this lens for wildlife safari even at f8? Probably not.
I appreciate you are posting from the perspective of an amateur (I use the Victorian definition from the Latin for one who engages " for the love of", which I would applies to you). I started my photographic career over 40 years ago and have since retired, so I too am an amateur and proud to be so! {:-) I have the 28-300 and both the 70-200 f/2.8L IS USM MkII and the f/4L IS USM MkII - the latter of which btw, is a brilliant and much more portable optic.
As to your experience and results. I think you are correct in saying that these lenses are hard to relate, given that they are designed for completely different purposes. The 70-200 series are quite fast lenses of limited focal range, but are brilliant at that. The 28-300 covers a much wider range, and a particularly challenging one, given its shorter focal length in particular. This lens is designed for someone who needs all of that massive range without changing lenses, so quite a specialist optic in its own right.
I assume, given your limited budget, that you were purchasing a used version of these lenses, and while the 28-300 (first released in 2004) was still in production until fairly recently (which says something) and is much older design than the newer iterations of the 70-200. Given that, much depends on how these lenses has been treated over those years.
I got mine about 10 years ago, and it was three years old at that point. I checked the optics and all of the elements were in their correct alignment. For me, this unit performs at a very close level for those instances when I want one lens to rule them all.
What one attaches the lens to can also have a major impact on the resulting image, it is for that reason that DxO Mark produce matrices of results for different camera/lens combinations and the differences can be quite striking.
Finally, we have the biggest variable - how the gear is used: between selecting settings, to how the camera and lens are held, and even breathing technique. I find that these are more likely to cause variations than anything else. My point here is to reinforce your statement that results are specific to a very complex set of criteria.
While the subjects we shoot have significant implications for the choice of gear, so too (and arguably more significantly) does the format of what we will produce, and why we are producing it. The level of performance to produce large, detailed prints for sale at high prices is hugely different for that required for posting on social media (that will downsize the images in any case) or digital devices - where results vary with the calibration and resolution of the screen. Furthermore, for the vast majority of people who will look at images, they will not be pixel-peeping but looking at the overall image from a comfortable distance that will increase with the image size.
So, while I make absolutely no comment on your specific application and decision - which for you is very valid - I reinforce your rider that results depend on what conditions one's gear is in, how one uses it, and what one produces.
Sorry, but i'm going to have to disagree after lugging this beast around for 15+ years. Maybe I just have a sharp copy, but this is still my "go-to" lens on my Canon 1DX Mark II and 7D Mark II when I only want to carry one body and one lens. My copy is PLENTY sharp from 28mm to 300mm. So, If I on a paid gig and I know I'm trying to get the "perfect" shots, to cover this range, i'm bringing my 16-35mm f/2.8L III + 24-70 f/2.8L II + 70-200 f/2.8L IS II and my 300MM F/2.8L IS II prime (a beast). But seriously...unless the lighting is going to be a real challenge or I need some deep depth of field, the 28-300 ROCKS. Appreciatable increase in color/sharpness/saturation than the 70-300 and any other non-"L" lenses. - hope this opinion helps!
Ok, thanks to copy & paste, posted in my account : Wellllllll, to be honest, I have 2 of them. First one l, I had a camera strap slip, and my 28-300 on a 1D mk IV hit the ground, both survived, but I sent it in for repair and took a while to do, so I bought a second one. Keeping them both! I also have two 70-200mm f2.8L , the first is 26 years old, but no stabilization, so I bought another with. Keeping both! I use Canon and Nikon. I am a full- time photojournalist. I have Nikon 14-24 on a D4. I use nikon’s 400mmf2.8 & 300f2.8 . I grab which one I need to do the job. The Canon is all mine. Nikon D4s & D5 are my staff gear along with 24-70 & 70-200 f 2.8s. Nikon lenses break easier. Canon lenses built better than Nikon, especially water resistants. Nikon weatherproofing sucks! But Canon gets wet& keeps working. However I like Nikon camera control layout better. I have Canon1D mk IV, 5D mk IV, 5DSR, and two 20D bodies all mine. Nikon D4 & D810 are mine. Former Nikon film cameras… still have Two F3 hp, FM2, 8008 F90s bodies, & too many Nikkors to list. I do like the Canon 28-300!! Heavy is good, great studio lens! Capture more images without having to change lenses, wide overall to tight portraits quickly!!!! However I use everything I have, depending on the situation. A great tool box indeed! @ehasert on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Google: Eric Hasert.
Honestly, the best non biased review on this lens! Definitely helped me out with my decision. Verdict: 70-200 will be my next purchase.
Justen, thank you for your comments. I’m glad my search was able to help you. You might want to check out a website called canon price watch. I’m not affiliated with this service, but in the last 30 days I have used them twice and have been happy with the money they have been able to save me.
Thanks for this review. But if your table continues to move from right to left like that, you will lose both lenses... :-(
I think when you compare with 70-200 F4 NO IS, The 28-300mm wins... I'm changing my 70-200F4 no IS for a 28-300... I'm glad with my decision... I sold my 70-200 for R$2000 and buy a 28-300 for R$ 5000
I agree. I have a 70-200 f4 non IS and simply don't use it anymore since I got the 28-300.
I agree with the colour and the softeness of the image
It's interesting that your favorite combo is a 5dii and the 24-105. That is mine too. I've had the 28-300 for a while, but don't use it much. I do use it though when I don't want to be swapping lenses. I'm planning on getting an R5 and maybe play with the 28-300 for video so I've been looking around for opinions like yours. Thanks for posting this video. It's informative and down to earth. I enjoyed watching it.
Nice video. For longer focal length, consider getting an extender. I have the 70-200 2.8L is (1st version), and wanted a longer reach for sports. Got the 1.4x ii for it and really happy. On the long end, it makes it into 300mm at f4. I tend to stop down 1 stop when the condition allows it. I use 24-70 f4 IS for the wide shot. But, considering that essentially all of my photos are for social media though, a 28-300mm is rather intriguing. One lens for nice complete range.
your choice makes sense to me. I just viewed a RUclips video in wich almost every pictures show by the guy were blurry!?
Thank you. The 28-300 L will be my next lens.
MHs, thank you for the added comment. I did like the 28-300 and for someone who wants all the focal lengths it provides it is a great lens.
Hi I’ve been using the 28-300 for about six months on my canon 90d used mostly for my horses and showjumping very happy with both bloody heavy but hay ho I use a tamron 16-300 to get in close to the jumps as the 28 can’t get right up close the the horses bought the 70-200 f2.8 is as well but don’t find myself using a lot
great honest review here , and you're right. the lens has small issues an L series person would see.
Great review, as i'm currently thinking of either of these lenses too! I also use the 24-105L as my main lens. The 28-300 would be an ideal lens for VIDEO however, as it would be plenty sharp for video..... That's my real dilemma! I just got a 6Dmk2, and it's video quality is stunning (compared to my 10yr old 5Dmk2).... so the 10x zoom is very enticing for video. BTW..... I recognize that sound in your video.... you left IS on while your camera was on a tripod. The 5Dii has poor sound, and you can hear the IS working. Thanks for the review!
Good video but I recommend watching at 1.25x speed
I found this video quite helpful, i am a hobbyist but still under dilemma for R6 that i intend to buy.
Do you have a gallery of your photography? I'd like to see your work.
I'm just wondering, Did you use the lens correction software uploaded to the camera for the 28-300? This is supposed to correct for some vignetting, softness and aberrations. Not only do you need to download the software to the camera, but once installed, the SETTING for the lens needs to be turned 'ON' in settings. I may help. I too am looking to purchase a lens with a similar focal length and I find I have to decide between this and the 100-400. Accordingly, I am trying to find a reviewer that has taken ALL the help and effects that Canon provides (both in camera and post photo processing) to get the best results.
He says I am not an expert as much as Supa Hot says I am not a rapper. Great video btw!
I really like this video :) I bought the 70-200, though the 28-300 is my dream lens. But oh well, I already got a 100-400 now to, so, don't see the need anymore xD
Thanks for the info! Your style and honest logic is greatly appreciated. Will you be reviewing other gear from your experience?
Dan I honestly didn't even think anyone would watch this review but felt it was good information if anyone were to ever search. As I continue to suffer from "GAS" (gear acquisition syndrome), I will see if there is the option to make a review. This was a bit easier since I could rent the two lenses I wanted to test.
Again thanks for the comment and view.
Gordon
awesome video
thank you for this,i am looking forward to get one .
Brilliant video, very down to earth with no fluff and nonsense. Certainly made me think long and hard about this lens, almost to the point of not bothering with it. Thanks again and continue enjoying your photography :)
People don’t realise what the 28-300 is made for. It’s a paparazzi lens which doesn’t need to be sharpest.
came across this video whilst looking for reviews for the 28 - 300l is usm 3.5 -5.6 - after being recommend to me by semi pro photographer who does like this gentleman - takes lots of plane and car photos's and some very close up and in flight etc - the images he showed me were quite sharp - after seeing this review I am now torn about decision - firstly I am a novice and learning - I have a samsung nx1 but am finding the lens not that great for distance and now educated at why - I was told good body and should just invest in good lens - and to spend the additonal money on that - so here i am looking - question now is which lens as my first investment would be best - I take wildlife and animals - I need to able to get amazing detail and sharp - close up - distance - indoors poor lighting and studio settings - as well as outside - and most of the time in action - not taking much of a challenge as newbie lol - so any help would be great cheers xt - sadly this review has left me in pickle lol and i expect most people who comment here know there stuff and are quite honest unlike a sales man
Please remember I am not an expert, just someone who wanted a higher level of quality than I was getting with my current lenses. The one thing I am taking from your comment is your indoor poor lighting. Just because of that one single comment, it would lead me to recommend you try the 2.8 lens first. Though the 28 to 300 is a great Lens for outdoor use, I did not get real good results indoors without cranking up my ISO. When I say crank up, I’m not just talking increasing from 400 to 800 or even 1200, I’m talking 12,000 to get indoor useable photos without lighting or flash. The 70 to 200 is just going to be a faster lens in the 2.8 version. Also as I have found I can crop in with the photos I take at 200 to what would be equivalent to a 300 without quality degradation. The best advice I can give you as I would give to anyone, rent a lens that you would like to purchase and see if it gives you the results you want. In all honesty if the indoor photos are something that is on your priority list, you need to stick with fast lenses and possibly might want to consider prime lenses in the 1.2 range. I have to say my favorite indoor lens is my 85 prime 1.2, however it cost me as much as my 70 to 200 2.8.
My 70-200 has become my go to lens for outdoor portraits.
I have an issue with mines. At times i get an error code 1. Which is a camera to lens communication problem and my autofocus is not good. I have it connected to a SL2. When shooting free handed its hard to manual focus and keep it steady at the same time with the weight. Does anyone know of a fix?
I got the canon 70-300 MM F4/5.6L and is a good lens however the 28/300MM 3.5 /5.6L is a good lens as well however is very heavy lens
is it true that 28 300 pumps the dust inside of the camera?
Great review!
Wellllllll, to be honest, I have 2 of them. First one l, I had a camera strap slip, and my 28-300 on a 1D mk IV hit the ground, both survived, but I sent it in for repair and took a while to do, so I bought a second one. Keeping them both! I also have two 70-200mm f2.8L , the first is 26 years old, but no stabilization, so I bought another with. Keeping both! I use Canon and Nikon. I am a full- time photojournalist. I have Nikon 14-24 on a D4. I use nikon’s 400mmf2.8 & 300f2.8 . I grab which one I need to do the job. The Canon is all mine. Nikon D4s & D5 are my staff gear along with 24-70 & 70-200 f 2.8s. Nikon lenses break easier. Canon lenses built better than Nikon, especially water resistants. Nikon weatherproofing sucks! But Canon gets wet& keeps working. However I like Nikon camera control layout better. I have Canon1D mk IV, 5D mk IV, 5DSR, and two 20D bodies all mine. Nikon D4 & D810 are mine. Former Nikon film cameras… still have Two F3 hp, FM2, 8008 F90s bodies, & too many Nikkors to list. I do like the Canon 28-300!! Heavy is good, great studio lens! Capture more images without having to change lenses, wide overall to tight portraits quickly!!!! However I use everything I have, depending on the situation. A great tool box indeed! @ehasert on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Google: Eric Hasert. It seems I accidentally use my daughter’s account to post this review, And I hope she doesn’t delete it.
Oops, used my daughter’s account! However you can find me @ehasert on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram. I thought you did a pretty good job at your review, and I love my canon 28 to 300 mm L lenses. Great travel lens, Studio portrait sitting lens!
Help,.
Hi thanks for the review. I can't make up my mind in terms of which lens to get
i. CANON
EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens Mark 3 Mk3
ii. Canon EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM
iii) Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM
I want to use it for dog photography close up and distant shots, also may take astronomy shots too. want some good bokeh shots, and fast shots for agile dogs. Using a 90d
Doesn’t throw away money but has 4 monitors behind him
jolly joker