Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Lens Review

Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Sample Photos

Hazy or dreamy can both be used to describe how images taken at f/1.8 look | 1/800 sec | f/1.8 | 28.0 mm | ISO 400

Hazy or dreamy can both be used to describe how images taken at f/1.8 look | 1/800 sec | f/1.8 | 28.0 mm | ISO 400
High-Res

However, when the lens is stopped down, it is capable of producing decent sharpness | 1/160 sec | f/8.0 | 28.0 mm | ISO 100

However, when the lens is stopped down, it is capable of producing decent sharpness | 1/160 sec | f/8.0 | 28.0 mm | ISO 100
High-Res

Closest focus is 25cm | 1/200 sec | f/2.8 | 28.0 mm | ISO 100

Closest focus is 25cm | 1/200 sec | f/2.8 | 28.0 mm | ISO 100
High-Res

Sharpness in the centre increases at f/2.8, but the clarity towards the edges of the frame still falls behind somewhat | 1/125 sec | f/2.8 | 28.0 mm | ISO 400

Sharpness in the centre increases at f/2.8, but the clarity towards the edges of the frame still falls behind somewhat | 1/125 sec | f/2.8 | 28.0 mm | ISO 400
High-Res

1/125 sec | f/3.5 | 28.0 mm | ISO 400

1/125 sec | f/3.5 | 28.0 mm | ISO 400
High-Res

1/160 sec | f/14.0 | 28.0 mm | ISO 100

1/160 sec | f/14.0 | 28.0 mm | ISO 100
High-Res

1/25 sec | f/8.0 | 28.0 mm | ISO 100

1/25 sec | f/8.0 | 28.0 mm | ISO 100
High-Res

1/80 sec | f/5.6 | 28.0 mm | ISO 200

1/80 sec | f/5.6 | 28.0 mm | ISO 200
High-Res


Value for Money

With the poor performance at fast apertures considered, it is difficult to see the value this lens brings to the table. Most f/2.8 zooms will perform better across the frame than this lens at f/2.8, even though sharpness in the centre is excellent.

An alternative is available from Sigma. Their 28mm f/1.8 costs around £345 and I would hope that it performs better than Canon's offering at fast apertures.

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