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Review on πŸ“· Crisp and Versatile: Canon EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM Lens Revealed by Anthony Heinrichs

Revainrating 4 out of 5

Canon's most versatile lens

Well it arrived a day early which was just in time! I had to do event photography for a social distancing event. For the past 4+ years I've rented this lens for every wedding and large event I needed to cover so I finally bought it for the first time! This lens is undoubtedly the most versatile. in the Canon line. There's nothing quite like doing a 28mm long shot of say a ballroom in one moment and then zooming in in the next 5 or so seconds and having a speaker on the podium at 300mm standing where you are. You really can't do that with many other lenses! Although this is an 'old' design (I think it came out in 2006?), it's tried and true. Image quality is magazine-level (in my opinion) and is particularly useful for weddings, events and even portraits. The latter can be further useful in its range (e.g. 85-300mm), where even at 5.6 you can still get strong bokeh IF the subject is at least 15ft away from you. Especially strong on the street during the day; However, it is highly recommended to use lightning in it. The biggest difference between L-series lenses and consumer lenses is simply the image quality. L-series lenses take MUCH better pictures. Images from this lens are very sharp, even at slower shutter speeds (e.g. handheld 60 seconds or less due to image stabilization!). While I've seriously looked into mirrorless technology, I've settled on a pro DSLR, this lens and another L-series lens, and for the first time I don't have to worry about taking multiple shots to match them to make sure I get a sharp shot (even with bursts). It's not the sharpest lens in Canon's lineup in natural light compared to their primes, nor is it light (it's heavy!), but its strength lies in its versatility. The sharpness is very, very strong when using the flash with it. Second, I'd suggest not wearing the camera's neck strap if you're going to be using it to fully utilize its all-day capabilities. Instead, wrap the strap around the camera body so that the weight is evenly distributed across your back and shoulders. Trust me, I KNOW what the first feeling was when I had a neck strap on my camera body while carrying this baby all day to a wedding; As a result, my back hurt after the event. All in all, if you can beat the weight of the lens and also set it to use the full zoom range every time you use it, you'll be able to capture AMAZING moments! However, don't take it with you everywhere! Because of its massive size, it definitely attracts people to look at you while using it, almost like a Bentley pulling up (laughs). Otherwise this is an EXCELLENT lens, proven and reliable!

Pros
  • Rugged construction
Cons
  • Not everything fits

Comments (17)

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January 30, 2023
Highly recommend. I read every review and watched every video ...
January 29, 2023
Issue with Seller
January 21, 2023
Excellent 'catch-all' lens.
January 17, 2023
... half ago to use on my 7D and I love it! It is a little pricey and a ...
January 07, 2023
I love this lens
January 03, 2023
THE Most Versatile Lens in Canon's Lineup
December 20, 2022
Optimal event photography lens
December 12, 2022
Great utility lens
December 03, 2022
Best all-around lens for DSLR video
October 25, 2022
... half ago to use on my 7D and I love it! It is a little pricey and a ...