Canon Wide Angle EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Autofocus Lens Imported

With the large maximum aperture, excellent background blur is possible with fast shutter speeds. The aspherical lens element makes the lens compact and corrects spherical aberrations. The image is sharp even at the edges.

Performance
Focal Length 28 mm
Aperture Maximum: f/1.8
Minimum: f/22
Camera Mount Type Canon EF
Format Compatibility 35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor
Canon (APS-C)
Angle of View 75°
Minimum Focus Distance 9.84" (25 cm)
Magnification 0.18x
Maximum Reproduction Ratio 1:5.2
Groups/Elements 9/10
Diaphragm Blades 7
Features
Image Stabilization No
Autofocus Yes
Tripod Collar No
Physical
Filter Thread 58 mm
Dimensions (DxL) Approx. 2.9 x 2.2" (7.37 x 5.59 cm)
Weight 10.93 oz (310 g)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Canon Wide Angle EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Autofocus Lens
 
4.5

(based on 268 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (160)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (92)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (9)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (5)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (2)

96%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Fast / accurate auto-focus (208)
  • Lightweight (168)
  • Consistent output (130)
  • Easily interchangeable (127)
  • Strong construction (125)

Cons

  • Blurry focus (11)
  • Slow focus (11)
  • Heavy (10)
  • Poor in low light (5)
  • Chromatic aberration (4)

Best Uses

  • Low light (172)
  • Night photography (119)
  • Landscape/scenery (98)
  • Weddings (89)
  • Video (57)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Photo enthusiast (88), Semi-pro photographer (71), Pro photographer (37), Casual photographer (27), Enthusiast (17)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (165), Yes (7)

Most Liked Positive Review

 

Canon EF 28mm f1.8 REVIEW

Canon's 28mm f1.8 USM is a capable lens that is often relegated to a misunderstood category among most amateur users.

Professionals who use this lens do so for a very specific purpose,...Read complete review

Canon's 28mm f1.8 USM is a capable lens that is often relegated to a misunderstood category among most amateur users.

Professionals who use this lens do so for a very specific purpose, a purpose that this lens was designed for, namely low-light, tripod-less, image stabilization free, photography. If you find yourself requiring a lens of this nature, I would recommend it without hesitating to concede that while this optical configuration is perhaps less versatile than a more flexible zoom alternative, indoor photography, especially when this lens is married to a flash pack, will not disappoint.

Outdoor photography, one of the primary reasons for why I purchased this lens, produces (at times) haphazard results, however, most often a consequence of inappropriate use or an ill-advised desire to photograph everything at wide open f-stops. Chromatic aberrations - especially in harsh lighting conditions - will, if you prefer to make use of this lens at the aforesaid apertures, prove to be exceptionally exasperating, if not (unnecessarily) stressful. The obvious response to the aforesaid then, is to stop down this lens to a more appropriate (at the very minimum) 5.6 f-stop, in addition to, when exploiting its exceptional optical quality outdoors, making use of the appropriate lens-hood for additional control.

Accept this lens' limitations and you will be rewarded; forget to observe pragmatic considerations and you will be (unjustifiably) disappointed. Additionally, given the myriad of personal motivators and requirements, the best advice to those looking to invest in any lens, not just the Canon EF 28mm f1.8 USM, is to review what was captured by others. Observing the end results of the experience(s) of third-parties, as they are found on both obvious (and less so) websites all over the internet, is perhaps the most effective method of genuinely ascertaining whether or not a particular lens "fits" your own creative demands.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

 

Too soft wide open

I purchased this lens as a replacement for the wide side of the Tamron 28-75, after I sold the Tamron. Not only did I want to replicate that wide focal length, I wanted...Read complete review

I purchased this lens as a replacement for the wide side of the Tamron 28-75, after I sold the Tamron. Not only did I want to replicate that wide focal length, I wanted something faster indoors for winter shots of my kids, but I do not need L glass for snapshots around the house.

I was very disappointed in the performance of this lens when shooting wide open. It was better at 2.2 and 2.8, but by the time I got to a reasonable level of sharpness, it was no faster than the 28mm 2.8, which sells for less than half the price of this lens.

I ended up returning this lens and getting the Canon 35mm 2.0, and I find the quality of the 35 to be much better than the 28 1.8, and it more closely approximates my 50mm 1.4.

I would not recommend this lens.

REVIEWS

Reviewed by 268 customers

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5.0

A Quality Lens For a Fair Price

By Joe

from Lake Forest, CA

About Me Photo Enthusiast

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Consistent Output
  • Fast / accurate auto-focus
  • Lightweight
  • Nice Bokeh
  • Rugged

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Indoors/Low Light
    • Landscape/Scenery
    • Night Photography

    Comments about Canon Wide Angle EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Autofocus Lens:

    I found myself in need of a fast, normal focal length lens to compliment my zoom lenses. This one fit the bill. It has great image quality and focuses very quickly on my 7d. The build quality is very good and it feels right on the 7d. I compared it with the Sigma 30mm f1.4. I went with the canon and don't regret it. It is a great walk around lens especially for a guy like me that came from a prime lens, limited flash world. The zooms are nice but you trade off aperture and image quality for convenience. In many situations you can't beat a prime lens. It also give very nice back ground blur.

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

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    5.0

    Solid lens, great purchase

    By Eternal Student Mike

    from Vancouver, BC

    About Me Photo Enthusiast

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Consistent Output
    • Fast / accurate auto-focus
    • Nice Bokeh

    Cons

    • Heavy

    Best Uses

    • Indoors/Low Light
    • Night Photography
    • Weddings/Events

    Comments about Canon Wide Angle EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Autofocus Lens:

    Well built lens. Silent, fast focusing. My first nice USM lens, I was impressed by how quiet it is. Also, an often overlooked feature is nothing moves on the outside of the camera; the front doesn't extend and contract, the focus wheel doesn't spin around. A little soft wide open, but sharp as a tack once the aperture is closed even a little bit. I'm not saying anything new that other reviews haven't said. This is a great camera for indoor scenes on a crop sensor, thats why i bought it.

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Share this review

     
    5.0

    Awesome lens

    By Charmaine Gott

    from Temple, tx

    About Me Photo Enthusiast

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Consistent Output
    • Durable
    • Easily Interchangeable
    • Fast / accurate auto-focus
    • Lightweight
    • Nice Bokeh
    • Strong Construction

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Indoors/Low Light
      • Landscape/Scenery
      • Macro Photography
      • Night Photography
      • Sports/Action
      • Video
      • Weddings/Events
      • Wildlife Photos

      Comments about Canon Wide Angle EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Autofocus Lens:

      I use my lens for my free lance photography. It has given me a
      Greater experience with my pictures. Very clear lens and worth ever dollar spent.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Share this review

       
      5.0

      Fantastic Walk-around lens

      By alizzia

      from Victoria, BC, Canada

      About Me Semi-pro Photographer

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Durable
      • Easily Interchangeable
      • Fast / accurate auto-focus
      • Lightweight
      • Nice Bokeh
      • Strong Construction

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Indoors/Low Light
        • Landscape/Scenery
        • Night Photography
        • Weddings/Events

        Comments about Canon Wide Angle EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Autofocus Lens:

        I love this lens! I wanted something wider than the 50mm or the 85mm 1.8 (I absolutely love) that I could still use for a great portrait lens. This one does the trick. This is now the lens that stays on my camera 90% of the time, and has great flexibility between landscapes, individuals and groups of people. Highly recommend for the price.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

         
        5.0

        Great Lens

        By Mark

        from Boston, MA

        About Me Photo Enthusiast

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Fast / accurate auto-focus

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Indoors/Low Light
          • Night Photography
          • Video

          Comments about Canon Wide Angle EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Autofocus Lens:

          I love this lens on my 5d markII-nice price and B&H is great

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

           
          5.0

          Great on the 5D Mark II

          By waltmorton

          from Los Angeles, CA

          About Me Pro Photographer

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Fast / accurate auto-focus
          • Strong Construction

          Cons

            Best Uses

              Comments about Canon Wide Angle EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Autofocus Lens:

              I bought this on the advice of KenRockwell.com who suggests it as a reasonably priced super-sharp medium wide prime. I use that for indoor studio photography where I want sharp results, maximum detail. This lens meets the need very well.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

              (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

               
              5.0

              Amazing lens! Super bright and sharp!

              By Horimoto

              from São Paulo, Brasil

              About Me Photo Enthusiast

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Consistent Output
              • Durable
              • Easily Interchangeable
              • Fast / accurate auto-focus
              • Nice Bokeh
              • Rugged
              • Strong Construction

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Indoors/Low Light
                • Night Photography
                • Sports/Action
                • Video
                • Weddings/Events

                Comments about Canon Wide Angle EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Autofocus Lens:

                I bought this lens for my Canon T2i. As you may know, this means that this wide-angle lens suffers a 1.6x crop because of the size of my camera's sensor, making it a 44,8mm, basically, a portrait prime lens.

                And being used this way, I can say it's perfect. Awesome brightness overall, very fast and silent focusing, very sharp and with a good bokeh.

                Also, feels and weights like a pro lens, the focus ring is very precise and its body, robust.

                Just a little bit pricey, but it's worth it.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Share this review

                (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                 
                4.0

                Very good option

                By iaccarinosz

                from Buenos Aires, ARG

                About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Good price value
                • Lightweight

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                    Comments about Canon Wide Angle EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Autofocus Lens:

                    I purchased this lens because of i need some lens to use quickly my Canon 60D and it really works! It´s a great option for this price. I recommend it.

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Share this review

                    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                     
                    5.0

                    Lost in a Canon Trance

                    By Vantu

                    from New Delhi, India

                    About Me Casual Photographer

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Durable
                    • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                    • Rugged
                    • Strong Construction

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                      • Indoors/Low Light
                      • Night Photography

                      Comments about Canon Wide Angle EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Autofocus Lens:

                      My interest for photography escalated over the past one year. I tested the Canon 60D a few times before purchasing it and I was also recommended this specific camera. I use it to click photos indoor, concentrating on minute details on features of people or objects. So far, I have only clicked pictures indoor and in dim lighting. The camera works like a charm in dim lighting. The EF 28mm f 1.8 lens is great in terms of taking wide angle photos. Sometimes I do wish this lens could have a little zoom to it too, but then again it might lose its charm. Overall, so far, I'm thrilled and satisfied with my buy. Haven't tested it enough to comment further.

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

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                      (4 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

                       
                      2.0

                      Surprisingly bad...

                      By Brett Michael

                      from Ohio

                      About Me Photo Enthusiast

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                        Cons

                        • Blurry Focus
                        • Not sharp at all
                        • Poor AF

                        Best Uses

                          Comments about Canon Wide Angle EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Autofocus Lens:

                          I bought this against many poor reviews because the options for a fast 'normal' lens for 1.6x cameras are few if you want AF. Manual focus is fine for video and landscape/portrait work, but I love street shooting and that requires fast AF. The only other real option is the crop-only Sigma 30/1.4, and that lens has its own issues.

                          I decided to test this lens in normal, everyday walkaround situations before the holidays to see how it performs on my camera in a variety of conditions.

                          Bottom line: it is simply never sharp. Not even in the middle of the frame. Pop it on my 5D and results are even worse. Neither camera produced as much as one tack-sharp image with this lens. I own a lot of lenses, and I can accept a lens that isn't ultra sharp, but this thing simply cannot produce an acceptably sharp image.

                          It's a shame, because I'd far prefer Canon USM over any other option (other than Canon L, of course). Being that the lens is in the same "family" as the very-sharp 85/1.8, this lens is a real letdown. I know the vagaries of designing a fast 28 aren't the same as an 85, but the difference is staggering.

                          Maybe I got a bad copy? Many other negative reviews tell me "probably not". This is a real letdown from Canon. They need to recognize the amount of crop cameras they are selling (especially for video) and release a fast 'normal' prime for their cameras.

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

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                          5.0

                          Very Good!

                          By Kangjun

                          from West Hempstead, NY

                          About Me Casual Photographer

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                            Cons

                              Best Uses

                                Comments about Canon Wide Angle EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Autofocus Lens:

                                this lens is good len for learner, since it is used on Canon 7D, so it equal to about 50mm

                                Share this review

                                 
                                4.0

                                Good for the price

                                By Paoloe

                                from DC

                                About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                                Verified Buyer

                                Pros

                                • Consistent Output
                                • Easily Interchangeable

                                Cons

                                  Best Uses

                                  • Indoors/Low Light
                                  • Landscape/Scenery
                                  • Night Photography

                                  Comments about Canon Wide Angle EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Autofocus Lens:

                                  I got this lens together with the 50mm f1.4 and 85mm f1.8. I understand that wideangle lenses are hard to manufacture so I will say that for the price it is good. Sharpness wide open is indeed its worst weakness. Depending on your budget I would also contemplate other options.

                                  • Was this a gift?:
                                  • No

                                  Share this review

                                  (1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                                   
                                  4.0

                                  great lens

                                  By Btorres

                                  from New Jersey

                                  About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                                  Verified Buyer

                                  Pros

                                  • Easily Interchangeable
                                  • Lightweight
                                  • Nice Bokeh

                                  Cons

                                  • Blurry Focus

                                  Best Uses

                                  • Indoors/Low Light
                                  • Landscape/Scenery

                                  Comments about Canon Wide Angle EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Autofocus Lens:

                                  I use this lens when I have indoor photo shoots where my 85mm just won't fit everything. I can get nice and close to my subject(s) and still capture the whole scene. Great for photographing larger groups of people as well. Very good in a lower light setting. Sometimes I do notice that even when I think I am focused and it looks good on the camera screen that once I enlarge on my computer people's eyes and face look SLIGHTLY blurry on some of the shots ( no one else notices when I bring this to their attention though-only me)

                                  • Was this a gift?:
                                  • No

                                  Share this review

                                  (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                                   
                                  5.0

                                  Excellent Glass for the price!

                                  By André Ramos

                                  from Brasília, Brazil

                                  About Me Photo Enthusiast

                                  See all my reviews

                                  Verified Buyer

                                  Pros

                                  • Consistent Output
                                  • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                                  • Nice Bokeh

                                  Cons

                                  • Heavy

                                  Best Uses

                                  • Indoors/Low Light
                                  • Landscape/Scenery
                                  • Night Photography
                                  • Sports/Action
                                  • Video

                                  Comments about Canon Wide Angle EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Autofocus Lens:

                                  After using a EF 50mm f1.8 as if it was a 80mm on my Rebel Xsi, I wanted to have some good quality, fast lens on the "normal to wide" range. If your situation is similar to mine, than wait no more. I read all the reviews of the lens from Canon (the 24mm and the 35mm) and the one from Sigma. Sigma`s back-focus problems scared me away from buying it, and the speed of the 28mm took me away from the 24mm 2.8. It`s not about sharpness wide open. Wide open IT IS a bit soft, however, it improves dramatically over f2.2 and forward. Its a GREAT lens and its totally worth it!

                                  • Was this a gift?:
                                  • No

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                                  4.0

                                  Wicked low light lense

                                  By Moonclad kid

                                  from Perth, Australia

                                  About Me Photo Enthusiast

                                  Verified Buyer

                                  Pros

                                  • Consistent Output
                                  • Easily Interchangeable
                                  • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                                  • Nice Bokeh

                                  Cons

                                    Best Uses

                                    • Indoors/Low Light
                                    • Macro Photography
                                    • Night Photography
                                    • Video

                                    Comments about Canon Wide Angle EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Autofocus Lens:

                                    Amazing in low light. Still wide with a good focal depth. Hard to use when tryin to follow people in video.

                                    • Was this a gift?:
                                    • No

                                    Share this review

                                    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                                     
                                    5.0

                                    Nice glass!

                                    By Stan

                                    from Boston, MA

                                    About Me Photo Enthusiast

                                    Verified Buyer

                                    Pros

                                    • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                                    • Great value
                                    • Strong Construction

                                    Cons

                                      Best Uses

                                      • Indoors/Low Light
                                      • Interior Architecture

                                      Comments about Canon Wide Angle EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Autofocus Lens:

                                      Just a beautiful lens. The 1.8 aperature is great for light control and priced right. Any lower seems to have a big price jump so I tried this one and am very happy. Great for interior use on architectural shots. It really minimizes my need for supplimental lighting.

                                      • Was this a gift?:
                                      • No

                                      Share this review

                                      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                                       
                                      4.0

                                      Excellent lens

                                      By jmj211

                                      from Milford, CT

                                      About Me Casual Photographer

                                      Verified Buyer

                                      Pros

                                      • Consistent Output
                                      • Durable
                                      • Fast / accurate auto-focus

                                      Cons

                                        Best Uses

                                        • Indoors/Low Light

                                        Comments about Canon Wide Angle EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Autofocus Lens:

                                        I hate using flash, and I could't take sharp photos of my 1.5 year old running around the house without using this lens.

                                        • Was this a gift?:
                                        • No

                                        Share this review

                                         
                                        5.0

                                        One of the best lens in my kit! LOVE IT!

                                        By Atlanta Photographer

                                        from Atlanta, Ga

                                        About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                                        Verified Buyer

                                        Pros

                                        • Durable
                                        • Easily Interchangeable
                                        • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                                        • Lightweight
                                        • Nice Bokeh
                                        • Rugged
                                        • Strong Construction

                                        Cons

                                          Best Uses

                                          • Indoors/Low Light
                                          • Night Photography
                                          • Video

                                          Comments about Canon Wide Angle EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Autofocus Lens:

                                          I love this lens. I think it's a must in every photographer's kit. The focus in spot on. The photos come out amazing.

                                          • Was this a gift?:
                                          • No

                                          Share this review

                                           
                                          4.0

                                          Still holds up as a great lens

                                          By john

                                          from seattle, wa

                                          About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                                          Verified Buyer

                                          Pros

                                            Cons

                                              Best Uses

                                              • Indoors/Low Light

                                              Comments about Canon Wide Angle EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Autofocus Lens:

                                              Though canon has not updated this lens its an amazing fast and wide lens that works great on my full frame and crop sensor cameras. Nice action, light for how fast it is.

                                              • Was this a gift?:
                                              • No

                                              Share this review

                                              (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                                               
                                              4.0

                                              bokeh in a WA

                                              By zecamoraes

                                              from Brazil

                                              About Me Pro Photographer

                                              Verified Buyer

                                              Pros

                                              • Easily Interchangeable
                                              • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                                              • Lightweight
                                              • Nice Bokeh
                                              • Strong Construction

                                              Cons

                                                Best Uses

                                                • Indoors/Low Light
                                                • Landscape/Scenery
                                                • Night Photography
                                                • Weddings/Events

                                                Comments about Canon Wide Angle EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Autofocus Lens:

                                                Great lens, being a wide-angle but f1.8m allows bokeh in an extraordinary way. That opens up new creative possibilities.

                                                • Was this a gift?:
                                                • No

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