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

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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 271 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (161)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (94)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (9)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (5)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (2)

96%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Fast / accurate auto-focus (211)
  • Lightweight (171)
  • Consistent output (133)
  • Easily interchangeable (130)
  • Strong construction (128)

Cons

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

Best Uses

  • Low light (175)
  • Night photography (121)
  • Landscape/scenery (100)
  • Weddings (91)
  • Video (57)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Photo enthusiast (90), Semi-pro photographer (71), Pro photographer (37), Casual photographer (28), Enthusiast (17)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (168), 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.

Reviewed by 271 customers

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4.0

Wonderful

By zDlux

from Aspen, CO

About Me Photo Enthusiast

Pros

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

Cons

    Best Uses

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

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

    This lens is a joy to use. I shoot mostly street and concert photography and have always prefferd a fixed-focal lens and this just builds upon that love. The focus is quick and sharp especially when you open it to 2.8. 1.8 can be a little soft but still excellent for low light events that don't allow a flash. The focus ring is smooth and has a good grip and the build quality of the lens feels good (even thought it's plastic). A great lens for the money. Only downside is that it COULD be faster when in low-light, but thats just getting picky.

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

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    4.0

    Great Low-Light Prime Lens

    By Landescaper

    from Portland, ME

    About Me Casual Photographer

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Consistent Output
    • Easily Interchangeable
    • Fast / accurate auto-focus
    • Great focus ring- no play
    • Lightweight
    • Strong Construction

    Cons

    • Poor at f1 point 8 and 2

    Best Uses

    • Indoors/Low Light
    • Landscape/Scenery

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

    I use this lens for low-light photography, thanks to the large aperture. The focus ring is very smooth and doesn't move after you leave it. At 28mm, great for landscape photography. However, when using at 1.6x, say, with a Rebel T2i, it serves better as a portrait lens. A bit of a disappointment was that the quality of the corners improves from f/2.8 and up, making any caring photographer read this more as a 28mm f/2.8 USM. All in all, a great deal for this lens!

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

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    5.0

    GREAT LENS!!!

    By Mark

    from Ellicott City, MD

    About Me Photo Enthusiast

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

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

    Cons

      Best Uses

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

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

      Great all around lens. I use it a lot. Easy to carry around. Takes GREAT pictures. Great in low light. Pictures are crisp and sharp. Detail is phenominal!!!! Well worth the money.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Share this review

      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

       
      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

        Share this review

        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

         
        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

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        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

                  (3 of 3 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

                          Share this review

                          (5 of 6 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.

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                                      • No

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                                      (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

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                                      (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

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                                        (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

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