Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM

Canon · EF

EF 28mm f/1.8 USM

Released September 1995

A compact EF wide-angle prime with an f/1.8 maximum aperture, USM autofocus and mechanical full-time manual focusing.

Mount
Canon EF
Focal length
28 mm
Max aperture
f/1.8
Stabilisation
–
Weight
310 g

What reviewers say

Both reviews praise compact construction, quiet autofocus and manual handling, but find weak wide-open edges and colour fringing. The Digital Picture finds the lens soft at f/1.8 and remains disappointed by outer sharpness stopped down. Photozone finds a very good wide-open centre and respectable performance at f/4–8, while identifying focus shift and heavy shading.

From the-digital-picture.com, photozone.de, photozone.de and photozone.de

Optics

Lens type
Prime
Focal length
28 mm
Maximum aperture
f/1.8
Minimum aperture
f/22
Optical construction
Ten elements in nine groups
Special elements
Aspherical lens element
Diaphragm
Seven blades
Angle of view
75° diagonal, 65° horizontal and 46° vertical

Mount and compatibility

Mounts
Canon EF
Image circle
Full frame
Compatibility
Canon EF cameras with full-frame or APS-C sensors
Adaptor support
EF12 II extension tube gives 0.61–0.43× magnification; EF25 II gives 1.13–0.96×

Focus and stabilisation

Autofocus
Yes
Minimum focus distance
0.25 m
Maximum magnification
0.18×
Autofocus detail
USM autofocus with mechanical full-time manual focusing. Canon's manual specifies turning the ring with the shutter half-pressed after One Shot AF
Focus distance detail
Physical length remains constant and the front element does not rotate according to Photozone

Design

Filter diameter
58 mm
Maximum diameter
73.6 mm
Length
55.6 mm
Weight
310 g
Controls
AF/MF switch, focus ring, distance window, depth-of-field scale and infrared focus index
Dimensions detail
Maximum diameter × length in retracted state; dimensions and 310 g weight are lens-only. Front and rear caps add 21.5 mm according to Canon's manual
Lens hood
Optional EW-63 II petal hood; reversible for storage according to Canon's manual
Release detail
Canon Camera Museum records September 1995 marketing; no first-sale day is given

Pros and cons

Pros

  • f/1.8 maximum aperture
  • Full-time manual focus
  • 310 g lens-only weight

Cons

  • Hood supplied separately
  • Fixed 28 mm focal length

Closest rivals

Model
MountFocal lengthMax apertureStabilisationWeightReleased
Canon EF24 mmf/1.4No550 gDec 1997
Canon EF35 mmf/1.4–580 gDec 1998
Canon EF35 mmf/2No210 gOct 1990

Sources

  1. canon.co.uk/lenses/ef-28mm-f-1-8-usm-lens/specification.html
  2. global.canon/en/c-museum/product/ef331.html
  3. media.the-digital-picture.com/Owners-Manuals/Canon-EF-28mm-f-1.8-USM-Lens.pdf
  4. the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-28mm-f-1.8-USM-Lens-Review.aspx
  5. photozone.de/canon_eos_ff/726-canon28f18eos5d
  6. photozone.de/canon_eos_ff/726-canon28f18eos5d
  7. photozone.de/canon_eos_ff/726-canon28f18eos5d

Photo: global.canon

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