Canon EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM

Canon EF

Review

The Canon EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM is a versatile zoom lens that caters to both enthusiasts and professionals alike. With its focal length range of 28-105mm, it covers a broad spectrum, making it an excellent choice for various shooting scenarios—from landscapes to portraits. Its compact design and relatively lightweight build also contribute to its attractiveness for those on the go.

Image Quality

One of the standout features of the Canon EF 28-105mm is its impressive image quality. The lens utilizes a combination of aspherical elements that help reduce chromatic aberration, resulting in sharp and detailed images. At optimal apertures, particularly around f/8, you’ll find that the center sharpness is excellent, while the corners hold up reasonably well. This makes the lens particularly effective for landscapes and architectural shots, where detail across the frame is crucial.

Autofocus Performance

Equipped with Canon’s Ultrasonic Motor (USM), the autofocus performance of this lens is fast, quiet, and accurate. The lens achieves focus quickly, allowing you to capture fleeting moments without any noticeable lag. This makes it a great companion for event photography or any situation where speed is essential. Furthermore, the full-time manual focus override is beneficial for finely tuning your focus after the autofocus system has locked on.

Build Quality

While the Canon EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM is built primarily from high-quality plastic, it still feels durable and robust. It’s worth noting, though, that the materials can seem less premium compared to more expensive counterparts. Weather sealing is also absent, which may deter outdoor photographers who require more ruggedness and weather resistance. However, this lighter construction contributes to its portability, making it easier for day-long shoots.

Versatility

The focal length range from 28mm to 105mm offers significant versatility, allowing you to experiment with both wide-angle and medium telephoto perspectives. This makes it an ideal travel lens as you can effectively cover diverse photographic needs without having to carry multiple lenses. The moderate f-stop range of f/3.5-4.5 also enables decent depth of field control, especially at the longer end, adding a touch of artistic flair to your portraits.

Compatibility

Designed for the Canon EF mount, this lens is compatible with a wide array of Canon DSLRs. Furthermore, when used on Canon APS-C sensors, the effective focal length expands to approximately 44.8-168mm, making it suitable for even more applications. This compatibility is a significant advantage for photographers looking to expand their lens collection without needing to switch camera systems.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent image quality with minimal distortion
• Fast and quiet autofocus performance
• Versatile focal length range
• Lightweight and portable design
• Full-time manual focus override

Cons

• Build quality may feel less premium due to plastic construction
• Lack of weather sealing limits outdoor usage
• Performance may not match that of higher-end lenses at wider apertures

Verdict

In summary, the Canon EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM is an outstanding all-around lens that combines versatility with commendable image quality. While it may not boast the ruggedness or premium build of higher-tier lenses, its lightweight design and practical focal length range make it a fantastic option for both casual shooting and professional work. If you're in the market for a reliable zoom lens for your Canon EF mount camera, this lens is definitely worth considering.