Canon EF 35-350mm f/3.5-5.6L USM

Canon EF

Review

The Canon EF 35-350mm f/3.5-5.6L USM is a versatile zoom lens that combines a wide focal range with the high-quality construction that Canon's L-series is known for. Designed specifically for Canon's EF mount cameras, this lens is ideal for photographers who need to capture everything from landscapes to wildlife without needing to constantly change lenses.

Build and Design

The build quality of this lens is impressive, as expected from the L-series lineage. It features a durable, weather-sealed design which can withstand a good amount of environmental stress. The lens has a solid feel, and the barrel is made of high-quality materials that not only protect the lens but also enhance its longevity. The zoom ring is smooth, and the focus ring is well-damped, allowing for precise adjustments even at longer focal lengths.

Optical Performance

When it comes to optical performance, the EF 35-350mm delivers sharp images across the zoom range. At the wider end, it produces commendable sharpness with nice contrast, though some softening can be noticed at the extreme corners. As you zoom in, the lens manages to retain impressive resolution, making it a good choice for portraiture or wildlife photography, where detail is crucial. The lens also has a decent level of chromatic aberration control; however, some distortion and vignetting may be evident at certain focal lengths, particularly at the extremes.

Autofocus Performance

This lens is equipped with Canon's Ultrasonic Motor (USM) technology, which provides fast and nearly silent autofocus. It performs admirably in most scenarios, making it suitable for both photography and videography. The ring-type USM system also allows for full-time manual focus override, which is a great feature for those who like to make precise adjustments in their focusing.

Versatility

One of the standout features of the Canon EF 35-350mm is its versatility. The wide range of focal lengths makes it suitable for a variety of shooting situations. Whether you're capturing expansive landscapes at 35mm or zooming in to photograph distant wildlife at 350mm, this lens covers a lot of ground, reducing the need to swap lenses frequently. This is particularly advantageous for travel or event photography, where changing lenses can be cumbersome.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent build quality with weather-sealing.
• Versatile zoom range from 35mm to 350mm.
• Great optical performance, particularly in the center.
• Fast and quiet autofocus with full-time manual focus override.
• Well-suited for a wide range of photography styles.

Cons

• Some softening in the corners at wider apertures.
• Noticeable distortion and vignetting at the extremes.
• Heavier and bulkier compared to other zoom lenses in its class.
• Limited maximum aperture when compared to prime lenses.

Verdict

The Canon EF 35-350mm f/3.5-5.6L USM is an excellent option for photographers who need a reliable, high-quality zoom lens that can handle a variety of situations. While it may have some optical limitations, the overall performance, build quality, and versatility are difficult to overlook. If you often find yourself in need of a lens that can adapt to different environments and subjects, this lens is certainly worth considering.