Description
A handy, compact zoom lens for versatile and easy subject selection while travelling, etc. The highest optical performance in its class, plus the convenience of focusing up to 17.7 in. over the entire zooming range. The micro USM drive provides silent, high-speed autofocusing, plus the wide zooming range provides an easy, enjoyable picture-taking experience.
Features
The wide zoom range of the EF 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 makes this a perfect lens for many situations. Its sixteen-element design includes two
aspherical elements, and it focuses as close as 17.7" throughout the entire zoom range. Inner focusing means the front section doesn't rotate, a real benefit to photographers who use filters.
• Inner focusing with non-rotating front.
• Close focusing to 17.7 inches, at all focal lengths.
• Fast and quiet AF is provided by Canon's exclusive micro USM motor.
Item Includes
• 72mm Snap-On Lens Cap
• Lens Dust Cap E (Rear)
• 1-Year Warranty
Reviews
A good film lens, maybe not so good with digital. , January 31, 2007
By James Ng "chinoloco93" (Oakland CA)
I got this lens for a wedding I shot. Since I only had one camera at the time, I was afraid of losing shots as I switched back and forth. Since I was in need, I paid full retail price. Couple of comments. You need to have an external flash and be able to do bounce lighting for this lens to be really useful inside. Its a slow lens as the aperature is small. This lens is what I would call an "average" lens. It does everything good but nothing great. The advantages of this lens is the great focal length capability. 28-200mm covers alot of ground. If you travel and you just want to keep memories for yourself and keep your film/digital camera at full auto or f/ 5.6 to 8, you will get great results. use a 580 or a 430 ex flash and that will help compensate for indoors. I think the focal lengths work better for full frame or film cameras over the small sensor digital cameras.
The thing about this lens is the greatest asset of the lens is also the greatest weakness. To be able to provide 28mm-200mm at 350-500 bucks, it requires alot of compromises. Its slow indoors or requires flash which for most people is okay. you will get softness if you blow pictures up past 8x10. Its heavy and long. It doesn't have a small depth of focus for your close ups, it needs to be on a tripod for 200mm unless you can hold it very steady and even then you will want a flash.
If you want a good all around lens under 400.00 this is your lens. If you want to spend a little more you get IS and USM with the 28-135mm. My feeling is, you take great pictures with a lens you have, not a lens you don't have. I think for begineers and for a fun day just shooting regular pictures, this is a great lens. Save the artsy pictures and the emotional pictures for a 50mm 1.4 or a 85mm 1.8 or a up close picture for the 70-200mm. This is a good all around for good pictures, not great ones.
Good Initial Results, January 18, 2007
By cameraGuy2007 (USA)
The initial results were excellent, but I must admit I was a little surprised to see how long the lens becomes when at maximum focal length. The weight also intimidated me at first, but when mounted on a Canon Digital Rebel XTi with a battery grip attached, it seems to balance out decently.
I do have to say that, in accordance with other reviews, low light is not a friend of this lens. I haven't done much outdoor photography (due to time contraints, time of the year, etc.), but what I've done has turned out very clear and pleasing. I have a feeling that well-lit outdoor shots is where this lens might excel best.
This is definitely a massive upgrade over the kit lens (in focal length, size, weight, and quality), so be prepared for all four.
I'm not sure if the price justified the purchase, but I think that if good care is taken of this lens, then over time it will surely pay itself off.
Do I recommend? Only if you find the Digital Rebel kit lens too limiting, and want that extra focal length, if you don't mind the extra size, if you have a need for the extra zoom, and are ready for upgrading. Otherwise, practice on the kit lens or a cheaper lens for a while before moving up.
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