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

THERE ARE FOUR DIFFERENT VERSIONS OF THIS LENS! This model was last updated a few years ago. The newest version is called the Mark II. A Roman numeral II was added to the model number on the front trim ring. ALL MK IIs HAVE "II USM" MARKED ON THEM! The Mark II is the subject of this review, but some background information and histroy is needed to complete the picture.

The previous version is commonly referred to as "The Macro" model. These two versions are almost exactly the same in optical and mechanical performance. The "Mark II" has had a facelift to allow it to match the "look" of the current mid-grade USM "Ultrasonic" lens lineup. The first of the three incarnations of this model was not quite equal in performance to the two newer versions.

This is definitely one of the best and most versatile "affordable" lenses ever produced for the Canon EOS camera line. I have owned several examples of this model. This is the lens that is mounted on my EOS DSLR camera nearly all of the time, because it is usable in almost any situation. I can always change it if I need to, but when I am in a hurry to catch a fleeting shot, I know that I will at least have a chance with this baby. My camera is always in the bag beside me, with the EF 28-105mm 1:3.5-4.5 USM mounted and ready for action.

Note that the MK II lens was produced in two different plants, one in Japan and one in Taiwan. I have owned and used both versions. I noticed that the Japanese version seems to focus and zoom a little bit smoother than the Taiwanese model, it has superior "fit & finish". I now use the "Made In Japan" model exclusively. In fact, I actually prefer the older Japanese "MACRO" version to the newest Taiwanese "MARK II". I keep the Mark II on my Digital SLR and the "Macro" on a Elan 7e. Supposedly, they are almost the same in optical performance, but I like the older one a bit better. Maybe it's just a better "copy".

I owned the original version back in the mid nineties, but I was not that impressed with its performance. It was the model with the yellow "flower" icon on the side of the barrel. It only had a five blade aperture diaphragm that noticeably distorted the points of light in blurred backgrounds. It created geometric shapes (pentagons) instead of nice smooth circles when I took close-ups and portraits. It also had a slight tendency for the zoom to "drift".

But I digress... back to the "star" of this review, the Mark II. This is a fantastic zoom. I truly believe that this lens or the "MACRO" version should be in every Canon EOS camera bag (unless you can afford all "L" glass). It covers about 80% of the most common focal lengths that I need, and it has been completely reliable. Photos that have been taken with this model are sharp and they capture good color with very impressive contrast. Anyone still using the "kit" lens that came with their EOS should seriously consider this as the first upgrade lens for their camera.

I have three recommendations for potential buyers:

1. I prefer the Japanese version. (Have you seen any "L" lenses made in Taiwan?)

2. Avoid the original model with the yellow flower symbol on the barrel.

3. Read the eBay "Buyer's Guide" that was written to help people find the most appropriate version of this fantastic lens. The guide can be found at: http://search.reviews.ebay.com/members/profaudio1

© Copyright 2006

I am new to using Canon products, I'm a Nikonian of about 13 years. Using this lens on a Canon EOS-3, I found autofocus to be quiet and quick. While I'm not sure if it's just my particular lens, I found the zoom ring to be on the stiff side. Compared to the 50mm f/1.8, focus was noticeable quicker, quieter and more accurate. I'd definitely recommend as an all-around lens.

Great all around lens. The focus works well even in low light and is very quiet. Solid build quality. It's a great step up from a kit lens and would also be a great first lens as it would cover the wide angle and mild zoom as well.

This lens works with all Canon SLRs - Full frame, Crop and film bodies! For the money, you can't buy a better lens in a better range!

never recieved the item. It took 6wks to resolve the dispute.finally resolved thru paypal in my favor. It was obvious to all seller was at fault, paypal person indicated so on first contact, so why did it take so lkng to resolve?

This lens was designed as an all-around lens by Canon back in the film era. Now that virtually everyone will use it on an APS-C sized digital sensor, some people say that it is obsoleted by the common "digital all-around" 18-55 zooms. I don't think this is true. Actually on a 1.5x digital body, this lens has a range that is similar to most "3x zoom" compact digitals, that is, starting at ~35mm to ~150mm. This is a very versatile range, covering wider-than-normal and going to comfortable long-distance close-ups.

Other than that, the lens is very well built and quite fast for its cheap price, keeping f/4.5 on the long end this is 1/2 stop faster than the more common f/5.6 found in kit lenses. Same for the short end. It is extremely sharp and has perfectly smooth and very fast USM focusing.

I would highly recommend this lens, especially used, as an initial replacement for a kit lens on a digital Canon body.

I take a lot of pictures at meetings and conferences with a Canon Rebel XT. My 18-55 lens was often not enough unless I walked up in the speaker's face. My 70-300 lens was too much magnification most of the time. The 28-105 works great for this purpose and should prove to be a good all around lens. The quality of this lens is also much better than the kit lenses.

I bought this Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM Autofocus Lens a few weeks ago; so far i could say i love and i enjoyed it.