Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Review
The Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM ($509.99 direct) is impressively compact when you consider its wide-angle field of view and fast aperture, but there are some optical compromises that you should be aware of. It is compatible with both APS-C and full-frame Canon D-SLR cameras. It's a relative bargain—Canon also offers an EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM lens with image stabilization that sells for $800, even though it captures less light at its maximum aperture. The lens isn't as sharp as Nikon's take on the design, the AF-S Nikkor 28mm f/1.8G($696.95 at Amazon), which impressed us enough to earn our Editors' Choice award.
The EF 28mm measures just 2.2 by 2.9 inches (HD) and weighs about 10.9 ounces. It can focus on objects as close as 0.8-foot from the front of the lens. It is by no means a macro optic, but keeping the aperture wide open and focusing at the minimum distance allow you to capture images with a shallow depth of field. Standard 58mm filters are supported, and there's no movement at a...
The EF 28mm f/1.8 USM is a fast wide-angle optic for use with Canon D-SLRs, but it isn't sharp at its maximum aperture and is prone to color fringing.
Compact; Fast aperture; Minimal distortion; Sharp when stopped down a bit
Not sharp at maximum aperture; Prone to color fringing; No image stabilization; Hood not included