Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
Announced February 1, 1998
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Mediocre
The Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM is a versatile walk-around lens that provides a useful zoom range and effective image stabilization for handheld shooting. While it offers fast, quiet autofocus and decent center sharpness, the design is hampered by noticeable chromatic aberration, zoom creep, and build quality issues.
Weighted from 11 reviewer scores
Pros
- Versatile focal length range with effective image stabilization
- Fast, quiet, and accurate Ring USM autofocus
- Good center sharpness across the zoom range
- Solid construction with internal focusing
Cons
- Inconsistent stabilizer behavior and lack of included accessories
- Significant chromatic aberration and corner softness
- Unrefined build quality with non-smooth zoom and focus rings
- Zoom creep due to lack of a focal length lock
- Optical flaws including strong barrel distortion and vignetting at 28mm
- Launch price $690 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6
- Mount & coverage Canon EF Full-Frame
- Stabilization Optical IS, 2 stops (CIPA)
- Close focus 50 cm (0.19x)
- Filter thread 72mm
- Autofocus motor Ring-type ultrasonic
- Weight & size 540g (1 lb 3 oz) · 78.4 x 96.8 mm (3.09 x 3.81 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 11 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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The lens showed a solid and even performance in the lab without any pronounced weaknesses.
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When someone is looking for a decent quality but affordable walk-around lens, the Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens is one of the lenses I will often recommend to them.
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I was really hoping for a bit more fight from this older camera lens, but sadly it just screamed average in every category I tested it in. Actually, in terms of its optics it's rather below average; genuinely I was hoping for better.
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For a higher price we get worse aperture and stabilization, but better focal length range and a quiet and fast USM motor. Therefore, one may want to seriously consider the Canon 28-135 mm as a future purchase.
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Leaving aside its macro label, the only other issue is the fact that its restricted maximum aperture, especially at longer focal lengths, will impose some creative limitations on picture-taking. Overall, however, this is an impressive and competitively-priced lens.
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The Canon EF 28-135mm f / 3.5-5.6 USM IS was generally a good zoom lens for full-frame cameras. The lens boasts a fast auto focus and image stabilizer, but the lens is not confused by the most robust design.
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The Canon 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS is a wonderfully versatile lens. It's my favorite Canon all-purpose zoom for full-frame DSLRs and 35mm film.
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The 28-135 is clearly the winner from an optical and functional viewpoint. Optically it's as good as or slightly better than the 28-105 at equivalent settings, plus it has an extra 30mm of reach.
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[T]he EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM is a bit of an anachronism now.
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I think this Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM is worth a purchase even though it is an older lens.
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So it's a good lens just to have on your camera and go places, and it's also for full sensor cameras, so it's even wider if you put it on like a 5D Mark III, which is what we're getting soon. That's why we got it, and it's going to work perfect for us.
