Canon EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM
Announced January 29, 2004
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
Good
The Canon EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM serves as a versatile superzoom for photographers who require a wide focal range in a single lens. Although it offers a convenient all-in-one design, the lens is notably large and heavy.
Weighted from 8 reviewer scores
Pros
- Solid construction and professional build quality
- Fast and quiet autofocus performance
- Extensive zoom range for diverse shooting scenarios
- Effective image stabilization with tripod sensing
- Includes helpful features like a non-rotating front element and tripod mounting ring
Cons
- Heavy and bulky physical profile
- Push-pull zoom mechanism is difficult to fine-tune and prone to lens creep
- Significant barrel and pincushion distortion
- High purchase price
- Launch price $2,499 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6
- Mount & coverage Canon EF Full-Frame
- Stabilization Optical IS
- Close focus (0.3x)
- Filter thread 77mm
- Autofocus motor Ring-type ultrasonic
- Weight & size 1670g (3 lb 10.9 oz) · 92 x 184 mm (3.62 x 7.24 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 8 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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The Canon EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 USM L IS is a fairly recent (2004) addition to the Canon lens lineup.
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It’s big, it’s heavy and it’s expensive. All aspects of performance at the wide end of the lens’ focal range are modest, though it improves to quite decent levels at mid and long focal lengths.
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The Canon EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM Lens is the right choice for those times when you need a wide range of focal lengths but only one lens can go with you and both lens and image quality cannot be compromised.
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So-called ‘superzoom’ lenses are generally very travel-friendly options, with a compact and lightweight build that makes them ideal for anything and everything from city walkabouts and countryside treks, to jetting around the world.
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Canon's EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM lens covers an incredible zoom range and works with full-frame cameras, but its price and just-ok optics make it a tough sell.
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All these peculiar characteristics make the Canon 28-300 a pretty unique lens!
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It is an interesting lens, apart from the price which is the biggest blocking point.
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The Canon EF 28-300mm F3.5-5.6L IS USM is a noteworthy range zoom. Perhaps the optical quality is on a high but not outstanding level.
