Canon EF 28-300mm f3.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens - opinions?

[JanHarper]

What do you think of the Canon EF 28-300mm f3.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens?
I use the Tamron 16-300mm on the 100D as my holiday camera and love not having to change lenses.
I am lazy at changing lenses when I go out with my 60D. I carry them, but can't be bothered to take my backpack off to change! Half toying with the idea of saving up for this one. Opinions please.

[DanFlag]

Re: Canon EF 28-300mm f3.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens - opinions?

This is an old lense, 2004. I dont think you will gain much quality and efficiency over the way lighter Tamron 16-300mm. (1.67 kg vs. 540g)

[JanHarper]

Re: Canon EF 28-300mm f3.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens - opinions?

Thanks. I presumed that because it was an L series lens the optics would be superior. You might have just saved me some time and money!

[DanFlag]

Re: Canon EF 28-300mm f3.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens - opinions?

Well, don't get me wrong, you will gain;

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=295&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=5&API=1&LensComp=953&CameraComp=736&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=4&APIComp=0

but is that really needed ?

[Stan]

Re: Canon EF 28-300mm f3.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens - opinions?

With superzooms there is always a compromise between quality and reach and I was once advised by a professional photographer that it is better to go for a maximum of 3 to 4x, eg 70-200 or 70-300 or 100-400

stan

[JanHarper]

Re: Canon EF 28-300mm f3.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens - opinions?

I might wait to see if they bring out new technology. I didn't realise it first came out in 2004. Danflag, thanks for the link. I have bookmarked it.

[nickorando]

Re: Canon EF 28-300mm f3.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens - opinions?

It's absolutely huge and heavy. Not my idea of the perfect carry-round lens!

[JanHarper]

Re: Canon EF 28-300mm f3.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens - opinions?

Yes. I agree, it weights the total of the EF 70-300 L plus the EF 24-105L. I have given up on that idea now. Really appreciated other Canon users opinions, even if you dissuaded me!

[Nathaniel]

Re: Canon EF 28-300mm f3.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens - opinions?

Jan, I have had the weight problem for quite sometime and I have been selling and buying equipment to suit my love of photography. For travel and holiday purposes I have the 100D plus the 55-250mm STM lens plus the 10-18mm lens. So I just take these two lens plus my small crop body when I am on holiday. I have recently ordered the Kenko HD teleplus 1.4 extender to go with my 55-250mm which in no way exceeds my weight problems. I should have a reach of 560mm with this combo (100D + 55-250mm +1.4 EF-S extender) ,which should be enough for all my travel needs.

[JanHarper]

Re: Canon EF 28-300mm f3.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens - opinions?

The EF 28-300 L wasn't going to be for holidays, but for Camera Club expeditions e.g. Brick Lane, or the Heybridge Basin. I find it less strain on my back to use a backpack, but once it is on my back I keep thinking I am missing a shot because I have the wrong lens on, and am reluctant to take my backpack off in busy places or the group will move on and forget me!

[Nathaniel]

Re: Canon EF 28-300mm f3.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens - opinions?

I take your point Jan. I gave up using a rucksack a long time ago and also carrying heavy photographic equipment. I have now reduced my equipment to what I really want and what I really use. I have now whittled this down to 3 cameras- 6D,100D & G15 & the lenses I need. For my normal use I take my 100D plus the 2 EF-S lenses and carry them in a small holdhall on my shoulder and it is no bother to change my lens from the normal 55-250mm lens which is on the camera most times to the 10-18mm wide angle. The only problem I have now is walking here and there taking photos and hence I don't post as many pics as I used to do many years ago.