Quick answer
Canon's 1993 pro standard zoom with a constant f/2.8 aperture. The EF 24-70mm f/2.8L replaced it in 2002.
Pros
- f/2.8 across the range
- L-series build
- Ring USM
Cons
- Heavy at about 880g
- No wide 24mm end
- Softer than modern 24-70mm lenses
Verdict
A historical workhorse. Modern 24-70mm lenses are sharper and go wider.
About this lens
The Canon EF 28-70mm f/2.8L USM is a fast standard zoom lens covering 28-70mm at f/2.8 for Canon EF mount cameras, from the Canon L series with ultrasonic-motor autofocus. The range covers everything from wide scenes to portraits, so it works as a general-purpose lens.
Canon EF 28-70mm f/2.8L USM specifications
- Brand
- Canon
- Mount
- Canon EF
- Focal length
- 28-70mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/28.0
- Lens type
- Zoom
- Format coverage
- full-frame
- Released
- 1993
- Optical construction
- 16 elements in 11 groups
- Aperture blades
- 8
- Autofocus motor
- USM
- Minimum focus distance
- 0.5 m
- Maximum magnification
- 0.18x
- Filter thread
- 77 mm
- Weight
- 880 g
- Length
- 117.6 mm
- Diameter
- 83.2 mm
Specification source: global.canon
What can you shoot with the Canon EF 28-70mm f/2.8L USM?
- Event and wedding work on film or older digital
- Photojournalism
- Low-light standard zoom
Its smaller maximum aperture favours daylight shooting and keeps the lens compact.
Full-frame equivalent and field of view
Calculated from the focal length and crop factor. Not measured.
| Sensor | Crop | Equivalent | Horizontal FOV | Diagonal FOV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full frame | 1.0x | 28–70mm | 28.8–65.5° | 34.3–75.4° |
| APS-C | 1.6x | 45–112mm | 18.3–43.8° | 21.9–51.6° |
Frequently asked questions
What replaced the Canon EF 28-70mm f/2.8L USM?
The EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM took its place in 2002. It added a wider 24mm start.
Is the EF 28-70mm f/2.8L good on digital cameras?
Yes, it works on both full-frame and APS-C bodies. Wide-open sharpness is lower than newer designs.
What filter size does the EF 28-70mm f/2.8L take?
77mm, which is a common size for Canon L lenses. Existing 77mm filters will fit.
Alternatives for Canon EF from other brands
All Canon EF lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.
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