Just bought this lens for my full frame Canon 6D Mark II for shooting my CZcams Videos (indoors) for my studio. Gives a nice bokeh for what I want it for. Still a good lens depending on what your needs are.
I don't think these tests should be taken as a definite answer to just throw away a lens option completely. My next prime would be 28mm, as I just ordered 20mm 2.8, and also have Tamron 45mm, Tamron 90mm and 70-200 F4 IS USM L + 5D MK2. This review just dismisses the lens. But I went on explorecams site and compared real world images of 28 1.8 and 28 2.8 IS. 1.8 is not that horrible, makes way better sunstars and 1.8 has more bokeh wide open, although it's rough. When I consider the used market price difference and real world examples, this is still a good option.
I have had this lens for a long while and on APSC, this lens was great for the focal length as well as it was sharp in the center. It has some flaws but if your purpose is a semi wide to normal focal range for a crop camera so you can take indoor photos (especially of people who will occupy the center frame), it is pretty good. I have just moved to FF and feel a little loss whether I like the focal range now. I believe though this is a great lens if you know what you are getting into.
I really like all your reviews but I totally disagree with this one. I love my copy, its very useful specially at night. Most wide angle lenses are soft in the corner specially when shoot wide open. A great performer in my opinion considering other brands with same characteristic and price point.
I agree with you there and will add that I think the lens shines a bit more through if you use it in better contexts and situations. I used mine a lot with an APS-C camera with a speedlite during events/parties at 2.8, giving very nice sharp and contrasty images, where the corners don't really matter nearly as much. One of my favourites as well.
I agree with you 100% my 28 1.8 is very useful to me, I used it on a professional level and I have never had complaints from my customers, however I do agree it is soft on the corners and with that in mind just watch how you frame.
Canon designed this lens for photographers, not test chart obsessives. I have the 28 too and it makes stunning pictures. Great sharpness, contrast and character. Pros like it. It has been in production for a very long time. To "not recommend" it, is very bold. Even by youtube standards.
what do you guys think if i use this lenses for video or film making? can you suggest the issue i might be facing? i need some suggestions and opinions.
This lens is a must-have for APS-C DSLR owners, it’s an equivalent of a 45mm (standard FOV). Combined with good performance, bright aperture, fast AF amazing build quality (I’d say it physically resembles a Canon’s 50mm f/1.4, but with more solid build quality) and low price second-hand (about 200$) this lens is a bargain.
This lens is only weak at f1.8 if u shoot landscape with that .. If u shoot any other thing the image quality is nice and sharp. Even at f2 most issues are under control. At f2.8 its ultrasharp .. Even if u want to night landscape get a stick stop down to f8 and get amazing resolution. During no one shoots at f1.8 in the day unless they are shooting test charts. This is way better than Samyang 24 1.4 which has bad ghosting at 1.4 and no autofocus. For 200$ in used market no body would be disappointed with this lens
I use this lens with aperture values 2.2 or 2.5 on fullframe and I think it's a good performer of course the edges are not the greatest, in general though I really like your reviews but I think it's unfortunate that you always make the step with primes from full open to 2.8 I use all my primes slightly closed by 1/3 or 2/3 but always under 2.8 I'm speaking of 50mm/1.4 85mm/1.8 and even the 135/2.0 I close a little bit.
beh the review ( excellent as always) is 10 years old, this lens is perhaps along with the EF 20mm canon 2.8 one of the most denigrated by photographers. in this period when the only reference seems to be " sharpness, sharpness, sharpness...and sharpness" this lens seems to have no hope. on the other hand in set portraits , indoors at f2.0 it has its reason to exist. a fast , lightweight lens that can be found on the used market today for very few euros. bought for 130 euros, find me another wide angle autofocus f1.8 at this price and quality!
That's weird, I own this lens and I love it. Never had these awful blurry corners, I find it very sharp with a pretty bokeh. In comparison my 17-55mm f2.8 is soft as hell with an ugly bokeh. Of course it's never a good idea to use a very wide aperture in full daylight, whatever the lens, you'll get chromatic aberration and soft edges.
Maybe he just got either a well-worn lens, or just a lemon. - I just ordered one from EBay - $290.... It's in transit. I have an EOS 70D, and will probably get a 6D Mark II. Should be great for both.
@@cameroncoulam - The Canon 28mm is a great lens... primarily for landscape shots. Sharp and has the beautiful color Canon is noted for. // Added a Canon 50mm fixed focal lens to the collection: for random people shots. // 28mm is the widest, 50mm is what is considered medium, and 85mm is a narrower field-of-view option.
This is a pretty solid review and although I own this lens on a full frame as well and found my copy perform better than most of the review. Also this video makes me miss Cardiff / Roath Park!
I'm confused by this review, as every professional photographer's review of the lens ends with words to the effect of 'just buy it, this is a lens you need in your bag'. Perhaps yours was a bad example? I was interested in both this and the similar speed/focal length Sigma counterpart but that seems to have issues with focusing and obviously being a DC lens won't compliment the 5d that I'll buy (one day...). Plus... at f1.8 who is looking for sharpness in the corners? And I've yet to see any chromatic aberration that Lightroom hasn't been able to correct. I've never been so confused about what is essentially a very simple lens!
+Steven Hunt Lenstip, Photozone and the-digital-picture all highlight this lens's many optical problems, which are essentially the same I ran into unfortunately. But it will be good enough for some people.
What a suprise Christopher. I just sold this lens today and ordered the Samyang 24mm F/1.4 ^_^ Got it for a really good price :) Here in Sweden it's around 820$, btw we use swedish crowns and not dollars but from swedish crowns to US dollars it's 820. I got a new one from ebay for only 570$, from the UK. Free shipping and no extra fees ;)
i really disaggree with your ideas, i have 70-200 L is, zeiss 50mm planar 1.4 but i have never changed the lens since i bought that one. why do we buy this? for landscape? no.. OFC no. its for wide angle portraits for low light. so center must be perfect. guess what, that lens center area is nearly perfect even at f/2.0. what do you expect more? you want 1.8f no distorsion, wideangle, what? you can find this around 400 dollar, 24mm 1.4 is around 2000 dollar. ofc 24 1.4L is better. thinking of its price, there is no other choice for that range. 28mm 2.8is> sharp, better but 1.8 far far open aperture comparing 2.8 you cant stabilize moving objects, its for your hand. it enables you to take pictures at 1/15 shutter yea understand, but we have to tell people "pls dont move my is only stabilze my hand" ?? you really need at least 1.8f for night photos. forget that 2.8 useless f, buy 24-70 2.8 for everything than. 24mm 1.4>sharp, perfect 1.4 is better than 1.8 one stop. but you can buy 5 of 28mm 1.8, my whole family, everymember can get aspc camera with kit lens for that money. its not fair comparison. 35mm f2.0> we have already perfect 50mm 1.4 or 1.2 versions, for just 15mm why should i pay double and get useless f2.0? i keep using 1.4 50mm lenses. only if you dont have 50mm that may be worth thinking. pls think logical when givin advice.
I completely disagree with about 90% of what you've just said. At the end of the day, if this 28mm f/1.8 lens is good enough for you, then great, go buy it, have fun
ok lets say buy 24mm 1.4 L II its great :Dis that lie? no go buy it its perfect. i like the idea. for low light conditions to get wide portraits, whats the alternative? 35 is narrow and people already have perfect 50mm 1.4s, 28 2.8is and 24 2.8 is havent got enough open aperture. so you have to buy 24mm 1.4 instead of this. no other chance.
I'm not going to debate you. Your basic premise that a fast 28mm lens is only used for wide-angle portraits is seriously erroneous - so we won't agree on this. If this particular lens is good for you, then go, buy it, and be happy.
Just bought one for 140€, pictures of the lens show it to be in great shape, almost unused...will test it on my R6 and see if it's so bad, in the worst case I paid a very low price, so I should be able to resell it without losing a dime.
Nice review, but I have a request. Could you disable the corrections? I know modern cameras can do it, but it would help to standardize the test results.
It's a good question, and I have thought about it, and I am in two minds somewhat. I've decided to keep the corrections on, because that's how cameras in the future (and now) are being made and used - with corrections.
So really using this lens on like a 70D taking shotsof like flowers and closer up shots of smaller things would be fine. Also shooting at a faster shutter speed can make up for the lack of image stabilization.
Chris, honestly i don't see how you hate this lens. I own this lens and its my favorite lens to use on my 5D its almost the ONLY lens I use and I LOVE IT. @b.raiden is my IG and all the pics on there are taken with the 28 1.8
So, the actual story is that the Canon 28mm f/1.8 has quality control issues: some copies of the lens are *much* better (read: sharper) than others. Ken Rockwell praises it; Christopher Frost hates it---this is why. Getting a good copy can mean better corner sharpness wide open, but coma, chromatic aberration, and busy bokeh are something you'll just have to deal with.
Chris, is this lens considered great for landscapes and astrophotography for it's price range? I am not willing to spend more than $500 for a wide angle lens that has a high max aperture.
This lens is not the sharpest lens but anyway it is sharper than the Samyang 24mm (at least samyang is not sharper) and it's contrast and color are also better than the samyang. Just use at 2,8 and down and you will see nice sharpness. AF is fast and more accurate than Sigmas. Manual focus is very easy. Samyangs even don't have AF. For video work you can use the canon 28mm 1,8 even at 1,8. Also good for studio work where you can use bigger f values. This lens is not expensive and durable (half price of sigma 18-35 art). I recommend.
The Canon is certainly not sharper than the Samyang lens you mention - watch my review of that lens for the proof. In the corners especially, the Samyang wins hands down, as well as producing much nicer bokeh, and much less chromatic aberration, which are all critically important for a lens of this type
Christopher Frost Photography You can have a look at the-digital-picture where you can find more accurate image quality test. You will see that the Samyang lens is not usable (very soft, more distortion, strong vignetting and low contrast issues) at f1.4 to f2.8 and at f2.8 the Canon performs better in the center where the subject usually stays. However, practically the Canon will give much faster and sharper images with it's auto focus since manual focus (and aperture setting) takes time, needs experience and thus it is less practical.
Onur Odyakmaz Sorry, that's complete nonsense! I think Bryan had a slightly soft copy of the lens, because if you look at my video review, I got sharper images out of it at f/1.4. Think about it - how could my review be less accurate if I actually got sharper images out of the lens? That's impossible, right? Anyway, the Canon might have a tiny resolution advantage in the middle of the image, but the Samyang lens is always miles sharper in the corners, especially on APS-C cameras, where the Canon's performance is abysmal. At f/2.8, the Samyang wins hands down on APS-C and full-frame. And you can't see that on the digital picture, because Bryan didn't bother to test the Samyang lens on APS-C. The Canon's vignetting levels are just as bad - that's normal for any fast aperture wide-angle lens. And, like I said, the Canon lens has very poor bokeh, whereas the Samyang lens is well-known for having amazing quality backgrounds - that's incredibly important to most photographers. And let's not mention the Canon's terrible CA problems...
Christopher Frost Photography Sorry but you are not only saying "the Samyang has better image quality", but you are recommending a lens while you are doing the review and while people are trying to make a decision. And I said I do not agree, the Samyang is impractical (think of this while you are using a lens without autofocus and auto aperture and then with auto focus and aperture. Consider how much time you need for the same quantity and quality images) and moreover according to some technical reviews the Samyang is very soft between 1.4 and 2.8 (please refer to dxomark or the-digital-picture. I think the people who are doing that reviews are also doing good job, as much as yours at least. I simply say: If you want to buy the Samyang just for it is f1.4 don't buy. For your information: The Samyang 24mm is usually compared to the Canon 24mm, if you also noticed on the internet. And that's correct since both are 24mm. The Canon 24mm is very very expensive compared to the Samyang while it's picture quality is better than the Samyang (no need to remind the autofocus issue). However the Samyang does't have the price advantage when compared to the Canon 28mm. A reminder for the beginners; try to use your kit lens (or other lenses you have) in manual mode and adjust the aperture manually before deciding to buy any Samyang.
I really appreciate your reviews Christopher. I take food photos for my blog and sometimes for website of companies. I use the t4i on a tripod, natural light, with the Canon 40mm f/2.8 STM. What would be a good camera/lens combo for what I do in order to have more sharpness?
Christopher Frost Photography Thanks so much Christopher, I do take the pics between f/2.8 and f/8 all the time. I will have to look into full frame when I have the budget. Have a great night!
Hi! Thanks for the videos! I have T3i with a 50mm 1.8 and Im looking at the sharpest lens for portraits with a bit wide angle. I'm looking at something not more than $900 so which one its the more sharp: Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM, Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM or should I go with the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM ? Thanksss!!!!
Christopher Frost Photography Hello Chris I'm in the same situation I have the 50mm 1.8 and love the small size, so handy when I take minimal gear out. But need something wider, Ive heard the sigma 35mm 1.4 is a bit hit or miss on the focus. I love the sigma 18-35 but its huge and I love the canon 28mm but you say its soft. What shall I do ? thanks Tom.
I'm surprised at the review in a few ways. Why would you test a lens with using in camera corrections? Surely that doesn't give an accurate display of how a lens performs? Anyways, I've heard a lot of bad points about this lens and I own one on a Canon 6D and wide open I find it to be pretty sharp. Maybe I just have a good copy. I also have L series lenses and yes while it's not as sharp as my 70-200 wide open it certainly doesn't disappoint. That's just my views !
It's a good question about the corrections. Nowadays, I test lenses with chromatic aberration correction turned on because that's how all the new cameras are coming out - that's going to be the new standard for how people use their cameras. People shooting RAW will correct in editing, so the same applies for them, too. As you can see in this review, even with the corrections, some lenses are so difficult that the images still throw up issues
Christopher Frost Photography That's very true - I value the correction in my 6D so much especially on my 85mm !! Thanks for your reviews btw they are good to watch even if I don't want to actually know about the lens - similar to DigitalRev. Just good to watch! :)
Hi Christopher, I'm Eduardo from Peru. Did you do a test with the EF 28mm f/2.8 IS?? I'd like to choose between this one (your review) and the 2.8 IS I said. In your opinion which one is sharper and has better bokeh?
DubsMood GadgetsNGears only show you what's going on the the middle of the image though, where the lens is sharp. If they'd bothered to show you image quality in the corners, instead of just leaving it at that, then you'd see how soft this lens is.
Hi Chris, just wondering... I have a t3i right now and am saving up for a 6D. Would you say that it's worth the money? I do stills and video work, would the 5d ii be a better choice? And lastly, does the 6d have better auto focus than the 5d mark ii? Sorry for this being so irrelevant to the review (which was great, like always!) Thanks
That's okay! The 6D will give you massively better picture quality, although you'll have to make sure you have full frame lenses to use with it. I think it's worth the upgrade. It's definitely a better camera than the 5D Mark ii.
Christopher Frost Photography NewYorkSnowboarder I'm glad this question was asked because I gave the t3i to my son and bought the t4i with the new lens kit instead of the other one. I am using the t4i for food photography and do it with the pancake 40mm and I have been quite happy with it. Also was in Paris with this camera and the lens kit and again was surprised with some pics. I really want the 5D Mark III but I heard it's heavy when you take it on vacation and do walk with it for 6-8 hrs a day. Also I was reading that the 6D was not such a big upgrade from the t4i. I might be wrong. Thanks so much for all of your videos.
Christopher Frost Photography Helenne20 Thank you Chris, for the response! That's what I was hoping! I'll be doing shadowing some wedding shoots, and the image quality is something I need. I just bought a Tamron 24-70 and am in love with it, since I went to that from a kit lens. I'll keep getting new lenses as I get more money. And Helenne, I've heard the same thing. Luckily they're both full frame, just the 5D Mark iii has amazing auto focusing and a few other features (maybe a lot, I'm not sure). And since it's so much more expensive, you could buy another lens or two if you buy the 6D!
NewYorkSnowboarder Christopher Frost Photography Now you got me thinking that maybe that's what I should do. The 5d Mark III has been on my list for a while but I don't like the price at the moment :) Maybe I could rent the 6D and see how it performs for food photography. As for travelling I will still take the t4i because of the weight. As I said when we travel we walk between 6 to 9 hrs a day and I don't need any extra weight and my t4i takes much better pics that my iPhone.
Helenne20 I'm also considering renting it. I really want to make sure I like what I'm buying, before I buy it. And I hear you, the Mark iii seems to be extremely overpriced. Also, if you do go with the 6D, don't forget about third party lenses! Some of them are phenomenal, which you've probably seen from some of Chris's reviews. After using the Tamron 24-70, I'm most likely buying the 70-200 from Tamron once I get the money, and the full frame body. That saves me like $1000 from buying the canon version.
@@JadenWhite I once owned this lens years ago. I think on a 5D II. That was probably around 2010. I scored a 5D II just a few weeks ago under $300 with a 28-135mm & 50MM STM. I'm thinking of picking up this 28mm f/1.8 to fill in the wide end, because I'm selling the 28-135mm. If I get one before you do, I'll let you know. What body are you using?
Hi, I have been thinking of buying that range 24 or 28 mm mostly prime lens so I am sorry you disliked this lens? Do you recommend anything instead of this but around same budget for 6d, please? Thanks
I see. I love my 85mm 1.8, is it much below according to you, or just slightly? Also 35mm f/2 could be optional, couldn't be? Although it is a bit above.
Thank you for your answer. I have just seen your samyang 14 and 24 review, so they are optional as well. Although I am bit affraid of distorsion of the Ultra Wide Angle, you are very convincing in the video.
Hi, have you tested the middle one on this page en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_EF_28mm_lens, I've just bought it and was wondering what your thoughts are?
I just scored one for $125! I think if you work around the shortcomings you will find that it opens up a lot of opportunities that a 2.8 zoom will not afford you
Christopher Frost Photography I got it and it’s pretty much new. I gotta say if you are looking for a good deal on used equipment look at joining a forum. It’s a great place to to learn, view, buy and sell without the hassle of ebay fees. Check out Fred Miranda or photography on the net forum.
Hi Chris, I'm thinking of getting new lens for portrait which can be for street and also event photography. Mine is an APS-C camera, which one do you think is much better between Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM and this 28mm one? Thanks
The 28mm focal range is to me what the 35mm focal range is to most Photographers...it's my story telling lens! Great review as always.
I literally received this lens yesterday! I'm loving it so far.
Just bought this lens for my full frame Canon 6D Mark II for shooting my CZcams Videos (indoors) for my studio. Gives a nice bokeh for what I want it for. Still a good lens depending on what your needs are.
One of my favourite lenses for my mirrorless m50.
This was the exact comment I was looking for!
The subtitles are so funny sometimes
"The only thing that's missing is where they're stealing" (weather sealing)
Though it’s interesting how the most imperfect lenses have the most lovers. The 50mm 1.2 is a prime example, but this one too.
你说的对 这俩是同一类
I don't think these tests should be taken as a definite answer to just throw away a lens option completely.
My next prime would be 28mm, as I just ordered 20mm 2.8, and also have Tamron 45mm, Tamron 90mm and 70-200 F4 IS USM L + 5D MK2.
This review just dismisses the lens. But I went on explorecams site and compared real world images of 28 1.8 and 28 2.8 IS.
1.8 is not that horrible, makes way better sunstars and 1.8 has more bokeh wide open, although it's rough.
When I consider the used market price difference and real world examples, this is still a good option.
I have had this lens for a long while and on APSC, this lens was great for the focal length as well as it was sharp in the center. It has some flaws but if your purpose is a semi wide to normal focal range for a crop camera so you can take indoor photos (especially of people who will occupy the center frame), it is pretty good. I have just moved to FF and feel a little loss whether I like the focal range now. I believe though this is a great lens if you know what you are getting into.
It's an old and not very expensive lens. I don't know what people expect.
@Diostillrocks truth was it was the only lens occupy the space it did st and affordable price so in that regard it was great. I still have it.
I always find that 28mm is a great focal lens for video if you want that wide screen sci fi look. Am i right
I really like all your reviews but I totally disagree with this one. I love my copy, its very useful specially at night.
Most wide angle lenses are soft in the corner specially when shoot wide open. A great performer in my opinion considering other brands with same characteristic and price point.
I agree with you there and will add that I think the lens shines a bit more through if you use it in better contexts and situations. I used mine a lot with an APS-C camera with a speedlite during events/parties at 2.8, giving very nice sharp and contrasty images, where the corners don't really matter nearly as much. One of my favourites as well.
I agree with you 100% my 28 1.8 is very useful to me, I used it on a professional level and I have never had complaints from my customers, however I do agree it is soft on the corners and with that in mind just watch how you frame.
Canon designed this lens for photographers, not test chart obsessives. I have the 28 too and it makes stunning pictures. Great sharpness, contrast and character. Pros like it. It has been in production for a very long time. To "not recommend" it, is very bold. Even by youtube standards.
what do you guys think if i use this lenses for video or film making? can you suggest the issue i might be facing? i need some suggestions and opinions.
This lens is loved by a lot of people, but hated by lots of others. Seems like a marmite lens, but I'm certainly happy with it :)
This lens is a must-have for APS-C DSLR owners, it’s an equivalent of a 45mm (standard FOV). Combined with good performance, bright aperture, fast AF amazing build quality (I’d say it physically resembles a Canon’s 50mm f/1.4, but with more solid build quality) and low price second-hand (about 200$) this lens is a bargain.
This lens is only weak at f1.8 if u shoot landscape with that .. If u shoot any other thing the image quality is nice and sharp. Even at f2 most issues are under control. At f2.8 its ultrasharp .. Even if u want to night landscape get a stick stop down to f8 and get amazing resolution. During no one shoots at f1.8 in the day unless they are shooting test charts. This is way better than Samyang 24 1.4 which has bad ghosting at 1.4 and no autofocus. For 200$ in used market no body would be disappointed with this lens
I use this lens with aperture values 2.2 or 2.5 on fullframe and I think it's a good performer of course the edges are not the greatest, in general though I really like your reviews but I think it's unfortunate that you always make the step with primes from full open to 2.8 I use all my primes slightly closed by 1/3 or 2/3 but always under 2.8 I'm speaking of 50mm/1.4 85mm/1.8 and even the 135/2.0 I close a little bit.
beh the review ( excellent as always) is 10 years old, this lens is perhaps along with the EF 20mm canon 2.8 one of the most denigrated by photographers. in this period when the only reference seems to be " sharpness, sharpness, sharpness...and sharpness" this lens seems to have no hope. on the other hand in set portraits , indoors at f2.0 it has its reason to exist. a fast , lightweight lens that can be found on the used market today for very few euros. bought for 130 euros, find me another wide angle autofocus f1.8 at this price and quality!
That's weird, I own this lens and I love it. Never had these awful blurry corners, I find it very sharp with a pretty bokeh. In comparison my 17-55mm f2.8 is soft as hell with an ugly bokeh. Of course it's never a good idea to use a very wide aperture in full daylight, whatever the lens, you'll get chromatic aberration and soft edges.
Maybe he just got either a well-worn lens, or just a lemon.
- I just ordered one from EBay - $290.... It's in transit. I have an EOS 70D, and will probably get a 6D Mark II. Should be great for both.
@@FeedScrnhow was your experience with it?
@@cameroncoulam - The Canon 28mm is a great lens... primarily for landscape shots. Sharp and has the beautiful color Canon is noted for. // Added a Canon 50mm fixed focal lens to the collection: for random people shots. // 28mm is the widest, 50mm is what is considered medium, and 85mm is a narrower field-of-view option.
You know, even though it's not the sharpest lens in the box, I feel like this would be just fine for portraits.
This is a pretty solid review and although I own this lens on a full frame as well and found my copy perform better than most of the review.
Also this video makes me miss Cardiff / Roath Park!
This is great. Cardiff looks beautiful in this shots
Christopher Frost Photography Great review! This is the exact lens I was looking for but was a bit uncertain. Thanks!
Another great review. I hope someday you could review the Tamron 28-75mm as well. I'll be looking for it!
I'm probably going to cover that one in September :-)
I'm confused by this review, as every professional photographer's review of the lens ends with words to the effect of 'just buy it, this is a lens you need in your bag'. Perhaps yours was a bad example? I was interested in both this and the similar speed/focal length Sigma counterpart but that seems to have issues with focusing and obviously being a DC lens won't compliment the 5d that I'll buy (one day...). Plus... at f1.8 who is looking for sharpness in the corners? And I've yet to see any chromatic aberration that Lightroom hasn't been able to correct. I've never been so confused about what is essentially a very simple lens!
+Steven Hunt When I say 'every professional photographer's review' I mean maybe the three that I found by accident (!)
+Steven Hunt Lenstip, Photozone and the-digital-picture all highlight this lens's many optical problems, which are essentially the same I ran into unfortunately. But it will be good enough for some people.
Steven Hunt j
I'm just here to say Canons 135mm f2 will show you sharpness in the corners wide open
What a suprise Christopher. I just sold this lens today and ordered the Samyang 24mm F/1.4 ^_^ Got it for a really good price :) Here in Sweden it's around 820$, btw we use swedish crowns and not dollars but from swedish crowns to US dollars it's 820. I got a new one from ebay for only 570$, from the UK. Free shipping and no extra fees ;)
That's a pretty good decision :-)
Christopher Frost Photography Hopefully ^_^
Nice to see a good review!
i really disaggree with your ideas, i have 70-200 L is, zeiss 50mm planar 1.4 but i have never changed the lens since i bought that one. why do we buy this? for landscape? no.. OFC no. its for wide angle portraits for low light. so center must be perfect. guess what, that lens center area is nearly perfect even at f/2.0. what do you expect more? you want 1.8f no distorsion, wideangle, what? you can find this around 400 dollar, 24mm 1.4 is around 2000 dollar. ofc 24 1.4L is better.
thinking of its price, there is no other choice for that range.
28mm 2.8is> sharp, better but 1.8 far far open aperture comparing 2.8 you cant stabilize moving objects, its for your hand. it enables you to take pictures at 1/15 shutter yea understand, but we have to tell people "pls dont move my is only stabilze my hand" ?? you really need at least 1.8f for night photos. forget that 2.8 useless f, buy 24-70 2.8 for everything than.
24mm 1.4>sharp, perfect 1.4 is better than 1.8 one stop. but you can buy 5 of 28mm 1.8, my whole family, everymember can get aspc camera with kit lens for that money. its not fair comparison.
35mm f2.0> we have already perfect 50mm 1.4 or 1.2 versions, for just 15mm why should i pay double and get useless f2.0? i keep using 1.4 50mm lenses. only if you dont have 50mm that may be worth thinking.
pls think logical when givin advice.
I completely disagree with about 90% of what you've just said. At the end of the day, if this 28mm f/1.8 lens is good enough for you, then great, go buy it, have fun
ok lets say buy 24mm 1.4 L II its great :Dis that lie? no go buy it its perfect. i like the idea. for low light conditions to get wide portraits, whats the alternative? 35 is narrow and people already have perfect 50mm 1.4s, 28 2.8is and 24 2.8 is havent got enough open aperture. so you have to buy 24mm 1.4 instead of this. no other chance.
I'm not going to debate you. Your basic premise that a fast 28mm lens is only used for wide-angle portraits is seriously erroneous - so we won't agree on this. If this particular lens is good for you, then go, buy it, and be happy.
gladiolus 2 I cant agree more. Very good analysis.
Just bought one for 140€, pictures of the lens show it to be in great shape, almost unused...will test it on my R6 and see if it's so bad, in the worst case I paid a very low price, so I should be able to resell it without losing a dime.
I have a Canon EF 28mm f/2.8, the oldest one, this lens has very better performance!
Nice review, but I have a request. Could you disable the corrections? I know modern cameras can do it, but it would help to standardize the test results.
It's a good question, and I have thought about it, and I am in two minds somewhat. I've decided to keep the corrections on, because that's how cameras in the future (and now) are being made and used - with corrections.
Then you should extend the video a little bit and add how lenses perform without correction.
So really using this lens on like a 70D taking shotsof like flowers and closer up shots of smaller things would be fine. Also shooting at a faster shutter speed can make up for the lack of image stabilization.
Thanks for doing the review!
Chris, honestly i don't see how you hate this lens. I own this lens and its my favorite lens to use on my 5D its almost the ONLY lens I use and I LOVE IT. @b.raiden is my IG and all the pics on there are taken with the 28 1.8
It's not that I hate it - it just has some serious technical issues, optically. You can still get nice pictures
Does this fit on 5d mark ii?
Sky's Life absolutely. It's a great lens for the 5D series I swear you won't be disappointed.
Have you used it for portraits? if so how is it for sharpness?
So, the actual story is that the Canon 28mm f/1.8 has quality control issues: some copies of the lens are *much* better (read: sharper) than others. Ken Rockwell praises it; Christopher Frost hates it---this is why. Getting a good copy can mean better corner sharpness wide open, but coma, chromatic aberration, and busy bokeh are something you'll just have to deal with.
bless you sir ,... your videos saved me so much money
thank you, almost baugt this..
Chris, is this lens considered great for landscapes and astrophotography for it's price range? I am not willing to spend more than $500 for a wide angle lens that has a high max aperture.
Not really - watch the review to find out why
Oh. After rewatching, somehow I missed the part about the coma effect. xD Thanks.
This lens is not the sharpest lens but anyway it is sharper than the Samyang 24mm (at least samyang is not sharper) and it's contrast and color are also better than the samyang. Just use at 2,8 and down and you will see nice sharpness. AF is fast and more accurate than Sigmas. Manual focus is very easy. Samyangs even don't have AF. For video work you can use the canon 28mm 1,8 even at 1,8. Also good for studio work where you can use bigger f values. This lens is not expensive and durable (half price of sigma 18-35 art). I recommend.
The Canon is certainly not sharper than the Samyang lens you mention - watch my review of that lens for the proof. In the corners especially, the Samyang wins hands down, as well as producing much nicer bokeh, and much less chromatic aberration, which are all critically important for a lens of this type
Christopher Frost Photography You can have a look at the-digital-picture where you can find more accurate image quality test. You will see that the Samyang lens is not usable (very soft, more distortion, strong vignetting and low contrast issues) at f1.4 to f2.8 and at f2.8 the Canon performs better in the center where the subject usually stays. However, practically the Canon will give much faster and sharper images with it's auto focus since manual focus (and aperture setting) takes time, needs experience and thus it is less practical.
Onur Odyakmaz Sorry, that's complete nonsense! I think Bryan had a slightly soft copy of the lens, because if you look at my video review, I got sharper images out of it at f/1.4. Think about it - how could my review be less accurate if I actually got sharper images out of the lens? That's impossible, right?
Anyway, the Canon might have a tiny resolution advantage in the middle of the image, but the Samyang lens is always miles sharper in the corners, especially on APS-C cameras, where the Canon's performance is abysmal. At f/2.8, the Samyang wins hands down on APS-C and full-frame. And you can't see that on the digital picture, because Bryan didn't bother to test the Samyang lens on APS-C. The Canon's vignetting levels are just as bad - that's normal for any fast aperture wide-angle lens. And, like I said, the Canon lens has very poor bokeh, whereas the Samyang lens is well-known for having amazing quality backgrounds - that's incredibly important to most photographers. And let's not mention the Canon's terrible CA problems...
Onur Odyakmaz (And no-one's denying the usefulness of autofocus - if you listen to my review, I simply say the Samyang has better image quality)
Christopher Frost Photography Sorry but you are not only saying "the Samyang has better image quality", but you are recommending a lens while you are doing the review and while people are trying to make a decision. And I said I do not agree, the Samyang is impractical (think of this while you are using a lens without autofocus and auto aperture and then with auto focus and aperture. Consider how much time you need for the same quantity and quality images) and moreover according to some technical reviews the Samyang is very soft between 1.4 and 2.8 (please refer to dxomark or the-digital-picture. I think the people who are doing that reviews are also doing good job, as much as yours at least. I simply say: If you want to buy the Samyang just for it is f1.4 don't buy.
For your information: The Samyang 24mm is usually compared to the Canon 24mm, if you also noticed on the internet. And that's correct since both are 24mm. The Canon 24mm is very very expensive compared to the Samyang while it's picture quality is better than the Samyang (no need to remind the autofocus issue). However the Samyang does't have the price advantage when compared to the Canon 28mm.
A reminder for the beginners; try to use your kit lens (or other lenses you have) in manual mode and adjust the aperture manually before deciding to buy any Samyang.
Re-Review this please in Canon Mirrorless Cameras please.
Full Frame and APS-C
I really appreciate your reviews Christopher. I take food photos for my blog and sometimes for website of companies. I use the t4i on a tripod, natural light, with the Canon 40mm f/2.8 STM. What would be a good camera/lens combo for what I do in order to have more sharpness?
You won't get any sharper without getting a full frame camera. Make sure you use your lens between f/2.8 and f/8
Christopher Frost Photography Thanks so much Christopher, I do take the pics between f/2.8 and f/8 all the time. I will have to look into full frame when I have the budget. Have a great night!
Hello Cardiff!
Thankyou for this video
Hi! Thanks for the videos! I have T3i with a 50mm 1.8 and Im looking at the sharpest lens for portraits with a bit wide angle. I'm looking at something not more than $900 so which one its the more sharp: Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM, Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM or should I go with the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM ? Thanksss!!!!
Best shot is probably the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art
Christopher Frost Photography Hello Chris I'm in the same situation I have the 50mm 1.8 and love the small size, so handy when I take minimal gear out. But need something wider, Ive heard the sigma 35mm 1.4 is a bit hit or miss on the focus. I love the sigma 18-35 but its huge and I love the canon 28mm but you say its soft. What shall I do ? thanks Tom.
Tom Maud
The Sigma 30mm Art is good :-)
I'm surprised at the review in a few ways. Why would you test a lens with using in camera corrections? Surely that doesn't give an accurate display of how a lens performs? Anyways, I've heard a lot of bad points about this lens and I own one on a Canon 6D and wide open I find it to be pretty sharp. Maybe I just have a good copy. I also have L series lenses and yes while it's not as sharp as my 70-200 wide open it certainly doesn't disappoint. That's just my views !
It's a good question about the corrections. Nowadays, I test lenses with chromatic aberration correction turned on because that's how all the new cameras are coming out - that's going to be the new standard for how people use their cameras. People shooting RAW will correct in editing, so the same applies for them, too. As you can see in this review, even with the corrections, some lenses are so difficult that the images still throw up issues
Christopher Frost Photography That's very true - I value the correction in my 6D so much especially on my 85mm !! Thanks for your reviews btw they are good to watch even if I don't want to actually know about the lens - similar to DigitalRev. Just good to watch! :)
Is there any way to get this lens now in 2024? I can't find it (used) on any platform
Hi Chris, what is the best, the 28 1.8 USM or 28 2.8 IS USM for video work and photo?
Can you please review the canon 28mm f2.8 IS lens?
Hi Christopher, I'm Eduardo from Peru. Did you do a test with the EF 28mm f/2.8 IS?? I'd like to choose between this one (your review) and the 2.8 IS I said. In your opinion which one is sharper and has better bokeh?
pearljam1981 It's virtually the same as the 24mm f/2.8 IS lens I tested, except with a slightly tighter focal length :-)
Hi Chris. Would you recommend this lens for a crop body as a walk around, street photography lens? or would the canon 40mm f2.8 pancake be better?
Watch the video, and you'll see :-)
don't they make one WITH IS?
I have a question (not relating to this lens), are you going/planning to review the Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 USM Lens?
Maybe later in the year but no plans in the near future
Christopher Frost Photography Okay, thank you for the response :)
Just curious, do you like the 6D or 70D better? Which do you use for what photography? Thanks
For still work, the 6D, although the screen is horrible. For video work, or still work where I want the lens to work a bit faster, the 70D
How is the performance for Astrophotography?
what about Canon EF 28mm 2.8?
what lens do you use for filming your videos?
I really think yours was a lemon.
GadgetsNGears Review thought so too ;)
DubsMood GadgetsNGears only show you what's going on the the middle of the image though, where the lens is sharp. If they'd bothered to show you image quality in the corners, instead of just leaving it at that, then you'd see how soft this lens is.
Hi Christopher. Will you be reviewing the new Sigma 50mm 1.4 'Art' lens?
I've just heard that I might be able to borrow one for review next month!
Christopher Frost Photography Can't wait. All the best.
canon needs a 24mm f/2 in the line up
Gostei do Relógio em 6:09
Would you recommend the new sigma 30mm f.14 hsm art over this? Thank You
ok nvm I just saw the last 15 seconds of the video haha
Thank you Mr Frost!
Hi Chris, just wondering... I have a t3i right now and am saving up for a 6D. Would you say that it's worth the money? I do stills and video work, would the 5d ii be a better choice? And lastly, does the 6d have better auto focus than the 5d mark ii? Sorry for this being so irrelevant to the review (which was great, like always!) Thanks
That's okay! The 6D will give you massively better picture quality, although you'll have to make sure you have full frame lenses to use with it. I think it's worth the upgrade. It's definitely a better camera than the 5D Mark ii.
Christopher Frost Photography NewYorkSnowboarder I'm glad this question was asked because I gave the t3i to my son and bought the t4i with the new lens kit instead of the other one. I am using the t4i for food photography and do it with the pancake 40mm and I have been quite happy with it. Also was in Paris with this camera and the lens kit and again was surprised with some pics. I really want the 5D Mark III but I heard it's heavy when you take it on vacation and do walk with it for 6-8 hrs a day. Also I was reading that the 6D was not such a big upgrade from the t4i. I might be wrong. Thanks so much for all of your videos.
Christopher Frost Photography Helenne20 Thank you Chris, for the response! That's what I was hoping! I'll be doing shadowing some wedding shoots, and the image quality is something I need. I just bought a Tamron 24-70 and am in love with it, since I went to that from a kit lens. I'll keep getting new lenses as I get more money. And Helenne, I've heard the same thing. Luckily they're both full frame, just the 5D Mark iii has amazing auto focusing and a few other features (maybe a lot, I'm not sure). And since it's so much more expensive, you could buy another lens or two if you buy the 6D!
NewYorkSnowboarder Christopher Frost Photography Now you got me thinking that maybe that's what I should do. The 5d Mark III has been on my list for a while but I don't like the price at the moment :) Maybe I could rent the 6D and see how it performs for food photography. As for travelling I will still take the t4i because of the weight. As I said when we travel we walk between 6 to 9 hrs a day and I don't need any extra weight and my t4i takes much better pics that my iPhone.
Helenne20 I'm also considering renting it. I really want to make sure I like what I'm buying, before I buy it. And I hear you, the Mark iii seems to be extremely overpriced. Also, if you do go with the 6D, don't forget about third party lenses! Some of them are phenomenal, which you've probably seen from some of Chris's reviews. After using the Tamron 24-70, I'm most likely buying the 70-200 from Tamron once I get the money, and the full frame body. That saves me like $1000 from buying the canon version.
Has anyone used it with a speedbooster on mirrorless.
good lens in 2021?
aint no way im here again a year later
@@JadenWhite I once owned this lens years ago. I think on a 5D II. That was probably around 2010. I scored a 5D II just a few weeks ago under $300 with a 28-135mm & 50MM STM. I'm thinking of picking up this 28mm f/1.8 to fill in the wide end, because I'm selling the 28-135mm. If I get one before you do, I'll let you know. What body are you using?
Does anyone know anything about the older 28mm f/2.8 (1987)? Its only like £100 so i was wondering if it was a better deal
+xRABIDxWOLFx Gaming I own that lens and I like it. Even on a FF 6D.
I am a beginner and I would like to know if I could use this with my canon eos M6 with the adapter. Or do I have any option any other lens for my M6?
Yes you can use it with the adaptor. But there are endless other options
Hi, I have been thinking of buying that range 24 or 28 mm mostly prime lens so I am sorry you disliked this lens? Do you recommend anything instead of this but around same budget for 6d, please? Thanks
Hmm, not sure actually. It is quite a unique lens. Remember, it's not so awful on full-frame
I see. I love my 85mm 1.8, is it much below according to you, or just slightly? Also 35mm f/2 could be optional, couldn't be? Although it is a bit above.
I'm not sure what you mean by 'much below' or 'a bit above' - but yes, the 35mm f/2 is quite a nice option :-)
Thank you for your answer. I have just seen your samyang 14 and 24 review, so they are optional as well. Although I am bit affraid of distorsion of the Ultra Wide Angle, you are very convincing in the video.
Will this be a good lense for indoor video interview?
Zatoichiable Sure but the Sigma 3Omm ART lens would be even better, if you have an APS-C camera
Hi Christopher, what would be the camera length equivalent of this 28 mm lens on a Canon 70d?
You have an APS-C camera, so always multiply by 1.6. So, 44.8mm
Thank you!
Considering I have an APS-C camera, what mm lens should I get if I want a wide-angle (or approximate effect) in my photos?
Christina Noriega Ultra-wide = 8-14mm. Wide angle: 15-24mm
Hi, have you tested the middle one on this page en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_EF_28mm_lens, I've just bought it and was wondering what your thoughts are?
Take it out for a test drive and see what you think :-) it should probably perform similarly to the old 24mm version
f2.8 is way to on this lens with crop body.
It’s the one in my phone…
indeed indeed, had one didn't like it indeed.
I just scored one for $125! I think if you work around the shortcomings you will find that it opens up a lot of opportunities that a 2.8 zoom will not afford you
Great deal! (If it's working properly)
Christopher Frost Photography I got it and it’s pretty much new. I gotta say if you are looking for a good deal on used equipment look at joining a forum. It’s a great place to to learn, view, buy and sell without the hassle of ebay fees. Check out Fred Miranda or photography on the net forum.
Great review. A disappointed canon lens again.
Salam dari Sumatera Selatan
wait.. is that dat cardiff bay?
Ariful Abdulla Yup :-)
Ariful Abdulla i
Hi Guys will this lens fit my Canon 60D please ?
All Canon mount lenses made since 1987 will work on your Canon APS-C digital SLR camera, except EF-M lenses
Thank you Christopher :) very kind x
What a very unsharp lens
Hey i'm just curious if this will fit on the canon 5d markii? Thank you
Yes. As you can see in this review, it fits on full-frame cameras
Hi Chris, I'm thinking of getting new lens for portrait which can be for street and also event photography. Mine is an APS-C camera, which one do you think is much better between Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM and this 28mm one? Thanks
+Albertus Magnus Yudhistira (Adhis) The 50mm lens
спасибо ютубу что есть функция -коментарии
So 1.8 is there, but sharpness is missing around the whole F spectrum. Expensive and bad, no thanks.
"What a shame"
I recently travelled with this lens on a 60d and absolutely loved the quality and light weight. Check my IG account for photos @spiritofphoenix06
Thank you , you saved my wallet from buying this lens , I was interested but now I see that it is really really bad :( .
what lens do you use for filming your videos?