EOS EF28-80 f2.8-4 L USM v EF28-70 f2.8L USM

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Who can give me the pros & cons of these two lenses. I'm currently using an EOS 1 that I'm very pleased with. I shoot weddings, portraits, landscapes, architecture, and sports. Hope to find an EF 70-200 f2.8L USM soon - how does this rate? Thanks for your views. JM

-- John Michael (surfjma@btinternet.com), February 09, 2002

Answers

The 28-80 was never particularly highly regarded, as it suffers from very high levels of distortion. Also, with your EOS 1, it will not activate high-precision focus, whilst the 28-70 will.

The only "con" of the 28-70 is the shorter tele end. It is said to be a better lens in other respects than the 28-80.

The 70-200 F2.8L is regarded as very good indeed by most people. I'd find it a little too heavy I think, but that's why I have the 70-200 F4L instead.

-- Isaac Sibson (isibson@hotmail.com), February 09, 2002.


The old style USM of the 28-80L with electronic manual focus eats batteries a plenty. It also has issues with vignetting when shooting wide open. B&H used to sell new the gray market 28-80L for $650 about two years ago. However, it's a fine lens if you get a really good price. Photodo rates it highly.

On an EOS 3 or 1V, this lens would still enable the center cross. However, the poster above mentioned that the cross sensor would not work on your EOS 1 with this lens--an important consideration (umless you prefer manual focusing). I'd rather have the EF 28-70 2.8L and I bet prices will fall as the replacement model (EF24-105 2.8L IS USM?) comes to market in the next few months.

-- Puppy Face (doggieface@aol.com), February 10, 2002.


I have the 28-80 2.8-4.0 L - it is a great lens, and the distorsion is only bad at 28 - at 50 and 70 it is no worse than the 28-70. As far as light fall off, it's again no worse than the newer lens.

In summary, it's an excellent lens, and I haven't really noticed an increase in battery consumption although the manual says 50% more.

With the EOS-3 you will get the central cross-sensor.

Again, excellent lens, and a lot better at 80 than the 28-70

-- Remi Lemarchand (remi_lemarchand@nospam.hotmail.com), February 13, 2002.


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