Canon EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM Lens

THERE ARE THREE DIFFERENT VERSIONS OF THIS LENS! This model was last updated a few years ago. The newest version is called the Mark II. A Roman numeral II was added to the model number on the front trim ring. ALL MK IIs HAVE "II USM" PRINTED ON THEM! The Mark II is the subject of this review, but some background information and history is needed to complete the picture.

The previous version is commonly referred to as "The Macro" model. These two versions are almost exactly the same in optical and mechanical performance. The "Mark II" has had a facelift to allow it to match the "look" of the current mid-grade USM "Ultrasonic" lens lineup. The first of the three incarnations of this model was not quite equal in performance to the two newer versions.

This is definitely one of the best and most versatile "affordable" mid-grade Canon lenses ever produced for the Canon EOS camera line. I have owned several examples of this model. This is the lens that is mounted on my EOS 10D camera nearly all of the time, because it is usable in almost any situation. I can always change it if I need to, but when I am in a hurry to catch a fleeting shot, I know that I will at least have a chance with this little gem. My camera is always in the bag beside me, with the EF 28-105mm 1:3.5-4.5 USM mounted and ready for action.

Note that the MK II lens was produced in two different plants, one in Japan and one in Taiwan. I have owned and used both versions. I have noticed that the Japanese version seems to focus and zoom a little bit smoother than the Taiwanese model, it also has superior "fit & finish". I now use the "Made In Japan" model exclusively. In fact, I actually prefer the older Japanese "MACRO" version to the newest Taiwanese "MARK II". I keep the Mark II on my 10D and the "Macro" on a 10S. Supposedly, they are almost the same in optical performance, but I like the older one a bit better. Maybe it's just a better "copy".

I owned the original version back in the mid nineties, but I was not that impressed with its performance. It was the model with the yellow "flower" icon on the side of the barrel. It only had a five blade aperture diaphragm that noticeably distorted the points of light in blurred backgrounds. It created geometric shapes (pentagons) instead of nice smooth circles when I took close-ups and portraits. It also had a mild case of "zoom creep". When I pointed my camera straight downward, the lens would tend to zoom out a bit, sometimes it would drift all the way out to 105mm.

But I digress... back to the "star" of this review, the Mark II. This is a fantastic zoom. I truly believe that this lens or the "MACRO" version should be in almost every Canon EOS camera bag (unless you can afford all "L" glass). It covers about 80% of the most common focal lengths that I need, and it has been completely reliable. Photos that have been taken with this model are sharp and they capture great colour with very impressive contrast. Anyone still using the "kit" lens that came with their EOS should seriously consider this as the first upgrade lens for their camera.

I have three recommendations for potential buyers:

1. Try to get the Japanese version.

2. Avoid the original model with the yellow flower symbol on the barrel.

3. Read the eBay "Buyer's Guide" that was written to help people find the most appropriate version of this lens.
http://reviews.ebay.co.uk/Buying-Guide-For-Canon-EF-28-105mm-f-3-5-4-5-USM-Lenses_W0QQugidZ10000000003434191