Field-test of the Canon EF 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 USM zoom lens. For years, EOS users have been clamoring for Canon to come up with a variable aperture EF zoom lens having focal lengths from 28-200mm. After all, most of the independent lens-makers offer this type of zoom and a few of the leading camera brands have also made such a lens available in their line-up. Well, Canon has heard the requests of its group of users worldwide and has launched not one but two EF zoom lenses incorporating these focal lengths. The EF 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens is available in two designs: one using the DC Motor and the other the Micro USM. Optically, appearance and the overall construction, both lenses are the same with the difference being the AF motors used. Altogether, these two compact and lightweight lenses are the first in the EF lens line-up to have a high-ratio zoom range of 28-200mm, a combination of wide, standard and telephoto zoom lenses into one. Reviewed in this issue is the USM version. With this advantage, an EOS user is able to cover a wide variety of scenes, such as sports, landscape, travel and portrait, without the hassle of changing lenses. Close-up photography is possible too, since the closest focusing distance is 0.45m/1.5 ft and using the lens at its 200mm setting, it is possible to recopy a 4x6 inch print. Canon EF 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 USM Set at its 28mm position     Set at its 200mm position Uses the steel lens mount The optical system used in the EF 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 USM has been redesigned to accommodate its focal lengths range. The inclusion of five moving zoom lens groups has made this high ratio range possible. The use of replicated aspherical elements combines to provide high image quality throughout the entire focal length range. The inner focusing feature prevents movement and rotation of the front lens during focusing, thereby allowing various accessories to be attached to it without being hindered. Both the optical system of the EF 28-200mm USM and its DC Motor counterpart are manufactured using only lead-free glass. Manual focusing is typical of most the entry-level Canon EF zoom lenses, a thin ring located at the lens barrel and lacks the FT-M feature, which means the user can't fine-tune the focusing manually when the lens is set to AF mode. However, unlike many of the entry-level EF zoom lenses, which utilize the polycarbonate mounting, the EF 28-200mm is equipped with a steel mount. However, based on its instruction manual, this lens is categorized in the same group as all the other entry-level EF zooms that utilize the Micro USM and polycarbonate lens mounting such as the EF 22-55mm USM and EF 55-200mm USM. << Back to Main . 1 . 2 . 3 .