Old lenses: Canon 28-80mm 2.8-4 L

[anyone]

Hi there,

I know this is a weird question for a higher-end forum like this, but I'll give it a try.

For my Canon lens kit, I'm thinking of replacing my Canon EF 24- 105mm L 4 IS (first generation). I don't like the performance of the lens, but I'm also not willing to spend the extra cash to go for the EF 24-70mm 2.8 L II. I do not use zooms often, but I own a 80-200mm 2.8 L which has a very pleasant rendering. From the same generation of lens designs, the vintage 28-80mm 2.8 - 4 L exists, and I wonder whether it's worth a try?

Does anyone have experience with it? Or is it a waste of money, and I should look into the newer options instead?

Thank you!

 

[sj2w1]

I’ve never used the 28-80 2.8-4, though if the price was right it may be worth a shot. Though if you’re not happy with the 24-105, I don’t think you would be overly happy with a 28-80. That depends on what you want a replacement lens to do that you’re current lens is lacking.
I can say that if you can pull enough together a 24-70 2.8 is a good lens. I used my copy to death, the only thing I didn’t like was how easy it was to dent the objective ring. I learned the hard way to leave the lens hood on after dinging mine. If at all possible wait, and find a 24-70 2.8 II because it is very much better than the past versions, I wish I had picked one up when they first came out.

 

[anyone]

Thank you! Well... I guessed it. Vintage wide angles are seldom very good. My 24-105mm is especially weak at 24mm, so I should probably skip all the vintage glass and go for the 24-70 2.8 II instead.

 

[Abstraction]

Thank you! Well... I guessed it. Vintage wide angles are seldom very good. My 24-105mm is especially weak at 24mm, so I should probably skip all the vintage glass and go for the 24-70 2.8 II instead.

You might also consider the Tamron 24-70 f2.8 It's better than the Canon 24-105 and it won't break the bank

 

[Andrea Manuti]

IMHO, it's an interesting lens, if you like an old style glass. Quite heavy when compared to the 24-105, but same as the RF 24-70 f/2.8 (weight, not performance!). I took it for a late afternoon/night session in the Vatican City, and had a lot of fun using it. Colors are right, bokeh is pleasant to my taste, resolution is enough. Here some examples. Tell me what you think, I'd go for it (actually, I did!)