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Cons: Vignetting is significant on full frame at most focal lengths and apertures.

Pros: Famously sharp. Requires minimal stopping down for very good sharpness across almost all the frame. Only the extreme corners lag significantly behind.

Summary: Results are very close to those of the more common Mkii version - both lenses are extremely sharp for 1980s consumer zooms but have obvious vignetting on full frame. If you use it on 1.6 crop, as I used to do with the Mkii version, the vignetting is no longer much of an issue.

Cons: Not many. Most reviewers consider the rotating front element during focusing to be a problem, but I don\'t, as I use Lightroom to add filter effects. I suppose a CPL is a bit of a problem but you can always screw it in after focusing. However if you do use screw-in filters I suggest that you get a cheap 52mm UV filter, take out the glass, screw it in and stack your working filter on top. This way you can actually adjust the filter, otherwise it can be difficult as the front element also retracts into the housing when you zoom.

Pros: I think the build quality is actually very good. It\'s made from a very tough plastic, and as my lens was made in the late 80\'s, and is still in great condition, I can\'t complain really. The manual focus ring is fine, and the zoom ring works perfectly smooth. You may find that the auto-focus is a little noisy, but I\'ve had a few USM lenses and there isn\'t a huge difference in either sound or speed IMO. As far as the IQ is concerned I really don\'t think you can get much better for the money. I find that at f/5.6 it is acceptably sharp across the frame from 28 to 70mm, and at f/8 it is tack sharp.

Summary: I think that this lens is still a hidden gem considering that you can pick them up on eBay currently (2019) for about £50. If your photography technique is sound then I don\'t think you would notice much difference between photos taken with this lens and the 28-70 f/2.8 L lens. Finally, I use it on a Canon 5D, with DPP as my raw converter, then Lightroom to add any effects, and I would also recommend the hood, as I think this helps with the contrast.

Cons: Front element rotates during focus (Polarizing filters need to be set after focus). No "Full Time Manual Focus", needs to be selected with a switch on the lens.

Pros: Great Image Quality, Good Build Quality, Low Used Price, Very Light Weight (10 Oz.). Great "Walk Around" Zoom Range.

Summary: This lens is an "Oldie but a Goodie". It has achieved, a well deserved, cult status an "a poor mans "L" lens". I use this lens on a Full Frame EOS 6D and on my EOS 3 Film Camera. I like it's light weight and great image quality. Model II is slightly better with its aspherical lens element. If you are going to mount a polarizing filter on this lens, put it on top of a UV filter or you will have extreme difficulty getting it off.

Cons: Not USM, 52mm filters and not 58mm. Cult status continues on despite its age and this keeps used prices high

Pros: Pocket sized L lens or very close. The model II is a little better than the original.

Summary: Can't go wrong with this one.