No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Durable; Rugged; Strong Construction

Heavy; Length

The design of a 10.7x zoom is complex so it doesn't come as a surprise that the EF 28-300mm L IS is a rather large massive being. Typical for most recent L class lenses it is build to professional standards including a sealing against dust and humidity.

The Canon EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM ($2,689) is a bit of an oddity when compared with other modern lenses. Its push-pull design requires you to handle it like a trombone to zoom, and its high-end build quality (and price) are rare for an all-in-one zoom lens.

10.7x zoom range; Full-frame compatibility; Reasonably sharp through most of its range; Includes lens hood and tripod collar

Expensive; Noticeable distortion; Soft edges; Push-pull zoom design; Some color fringing

I am using this lens on a 5D3. First the focusing is an issue since the camera is having problems it does not have with any of the other (5) L lenses I use. The ISO is also kicked into really high numbers in indoor shots and for no appreciable reason, resulting in very noisy shots.

iso quirkiness; Semi-sharp images

The Canon EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM ($2,689) is a bit of an oddity when compared with other modern lenses. Its push-pull design requires you to handle it like a trombone to zoom, and its high-end build quality (and price) are rare for an all-in-one zoom lens. It's one of only a pair of full-frame lenses that covers this ambitious a zoom range—the other is the AF-S Nikkor 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR ($946.95 at Amazon) zoom for Nikon cameras. The Nikkor lens also makes some optical compromises to achieve such a long zoom range, but at $1,050, its asking price is a heck of a lot less. Canon's 28-300mm has the look of other L series zooms. Its barrel is all metal and finished in the classic off-white color that you see on the sidelines of every major sporting event. The push-pull zoom mechanism, which requires you to move the outer part of the barrel forward to zoom in and pull it back to zoom in, takes some getting used to, especially if you're used to modern zooms that almost un...

Canon's EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM lens covers an incredible zoom range and works with full-frame cameras, but its price and just-ok optics make it a tough sell.

10.7x zoom range; Full-frame compatibility; Reasonably sharp through most of its range; Includes lens hood and tripod collar

Expensive; Noticeable distortion; Soft edges; Push-pull zoom design; Some color fringing

It may be a little bit heavy but it is by far my favorite lens. The image quality is amazing in this top of the line lens. (6 months use)

I bought this lens as a carry one lens/one camera while traveling and hiking. I like the zoom range and the picture quality obtainable with this lens. It is heavy and expensive but gets the job done without carrying a pack of prime lenses. This is one of the best zooms I have ever used.

to a range example: http://www.flickr.com/photos/eraneran/4265152180/ A macro Sample with the lense: http://www.flickr.com/photos/eraneran/3730598652/ The most tele: http://www.flickr.com/photos/eraneran/3942464094/ The most wide: http://www.flickr.com/photos/eraneran/3945898941/ depth of field:...

Great outdoor or well lighted scenery, will cover all my photo needs, from family to profesional sunjects; nice macro; All lenses in one lense

Heavy wight(all the lenses in one), heavy in price :) The wife jokes that i need this zoom to prove..; ;

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Consistent Output; Durable; Easily Interchangeable; Quick Focus; Rugged; Sharp Focus; Strong Construction

Heavy

The 28-300mm has so many functions. I've had this lens for almost 2 years with no regrets. I travel throughout the Columbia Gorge and have captured amazing outdoor shots. It isn't the lightest lens but the range is so exceptional you can get away with taking the one lens.

Consistent Output; Durable; Easily Interchangeable; Quick Focus; Rugged; Sharp Focus; Strong Construction

Heavy