The design of the EF 28mm f/1.8 USM provides a balance between affordability and optical performance, while its fast f/1.8 maximum aperture permits hand-held shooting in low light.

The lens' large maximum aperture of f/1.8 ensures photographers can use fast shutter speeds in a variety of different lighting conditions, and blur backgrounds by controlling depth of field. An aspherical lens element corrects distortion and ensures the image is sharp across the frame.When fitted to EOS cameras with APS-C sized sensors, the EF 28mm f/1.8 USM offers a field of view equivalent to a 45mm lens on a full-frame camera, making this an ideal fast-aperture standard lens

A ring-type ultrasonic motor drives autofocus extremely quickly, and in near silence. Excellent holding torque ensures the point of focus is reached accurately, without overshooting. Furthermore, full-time manual override is available, making it possible to adjust focus without leaving AF mode.

Super Spectra coatings ensure accurate colour balance and enhance contrast. They also reduce flare and ghosting – a common problem caused by light bouncing off a camera's sensor.