Production
1973 – 1979
Country
Japan
Optical
Modified Gauss
Updated
Feb 15, 2026
Canon FD 28mm f/2
Canon 7 rangefinder (39mm LTM similar)
Overview
The Canon FD 28mm f/2 is the fast wide that Canon shooters craved. At 28mm, you're in environmental portrait and interior territory — and f/2 meant you could actually shoot in dim conditions without a tripod. This was the lens for available light photography, for storytelling, for fitting more into the frame while still having subject separation.
Verdict: The fast wide for Canon FD shooters who need speed. Not perfect, but when you need 28mm and f/2, this delivers. Environmental portraits, interiors, and low-light wide shooting are its domain.
Optical Character
Bokeh
Unprecedented. At f/0.95, backgrounds aren't just blurred - they cease to exist. Smooth, creamy, infinite.
Color
Warm and vintage. Older coatings give a nostalgic color cast. Can vary between copies.
Sharpness wide open
Wide open: forget about it. The center has a glow with suggestions of sharpness. f/1.4-2: usable. f/2.8+: actually sharp.
Flare resistance
Vintage single coating = significant flare. Can wash out entire images in backlight. Part of the character.
Contrast
Very low wide open - the famous 'dream' look. Everything is soft and ethereal. Improves significantly stopped down.
Vignetting
Massive at f/0.95 - 3+ stops. Creates intense spotlight effect.
Community Insights
Summary: The community generally has a positive sentiment towards Canon FD lenses, recognizing them as a versatile and affordable option for vintage cinema use. However, concerns over rising prices and market volatility are prevalent. Sentiment: Mixed Top Praised: - Excellent image quality and unique character - Affordable entry point into vintage glass - Versatility for various video and photography applications - Increasing popularity for cinematic use Top Complaints: - Rapidly rising prices, especially for desirable models - Uncertainty around future price trends - Difficulty in obtaining certain lenses due to high demand - Potential for variation in lens condition and performance Use Cases: - Cinematic video production - Vintage-inspired photography - Budget-friendly alternative to modern lenses - Creative experimentation with unique lens characteristics Disagreements: - Some disagree on whether prices have peaked or will continue to rise Confidence: 0.8
What people love
- f/2 speed at 28mm — rare for the era
- Great for interiors and environmental portraits
- Canon build quality
- Good balance of wide angle and speed
- Relatively compact for a fast wide
What people dislike
- Not as sharp in corners as slower alternatives
- Barrel distortion noticeable
- Flare can be problematic
- Less common and pricier than the f/2.8
- Wide open can be soft
Pro Tips
- f/2.8-4 is the sweet spot for sharpness
- Great for environmental portraits — face in context
- Use a hood to control flare
Sample Photos
Sources (2)
vintagelensesforvideo-
https://www.vintagelensesforvideo.com/canon-fd-price-list/
Lens Heritage 2nd JSONsecondary
The Canon FD 28mm f/2 is the fast wide that Canon shooters craved. At 28mm, you're in environmental portrait and interior territory — and f/2 meant you could actually shoot in dim conditions without a tripod. This was the lens for available light photography, for storytelling, for fitting more into the frame while still having subject separation.