Canon nFD 4.0 28-85mm - the only Canon (n)FD standard zoom with 28mm focal length to light telephoto.

 

Canon offered a fantastic lineup of standard zoom lenses for their FD-mount cameras. This included standout gems like the Canon nFD 35-70mm f/2.8-3.5, the Canon nFD 35-105mm f/3.5, and the optically superb Canon nFD 50-135mm f/3.5.

The 28-85mm f/4.0 zoom featured here is perfect for any Canon FD shooter looking for a versatile "all-in-one" lens. It easily tackles most photographic challenges—especially on the road—saving you from hauling a backpack full of heavy lenses. ​ I actually purchased this lens in 1989 during my vocational training as a camera store clerk. Back then, I was thoroughly pleased with the optical output. Even though the mechanical build isn't quite on the same level as the robust nFD 35-105mm, it was a much lighter alternative for the focal range it covers. I guess you can't have it all! This nFD 28-85mm f/4.0 was originally launched in November 1985.

According to the archives of the Canon Camera Museum: ​

"This lens features a 3-group optical zoom system in which part of the optical system is fixed, resulting in a compact body without loss of optical performance. In addition, it features Canon's movable flare stopper, which blocks stray light that degrades image quality by coupling with the optical system during zooming to ensure a crisper image. The lens delivers a 3x zoom range from a wide 28mm to an 85mm portrait telephoto, alongside a continuous macro mode that allows focusing down to 0.5 meters from the film plane across the entire focal range." ​ In the video below, I'll walk you through a detailed review of this lens.

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Scroll down to explore the image gallery, where you'll find product shots of the lens as well as real-world sample photos.​