Anyone Have a Canon EF 20mm Prime Lens?

[bosstones]

Looking for inputs on Canon's EF 20mm f2.8 lens. Seems people either love it or think its "meh". For the price, it doesn't seem too bad.

I'm kind of split on getting a 16-35mm f2.8L II or picking up some primes. I still have a 1.6x crop dSLR, but will, at some point over the next 1-2 years, pick up a full frame camera so I'm trying to shy away from EF-S lenses (even though I'll still keep my XTi).

Obviously the 16-35mm glass is more versatile and seems much loved. On the other hand, shooting with primes has been recommended as a good way to help grow ones all-around photographic skills (I don't disagree) and, in theory, some are better since they were made specifically for one focal length. I shoot wide/super-wide angle most of the time so my interest lies in those relative focal ranges right now.

That and I'm also itching to get something faster than my 10-22 EF-S (which I love) before this year's Chicago Auto Show.

[vachss]

I owned a 20/2.8 for a couple of years. When Canon introduced the 10-22, however, I traded up to the zoom. My impression was that the 20/2.8 was actually a pretty sharp lens - certainly not as sharp as the 24L, but sharper than the 10-22.

However, sharpness isn't everything. The 20 really just wasn't wide enough to be a good landscape lens on a 1.6x crop camera. I ended up shooting 2-3 shot panos constantly - which worked well when it worked, but a single frame ultrawide solution was far preferable.

In short, if the 20mm focal length works for you then the Canon 20/2.8 is fast, decently sharp - particularly on a crop body that cuts out the edges of the image circle - light and fast to focus. But be sure that 20mm works for you or you'll just be itching to trade it for a focal length that does.

[PNF]

on your Xti... I'd still opt for 16-35L ... I love mine.. and 20mm isnt exactly a versatile lens for you to shoot at autoshow anyway, as there are certain cars you just cant get close enough or vice versa to shoot the photo you want.

I'd get the 16-35L and you wont regret it, whether you get a FF in the future or not.

16-35L is also a perfect walk around lens on a 1.6x body IMO.

OR

get the 35mm f1.4L, that might work better as a walk around on a 1.6x body.

either one, you wont be disappointed.

(however, 35mm f1.4L II might be coming out any time.. I heard.. )

[bosstones]

Thanks, guys. I'd love to have the 16-35. I've been looking at lenses lately and that's on my list.....itching quite badly to pull the trigger on it. The 20mm just seemed like it might be something fun, yet inexpensive, to walk around with. I usually walk around with my 10-22 but the typically hand hold all my shots and 20 prime is a little faster. Plus, I've been considering using a few primes to help develop my general skill set.

[bosstones]

Anyone here have an EF 85mm f1.8? I'm hijacking my own thread.

[ichiban]

get the 35 1.4. I just got one and it's amazing . Tho mine is on FF, on a crop, it should be at a focal length of about 50mm. And as for the 85 1.8, that's also a great portrait lens. Can't go wrong with it.

[bosstones]

The 135L is nice, but I shoot with a crop so I'm not sure its really necessary. The 35 F1.4 is a nice piece of glass, too, but I'll be picking up a 16-35L and the 85mm prime seems like it might be a good deal. Pretty good sharpness. I was up late scouring flickr's 85mm f1.8 group looking at pix. Seems like it is a worthwhile lens to have in one's arsenal and won't break the bank.

When I go FF....that 135L is mine, though! It just seems like overkill on a crop.

[vachss]

Originally Posted by bosstones

The 135L is nice, but I shoot with a crop so I'm not sure its really necessary....

When I go FF....that 135L is mine, though! It just seems like overkill on a crop.

Agreed. I had a 135L when I shot crop. Very sharp but the focal length just didn't work for me. On FF though it's a perfect people shooter. Wander through crowds and the f/2 gives really good subject isolation.

[bosstones]

hee, hee......16-35L and 85mm on order.......my first L-glass... can't wait!

[PNF]

Originally Posted by bosstones

hee, hee......16-35L and 85mm on order.......my first L-glass... can't wait!

16-35L I or II? I didnt know people stil sell 16-35L I new?

but they are both great lens anyhow! you'll love it.

I absolutely love mine and the IQ is just incredible!!

[bosstones]

Originally Posted by PNF

16-35L I or II? I didnt know people stil sell 16-35L I new?

but they are both great lens anyhow! you'll love it.

I absolutely love mine and the IQ is just incredible!!

II, sorry. They still list the original but don't actually sell it. There was a mI on craigslist but it seemed there was enough of an improvement with the mII that it was worth the extra couple hundred bucks.

UPS don't fail me now! Auto show starts this week!

[PNF]

Originally Posted by bosstones

II, sorry. They still list the original but don't actually sell it. There was a mI on craigslist but it seemed there was enough of an improvement with the mII that it was worth the extra couple hundred bucks.

UPS don't fail me now! Auto show starts this week!

Congrads. you'll be surprised that it is very sharp even wide open at f2.8 and creates lovely DOFs.

[bosstones]

Originally Posted by PNF

Congrads. you'll be surprised that it is very sharp even wide open at f2.8 and creates lovely DOFs.

Thanks! Expecting it in on Thursday so I can play around with it before going to the auto show on Saturday.

Now to decide what to do with my EF-S 10-22mm. A little wider, but slower. May keep it just for when I go on certain business trips and don't want to risk bringing the 16-35L.

While I'm at it......I should probable decide what to do with my 18-55mm IS kit and Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 lenses. I haven't used the 18-55 lens....in a year and a half and rarely use the 24-70 lens either (although more often than the former). Thoughts, anyone?

[PNF]

Originally Posted by bosstones

Thanks! Expecting it in on Thursday so I can play around with it before going to the auto show on Saturday.

Now to decide what to do with my EF-S 10-22mm. A little wider, but slower. May keep it just for when I go on certain business trips and don't want to risk bringing the 16-35L.

While I'm at it......I should probable decide what to do with my 18-55mm IS kit and Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 lenses. I haven't used the 18-55 lens....in a year and a half and rarely use the 24-70 lens either (although more often than the former). Thoughts, anyone?

I'd sell them both...

keep the 10-22mm though, until you go FF. 10-22 is actually very very sharp and I am sure you know that already.

kit lens, just sell them and use the money to get a B+W filter for your 16-35...

82mm B+W filter isnt exactly cheap. ($120) and a Hoya CPL HD at $90. dont get B+W 82mm CPL.. i have it.. and I am not very impressed with it.. I wish I'd save the $100 and the Hoya instead. The B+W filter cost me $192..

[bosstones]

Most likely keeping the 10-22. Even when I go FF, I'll still keep my crop so the 10-22 will come in handy.

Kinda up in the air about the other 2 lenses. I'm inclined to sell off the 18-55. Its advantage over the Sigma was the 18mm aspect of its focal range.....not quite needed now. It has IS, but the Sigma still has a wider aperature and wider overall focal range. Maybe I'll keep it for the time being. At least I'll have something to fill the gap from 36mm to 85mm....well....70mm, anyways. If I don't use it at all over the next few months, I'll sell it off, too. I'm pretty happy with this lens anyways. I wasn't expecting L-quality glass when I got it anyways and its served its purpose.....gotten some nice pix with it, too.

I usually go with Hoya filters for some reason. Maybe because Hoya was the 1st filter brand I ever bought. I went with a $60-70 UV filter for the 16-35L. It seemed to balance out price/funtion and got pretty good reviews on B&H. Frickin' oddball size! Oh well...'tis a small price to pay to protect the lens from scratches and such.

[bosstones]

Arg.....stupid snow storm has delayed delivery indefinately.