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The Canon Camera Company, Japans largest camera maker, entered the 35mm single lense reflex camera market in 1959 with the Canonflex R. Large, heavy and well built the first Canon SLR suffered from some awkward design elements and a limited set of not always reliable lenses. It was quickly overshadowed by the Nikon F, which went on to be the "professionals choice" for the next 17 years. Meanwhile Canon started over in 1964 with the all new Canon FX, which was soon joined by the FT, FP, TL and Pellix. These cameras shared little with Canonflex models except one thing, the breech lock lens mount. Briefly stated, Canon's breech lock was a reverse bayonet mount, with the male fittings on the camera body and the female fitting on the lens. To mount a lens on a camera, you matched the red dots on the camera and breech lock ring and turned it clockwise until it was snug. Though it underwent some modifications, for the next 20 years the breech lock lens mount was a Canon trademark for both the FL and FD series lenses. In the mid seventies, however, Canon dropped the original design in favor of something that was the most thorough redesign of the FD lens system up to that time. Though the basic principal was retained, Canon redesigned the lens mount so that it acted like a bayonet mount lens. Thus a new FD lens mounted on the camera by matching the dots and twisting the lens clockwise until it locked in place. To dismount, one pressed the silver button on the lens and turned it in the opposite direction until it was free. Finally, these New FD lenses were lighter and more compact than their original FD brass and glass counterparts. Canon did this becaue a new market had emerged, one they helped create with the "so advanced,it's simple" Canon AE-1. Until the AE-1, SLR's had been the camera for professionals and photo hobbyists. The AE-1 opened up a whole new market of casual amateurs who wanted to take better pictures. Thus the lenses had to be 1)easier to use, and in some cases, less expensive. However,Canon still had to pay attention to advance amateur and professional market, and that meant having an extensive line up of lenses,from the widest of wide angles to the longest telephoto. The Canon 20mm f 2.8 is one of that series. It's not the widest wide angle, since Canon made a 17mm wide angle as well, nor would it be the only one of its kind since Canon had a 20mm f1.4 super-speed model for available light use. Yet,it is the most practical of the two lenses and with a 90 degree point of view, it's plenty wide for me. It's also a nice compact design that fits easily on my existing AE-1, AE-1program and A-1. It can also be used on my older F series cameras. This one I got through e-bay has had some use, but is still in good shape,with a focusing ring that doesn't move too easily. That's a plus, even if this lens has so much depth of field to make focusing a rather casual affair. I've already got it on a camera, and look forward to using it when spring looks more like spring.Read full review
I use my Canon 7D mostly to shoot video. Mine came with a zoom that's totally mediocre and I bought right away a 50 mm 1.4 lens that works magic in low light situations. However 50 mm is too narrow in most situations. I needed a wider lens of good quality, that opens decently AND that I could afford ! This is this one. Got it for $220 on Ebay, practically new really and I love it. In most cases it opens wide enough, the focal length allows for a broad field o0f vision without distortion. It is now my default lens on the 7D. I recommand it to anyone who has a Canon (D)SLR and has needs and demands that a cheap zoom cannot fuilfill. Changing lenses as needed is not an issue at all. With small budgets and a demand for quality. fixed focals that open wide is the way to go.
This is a perfect lens. The 20mm field of view is close to a persons normal field of view. What I see through this lens is more in line with what I am looking for as opposed to the 24mm 2.8. Do not get me wrong the 24mm is great, but the 20mm is more pro looking with its large 72mm filter thread and larger overall size than the 24mm with it's 58mm filter size. This can be a soft lens in the corners if you shoot wide open. Your field of view is curved so compensate. This is a sharp lens if you know how to use it. I am not a zoom guy so take the review with this in mind. Prime lenses are pure and to the point. The 16 - 35mm 2.8 L lens would be its closest zoom competitor. Save $1000 and go 20mm you will not be dissappointed. Remember that taking a few steps back and forth is the difference between zoom and no zoom. This lens has been bashed by people with cameras, not photographers, as the worst lens made by Canon. I suggest taking a course in photography that explains field of view and the depth of this view with regards to film plane curvature. You will be able to separate the pros from the hacks. Photography requires technical knowledge of light and camera. Learn this and the 20mm rules. Get busy not Lazy.Read full review
For low light photography requiring a wide angle lens, this is great. Canon lenses are solid. However, at the periphery, there is both geometric and chromatic aberration. For general purpose use, it is not noticeable, however, for night sky photographs, you readily see the distortion in the periphery.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I bought this lens with some skepticism because of some bad reviews. The truth is that I found this lens to be an exceptionally high quality lens, with great IQ and well built. It has become my walk around lens, I have learned to appreciate the wide view provided by this focal length. I use it with the Canon 5D Mark II, I a not sure if that is the reason of its excellent behavior. In any case, I love it and I recommend it.
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