Ultra-wide angle lenses have always been in demand by architectural, corporate, and other top pro photographers. This new lens features completely redesigned optics including 2 high-precision Aspherical elements and two totally new UD-glass elements. The result is superior image quality: better contrast and sharpness at the outer edges, and a reduction in chromatic aberrations that can sometimes be seen with high-resolution digital SLRs. Its diagonal angle of view is an impressive 114°-anything larger would be a Fisheye lens. It has a built-in lens hood, and has been dust- and moisture- proofed. The lens uses a rear focusing system, high-speed CPU, and a powerful ring-type USM with revised electronics for faster, more responsive AF. This lens continues the proud tradition of superior clarity optics found in L-series Canon lenses.
42 high-precision aspherical elements and 2 UD-glass elements
Diagonal angle of view is 114°
Built-in lens hood, is dust- and moisture-proofed
Rear focusing system, high-speed CPU, and a ring-type USM for faster, more responsive AF
Summary of Customer Ratings & Reviews
Pros
Superior build quality(4)
Fast auto-focus(3)
Super-sharp images(3)
deep rich colors(1)
impressive depth of field results(1)
much improved over old mki for digital shooters(1)
I rented this lens a couple of times before deciding to make the purchase. When I received the lens, I spent the time to adjust the microfocus on my 5D Mk II - and then I took the lens to Canyonlands National Park in Utah for some serious landscape work. I shot with it mounted on a tripod, mirror lockup, remote shutter release. The resulting images are sharp in the center, and horribly soft on the edges. Thinking the issue was that I was shooting at f/8, I did some experimenting and shot at f/22, f/16, f/8, and f/4. The only shots that come close to "good" focus were taken at f/22. Perhaps I have a bad copy of this lens - but so far it's a major disappointment.
Pros: Fast auto-focus, Superior build quality, Super-sharp images, deep rich colors, impressive depth of field results
This lens is sharp and distortion free. My favorite characteristic is the great color rendition possible when using this lens. Stunning landscapes and dramatic building shots are the norm.
Pros: Super-sharp images, Superior build quality, Fast auto-focus, much improved over old mki for digital shooters
Cons: cost
For architectural and interior shooters with full frame bodies this lens will be a staple right next to the EF 15 2.8. Much improved for digital bodies in the corners with less vignetting and chromatic abberation. Heavy and easy to damage though not usually a problem on a tripod. Really expensive upgrade for what you get IMO as the old EF 14 2.8L USM was O.K. on film but really not a particularly great lens on a digial body. For digital you almost have to have the mkII version unless you are willing to carefully correct the chromatic abberations in LR or CS4. Pricey but if you have to shoot wide there is nothing else to compete with it for a full frame Canon digital body.
Pros: Super-sharp images, Superior build quality, Fast auto-focus
I got more and more unsatisfied with a 12-24mm third party lens (strong distortions, blurred edge) on my 5D mark ii, so I finally decided to upgrade to this extraordinary lens.
Very crisp images, limited distortions, and a remarkable fast 2.8 makes it a perfect landscape lens on the Canon 5D mark ii. I used it also on a party, well, the results where really cool.
The only annoying thing is the high pricetag, but still, it is worse every cent.
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