A thoroughly modern design that's optimized for select Canon EOS digital SLRs. Its angle of view is equivalent to a 96mm lens on a 35mm camera, with a floating optical system that can focus down to full life-size (1:1) magnification. Inner focusing, driven by a silent and powerful ring-type USM, means the lens' overall length never changes during focus. This lens is a wonderful multi-purpose lens that's equally at home shooting macro shots, portraits or available-light photos. Like all Canon EF-S Lenses, its use is restricted to the EOS 20D, EOS Digital Rebel and EOS Digital Rebel XT cameras (as of February 2005).
20Flat-field macro focuses to full life-size (1:1) magnification
Optimized performance for APS-C sensor cameras
Internal focusing so the overall lens length never changes
Wonderful multi-purpose lens for macro, portraits, and low available light
Summary of Customer Ratings & Reviews
Pros
Super-sharp images(13)
Superior build quality(8)
Fast auto-focus(5)
amazing close-up portrait lens = 96mm(1)
amazing photos for a great price. hidden lens gem!(1)
brings out detail that you didn't know was poss.(1)
I love this lens.It gives great pics with great broken.The only draw back is a little slow to auto focus in some situations,but I'm taking pics not running a race and usually it is when I'm trying something extreme.The best lens I've bought .I highly reccomend,you will love it.
Pros: super sharp photos, brings out detail that you didn't know was poss., lightweight easy to carry and use., amazing photos for a great price. hidden lens gem!
Cons: no is
My wife and I own 2. We have been using them for about 6 months and it is quickly becoming our favorite lens to use.
For an EF-S lens, this thing is amazingly sharp. I have used it on my XTi, T1i and 40D and it makes use of each and every pixel your camera can squeeze out! I shoot mainly wildlife but macro photography is quickly replacing that. I would have to say it is near "L" quality, if not "L" class quality. Truly a hidden gem in the Canon lens lineup. If you get this lens you will not be disappointed!!!
My only regret is that it does not have IS, but for the quality of images you get, you can overlook that very quickly. It is fast and very easy to use. I like how you can adjust the focus even when it is in AF mode.
This lens brings home the belief that glass is better than camera body. My 40D and Xti both have 10.1 megapixel sensors and let me tell you, this lens is AMAZING!!! You just cannot believe the detail and sharpness that it gives your photos. You will soon forget about upgrading your camera body because you think you need more detail in your photos. Try this lens first!!! A must have for any photographer!
I was amazed at how beautiful the macro shots with this lens could be. I love the 2.8 aperature. I can really create some dramatic images with blurring the background of certain shots. The images are extremely crisp. This is an ideal lens for portraits with the 60mm fixed focal length. I was blown away to see the detail in bee's wings when I got a shot of one gathering pollen from a flower. This lens is a must have.
Pros: super sharp, excellent color repro, great value, amazing close-up portrait lens = 96mm
I bought this lens on ebay for my new T2i camera. The lens was in great shape and came with a B+W metal hood and Schneider slip on cover. I have to say this is the best Canon lens I've ever bought. It continues to amaze me on its sharpness and resolution. I do a lot of oil painting paint tests, so the absolute color fidelity of the close ups and sharpness is easy to check. Not a con, but the only thing I wish it had was IS because I do a lot of handheld and notice some unsharpness problems of lens shake even at 1/160th sec -- and I'm pretty steady. So I take multiples and select the sharpest. I can't recommned this lens highly enough. Other fine Canon lenses I have: 24-70L, 17-35L, 70-210L IS, 24L TS, 10-22.