The Canon EF 20mm f/2.8 USM Lens fits in a nice wide angle focal length space below the ultra-common 24-something and 28-something zoom lenses. There is a noticeable FOV (field of view) difference between 20mm and 24/28mm. People often look for a prime lens for their ultra wide angle needs.

This 20mm is very good optically, and has superb ergonomics for use with both 35mm and today's full-frame digital SLRs . Its mechanical quality is superior to most of Canon's lenses today, with a metal filter ring, metal hood mount and metal forebarrel.

20mm prime lenses aren't overly popular anymore these days - most people prefer ultra-wide zoom lenses or prime lenses with an even more extreme focal length. However, consider me to be a relic. I think that 20mm is actually a sweet spot in this focal length class.

The focal length of this prime lens from Canon is on the edge of ultra wide angle when used on a full frame sensor or the 35mm film it was originally designed for. Even on a cropped sensor, it provides a good angle of coverage. We take a look at how it performs.

Good build and finish; Nice focal length on Full Frame cameras; Silent and fast autofocus; Good image quality

Not that useful on cropped sensors; Stiff manual focus ring (on example tested; Distortion worse than on modern designs (minor point; Hood not included with lens

The Canon EF 20mm f/2.8 USM ($539.99 direct) is a fairly compact wide-angle lens for Canon D-SLR cameras . When used on a full-frame body, the lens can capture stunning landscapes, and its distortion characteristics are controlled enough for use for architecture.

Slightly soft at f/2.8; Prone to color fringing

I purchased this lens used (1 month old )and was a little cautious about it's value.Took some pictures and was very pleased.Having other wide angle Len's to compare with 24-105,24-85 and17-40 I can say this 20mm lens is as good or better tan most of the other lens.I like the build quality and how...

build quality; sharp; light weight

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.

Heavy vignetting, soft in the corners, but it's a good little lens if you are looking for something on the wide end.

I shoot with it on a Canon 40D. I bought this lens for shooting nightclubs and bands, in locations I did not want to risk taking my 24-105L lens. I intended this to be a cheap purchase that I could use at F4 to F5.6 combined with a bracket mounted flash to shoot clubs and events.

fast focusing even in low light; wide; great colors

I occasionally really miss shots because of focus being off

There are a lot of bad reviews about this lens. It does have it's flaws, but overall it is great wide angle lens for the price. I was in the market for as wide of a lens as I could find around the $500 price mark. And this what I took a risk after reading multiple bad reviews.