Canon EF 20-35mm f/2.8L Reviews

Rating
Reviewed by:

irispatch
( Intermediate)

Review Date
May 19, 2009

Overall Rating
5 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
4.00 of 5,
1 votes

Review 1 of 14

Price Paid: $480.00 from ebay

Summary:

Took a chance buying it off Ebay and have never regretted it. My copy was made the last year of production and looks new. Sharp, color all you want in a lens. Ok it is not as fast as a $1500+ USM lens. But it is 2.8 and it does not weigh a ton nor does the barrel extend to change range. Built solidly as a pro lens should be. I wonder how many of the new "pro " lenses made today will hold up after 10+ years. These cost 1800 when new 13 years ago ( how much would that be in 2009 $ ?) Today you can find them in the 450-600 range and they do not sit around long when offered.

Strengths:

Sharp, with very good color contrast. Built solidly, a constant 2.8 with internal focus ( is not a dust pump). Good range for most applications. Not heavy so it can be a walk around lens.

Weaknesses:

For some not having USM is an issue. It is a discontinued model so parts and service could be an issue.

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Rating
Reviewed by:

I_Fly
( Professional)

Review Date
June 8, 2005

Overall Rating
4 of 5

Value Rating
4 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
2.33 of 5,
3 votes

Review 2 of 14

Price Paid: $0.00

Summary:

I purchased this lens off of ebay. I don't shoot wide angle shots very often but this was a perfect fit with my Canon 1D. The optics are superb. It's a little slow but if you don't need USM this is a great buy.

Strengths:

OPTICS and build.

Weaknesses:

A little slow compare to newer lenses.

Customer Service:

Not needed.

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Rating
Reviewed by: Nick R
(Expert)

Review Date
September 17, 2002

Overall Rating
5 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5,
2 votes

Review 3 of 14

Price Paid: $0.00

Summary:

I bought this lens from a pro who had given it a tough time. And it's got many years left in it yet! This is a truly great lens. For a zoom, it's amazing. Optically magnificent, solid as anything - but very slow to focus. But I'll forgive it that - this lens is a real cracker!

Strengths:

Optics, build, second-hand price

Weaknesses:

Very slow and noisy focusing.

Similar Products Used:

Sigma 18mm, Voigtlander 15mm Heliar, and many others.

Customer Service:

N/A

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Rating
Reviewed by: Stephane Camus
(Intermediate)

Review Date
May 29, 2002

Overall Rating
4 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5,
1 votes

Review 4 of 14

Price Paid: $600.00 from B&H

Summary:

Incredible quality lens. I bought it used and I do not regret it. The more I use it, the more I am impressed by the pictures I get. The 'L' quality is here and its metal body seems as solid as a rock. I did not notice any vigneting, even wide open.

Strengths:

'L' optical quality f2.8 constant aperture Internal focusing Built solid (metal!) Looks great on my EOS5 ;)

Weaknesses:

No USM, so a little bit noisy when focusing (that if you are already spoiled with other USM lens, otherwise you would not notice it)

Customer Service:

not tryed.

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Rating
Reviewed by: Joel Alves
(Professional)

Review Date
May 14, 2002

Overall Rating
5 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
4.00 of 5,
3 votes

Review 5 of 14

Price Paid: $400.00 from FOTO DINO

Summary:

Very sharp and very well build. Excellent optics. You can find it in the used market for a good price. I don''''''''t regret the price. I really recommend this lens. This is without a doubt one of Canons finest lenses in this focal range. It''''''''s worth every penny. 5 stars *****

Strengths:

*Very, very sharp *Image quality like very good prime lens. *f/2.8 *The price: about half of what the Canon 16-35mm L f/2.8. *Amazing color saturation and contrast *Very sturdy construction.

Weaknesses:

*NO USM *a bit noisy

Similar Products Used:

Canon 28mm f/2.8, 20mm f/2.8, Zenitar 16mm fisheye f/2.8, 28-70mm L f/2.8, 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS.

Customer Service:

XXX

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