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.
Lens Type: Prime IS / VR / OS: None Canon L Class: Yes Min Focal length (mm): 14 Max Focal Length (mm): 14 Number of Elements: 14 Element Groups: 11 Max Aperture: 2.8 Closest Focus Distance (m): 0.2 Diameter at widest (mm): 80 Lens Length (mm): 94 Weight (g): 645
significant improvement over the previous lens, Sunday, 02 December 2007
Overall rating (weighted)
4.0
Sharpness
3.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
3.0
as soon as i received it, i set my camera up on a tripod and shot the same picture, first with the old canon 14mm, and then with the new. the improvement in the new lens in terms of corner to corner sharpness was really significant. the only thing that was somewhat disappointing, was that the new lens had considerably more fringing around high-contrast edges. i shot an image of an interior with a view out the window and there was a very wide, highly saturated blue fringe even in the center of the image. the old 14mm experienced fringing too, but rarely in the center of the image, and even at the edges, was not as extreme as it is in the center of the new lens. granted the difference in luminance was quite extreme between the interior and exterior (at least 5 stops) so this is not a problem that would effect every image, but it is something to be aware of. even with this problem, i would still recommend the new lens again as the increase in sharpness far outweighs the inconvenience of having to retouch the occasional fringing.
