Every Canon EF Lens: Read the Reviews, See the Specification & Check the Price
Home page - Every Canon EF Lens and RF Lens: Read the Reviews, See the Specification & Check the Price
EFLens is run by Keith and Karen from Northlight Images, in our spare time. All our articles and reviews are free.

Overview

A wide prime dating from 1992. Moderate image quality but poor in the corners and showing distinct vignetting full open.

Unlike Canon's similar vintage 24/2.8 and 28/2.8, not yet updated with IS versions.

Available from: Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk | B&H | Adorama

Lens specifications

Focal Length & Maximum Aperture 20mm 1:2.8
Lens Construction 11 elements in 9 groups
Diagonal Angle of View 94°
Focus Adjustment Rear focusing system with USM
Closest Focusing Distance 0.25m / 0.8 ft.
Filter Size 72mm
Max. Diameter x Length, Weight 3.1" x 2.8", 14.3 oz. / 77.5 x 70.6mm, 405g

Canon EF 20mm f/2.8 USM wide angle lens block diagram

Canon EF 20mm f/2.8 USM wide angle lens mtf chart

A quick guide to MTF charts (which only measure contrast and resolution. Canon's guide to their MTF charts)

Black lines reflect lens performance at widest aperture.
Blue lines show the performance at f/8

Thick lines indicate lens contrast
Thin lines indicate lens resolution

Dashed lines: Lens performance with meridional lines.
Solid lines: Lens performance with sagittal lines

Closer sagittal and meridional chart lines indicate more 'natural' out of focus areas.

Remember that MTF charts are good for comparing similar lenses, so comparing ones from the 14mm f2.8L and 300mm 2.8L won't tell you much at all, whilst comparing the EF14 2.8L with the EF14 2.8L II will show meaningful differences. Note that other manufacturers may have different ways of displaying such information that may or may not match up with the Canon figures.

EF 20mm f/2.8 USM reviews and articles

Written a review? Contact us and we'll add it to the list.

Sample images

None available

Product launch

There is no information on the 1992 launch of this lens.

Used Canon Lenses
• UK: MPB | Park
• USA: B&H | Adorama
Every Canon EF Lens: Read the Reviews, See the Specification & Check the Price
Welcome to EFLens.com:
The world's number 1 Canon Review website with every Canon EF Lens. Read all of the reviews, see detailed specifications and check the price.

EF Lens chronology
EF Lens date codes
EF Lens mount details
EF Lens filter sizes
Compare EF-S18-55 versions
Tweet about it
Tell a friend
Send feedback
Canon Lens Review
Canon Lens List:
EFLens.com
used lenses
Sigma Lens Review
Sigma Lens List:
Manufacturer's Website
Samyang Lens Review
Samyang/Rokinon List:
Manufacturer's Website
Tamron Lens Review
Tamron Lens List:
Manufacturer's Website
Tokina Lens Review
Tokina Lens List:
Manufacturer's Website
© 1987 - 2019 NI