As much as I love the 50mm f/1.4 lens there were times when it just was not wide enough. So I started an detailed search to find, for me, the perfect wide angle fixed focus lens.

As this lens will not get used a whole lot I immediately eliminated the ‘L’ lenses as too costly for the return. I was looking for something in the 20-30mm range. It needed to be a USM as non-USM lenses make too much noise while focusing and this lens will be used at plays & concerts. (I have the 35mm f/2 and it is way too noisy to use at these events.)

To make a long story short I selected the 28mm f/1.8 USM. This lens approaches the ’standard’ 50mm lens length that shoots pretty much what you see with your eye.  It excells in dimly lit interiors, such as auditoriums, for instance. Use it wide open with confidence, but focus carefully – DOF is narrow even with a 28 at 1.8.

Pros: Lightweight, Consistent Output, Strong Construction, Rugged, Easily Interchangeable, Durable, Sharp Focus, Wide Aperture

Cons: my only complaint is the same as with all non L lenses, that I have to pay extra for the hood.

To see other photos taken with this lens click HERE.

Items I Recommend: EW-63 II Lens Hood and a quality 58mm Haze UV-1 Glass Filter. I bought my copy at Amazon and highly recommend them, click here to see this lens on their website:

Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Wide Angle Lens for Canon SLR Cameras

I give this lens 4 out of 5 stars!! (Only thing preventing the 5th star is L quality construction, which was not a big deal for me considering how I will use this lens.)

 Update 8/7/2008: To view a few of the photos I have taken with this lens since I first got it click HERE.