By: wblackledg (10-May-06)      Experience with product: 2 Weeks

Strengths:	Everything.
Weaknesses:	It doesn't have a 24mm twin sister for the same price.

Full User Summary
I only wish the same optical quality was found in other wide angle lens from Canon in the same price range.Not as wide as you would like with a digital SLR, but it produces really good photos. tack-sharp.Great for portraits..

By: cakier (30-Dec-05)      Experience with product: 3

Strengths:	Razor sharp, f/1.4, USM (quiet), great bang for the buck
Weaknesses:	Not the fastest AF, but still decent.

Full User Summary
This is my only non-L Canon lens and it stacks up quite well to my L lenses. The only thing that tells you that this isn't an L lense is that it doesn't have the excellent build quality of your typical L lens and it's AF can be a tad slow.However, the photos you take with this lens will give you the impression that they were taken with an L lens. This lens is quite sharp wide open at f/1.4, but stop it down to 1.8 or more and wow, the sharpness is amazing. The bokeh at such wide apertures is also quite pleasing and adds a lot to your photos if you know how to take advantage of it. Being my only lens with an aperture wider than f/2.8, this is my lens of choice when there isn't much light to work with, and it performs admirably. I have a lot of confidence in my camera when this thing is mounted to it.

By: bluejeff (01-Nov-05)      Experience with product: 1

Strengths:	Fast f/1.4, USM, light weight, price, and great picture quality
Weaknesses:	Some people said its USM has short life, but not for me so far.

Full User Summary
I have used this lens before (borrowed from my friend) and it was a great experience. Now, I have gotten one for my own use and it surely did make my indoor pictures look great.This lens works really well when you are shooting low light indoor plus flashes are not permitted. Also, it works better than other lens when you are chasing kids/people as this lens has fast focusing speed.Since this lens is not expensive at all (compares to other lens), people should really consider getting one. So far, I have no issues on this lens with Digital Rebel XT, and I think as for its three hundred dollars price tag and performace, it's hard to beat.

By: tii (26-Oct-05)      Experience with product: 1 Weeks

Strengths:	sharpness, fast focus, large apeture, good contrast
Weaknesses:	soft at f/1.4, a little expensive compared to 50 f/1.8 II

Full User Summary
I bought this lens to replace a 50 f/1.8 II. This lens is noticably sharper than 50 f/1.8 II at f/1.8 and f/2.8, and is marginally better at f/8.0 and f/20.0 (I only test these 4 apetures). Build quality feels better than 50 f/1.8 II as well - not as good as L glasses but hey you only pay $300 for it! Focus is a lot faster and quieter than 50 f/1.8 II.Contast of the images is very good. Bokeh is good, but not as good as 85mm f/1.8. On APS cameras, it is a lightweight walkaround and portrait lens. Works good for low light thanks to the large apeture - I won't say great because the AF tends to hesitate sometimes.My biggest complain is the price. I would hope the price be $210-$230 instead of the current overpriced $310. Furthermore, it is soft wide open. But it is tolerable.

By: ctesti (17-Aug-05)      Experience with product: 1 Years

Strengths:	Quality, ultra fast, ultra sharp, very compact and light
Weaknesses:	none

Full User Summary
This is my favorite lens, perfect for portraits. It's an incredibly fast and sharp lens, and it works amazingly well with my Canon 20D. It's a great complement to my 17-40mm and 70-200mm. A must have.