This Forgotten Canon Lens Provides Professional Results for Just $300

Canon's L series lenses are legendary, known for rugged construction, reliable performance, and class-leading image quality. With all that comes high prices, however. Nonetheless, the L series has been around for over 30 years, and that means there are some gems from past years that cost a fraction of what the most current models do. This great video review takes a look at one such lens, the EF 20-35mm f/2.8L. 

Coming to you from Kai W, the awesome video review takes a look at the EF 20-35mm f/2.8L. Originally introduced in 1989, the 20-35mm f/2.8L is now over three decades old, but as it is an EF mount lens, it works flawlessly with all Canon EF mount DSLRs and RF mount mirrorless cameras via the EF EOS R adapter. 20-35mm is quite an interesting focal length range, as that extra room at the wide end beyond the traditional 24mm stop makes it a great option for landscapes, events coverage, walking around, and more. I had a chance to use this lens for a bit a few years ago, and like most Canon L options, it offers beautiful colors and contrast. And for about $300 on the used market, it is a great bargain. Check out the video above for the full rundown. 

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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1 Comment

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There is another early Canon L series lens that is an excellent value, and produces exceptional images - the Canon 50-200mm f4.5

https://global.canon/en/c-museum/product/ef275.html

This lens also goes for around $300 on the used market, although they can be hard to find. Autofocus is very slow and very clunky, but accurate. Optics are top notch and on par with today's best lenses.

The 4x zoom range of 50-200mm is far more useful than the paltry sub-3x zoom range of today's popular 70-200mm models. 70-200mm never made any sense to me - far too restrictive, and for no good reason other than the manufacturer's fear of cannibalizing other lenses. Yet we all accept it just like sheep being led to slaughter.

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