| As a starter I do not consider this lens as a Macro at all: magnification ratio is only 1:2 and focal length
propably too short to approach shy insects and so on. My primary use for this lens is still life studio photography, product shots,
documentation, flowers or any other situation where a little more detailed pictures are needed. |
| With 1.6 crop factor of 20D/30D 50mm (fov equivalent to 80mm at full frame) is an ideal focal length
for 'realistic like' perspective. This is a base point for a lot of applications, for
example in advertisement and stock photography. When traveling I sometimes use this lens along with Canon 17-40/4L to pick out details
of landscape. |
| Optical strengths of this little (280g) and inexpensive (230€/$) lens are numerous: sharpness, color,
contrast and flare resistance are all excellent. I have also heard that this is a good performer on full frame cameras, good news
for people like me who are possibly upgrading to ff in near future. In my opinion bokeh (quality of out of focus picture area)
at full aperture is also nice, although there are different opinions. Especially good is the front lens construction:
it is very small and deep in the camera. Attached with generic 52mm rubber lens hood construction is excellent for flare reduction: |
