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I specifically wanted to write this review for crop frame users who prefer the 50mm focal
length that produces a compressed 80mm perspective on your sensor. I believe the key to using
this tool is pre-visualization; and having an intricate understanding of where the "curved"
plane of focus falls at apertures 1.2 -- 3.2. (at various distances).
If you plan / reliant on using autofocus then this lens will present a challenge to you
with missed / out of focus shots. Single point AF is your friend, if you're shooting portraiture
without a tripod then I recommend AI-Servo to compensate for subject & shooter movement.
The build quality of this tool, balances well on my Canon 60D. On a Rebel body it may be
slightly imbalanced; but I recommend simply using your index fingers to prop up the lens
at the end of the barrel / lens hood...Whitehouse principal photographer Pete Souza has a good
technique that I've been emulating with my longer lens (eg. Canon 135mm L).
I was concerned that my lack of AF microadjustment would be an issue, alas that is not the case
sharp at 1.2 and crisp at 1.8 -- if you do encounter this issue your local servicing
dealer and or Canon is available to adjust your lens to your body (i.e Rebel series and
Canon 60D).
What about image quality and color rending?
Compared to my previous 50mm 1.8, 50mm 1.4 and even mechanically poor Sigma 35mm 1.4
this lens is on another level; am confused on why so many reviewers and posters believe
there's some type of parity with consumer glass?!? It's simply not there -- no comparison
except for focal length...from my perspective this tool produces a superior image rendering that is
de-mon-stra-tive of professional image output.
Conclusion & Negatives
Don't let the "L" designation, your crop-body, or the price tag scare you off!! If you demand
the best image output for your photography this is the lens for you. For me this is a
great companion lens with my Canon 135mm f2 L and Canon 16-35mm f2.8 L II. My only gripe
is the by-product of: chromatic aberration which is easily removed with your photography editing software. The lens
I received was produced in 2013 (UB 0310), and it came with the new snazzy pinch cap
-- get this tool while the rebate is still available.