Canon EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM Ultra-Wide Angle Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras

by Canon

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 5.6 x 5.4 inches ; 1.2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000V5P94Q
• Item model number: 2045B002
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: August 19, 2007

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Designed primarily for discerning landscape and architectural photographers, the Canon EF14mm f2.8L II USM lens is ideally suited to the EOS-1Ds Mark III's full-frame capability. Measuring 3.7 inches in length and weighing in at under 23 ounces, this ultra-wide angle L-series prime lens is well corrected for rectilinear distortion, provides a 114-degree diagonal angle of view, and delivers high-speed autofocus with higher image quality overall including superior peripheral image quality, compared to its predecessor, the stalwart EF 14mm f2.8L USM lens.

While its large diameter, high-precision aspherical and UD elements, optimized lens element positioning, and flare and ghost-reducing lens coating ensure that this lens delivers the top optical performance in its professional class, Canon has added other features photographers have been asking for--improved dust and water resistance incorporated around the mount, switch panel and focusing ring, and a round aperture that creates a nice background blur and makes it easier to recognize an out-of-focus scene in less than brightly lit conditions.

Product Description

Compatible with all EOS Digital SLR cameras. Redesigned optics including 2 high-precision Aspherical elements and 2 new UD-glass elements. Built-in lens hood; dust- and moisture-proof. 11-group, 14 element design. 114º diagonal view

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

58 of 63 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars significant improvement over the previous lens, December 3, 2007

By 

J. Horner (Somerville, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Canon EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM Ultra-Wide Angle Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras (Electronics)

as soon as i received it, i set my camera up on a tripod and shot the same picture, first with the old canon 14mm, and then with the new. the improvement in the new lens in terms of corner to corner sharpness was really significant. the only thing that was somewhat disappointing, was that the new lens had considerably more fringing around high-contrast edges. i shot an image of an interior with a view out the window and there was a very wide, highly saturated blue fringe even in the center of the image. the old 14mm experienced fringing too, but rarely in the center of the image, and even at the edges, was not as extreme as it is in the center of the new lens. granted the difference in luminance was quite extreme between the interior and exterior (at least 5 stops) so this is not a problem that would effect every image, but it is something to be aware of. even with this problem, i would still recommend the new lens again as the increase in sharpness far outweighs the inconvenience of having to retouch the occasional fringing.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Wide Prime, November 17, 2010

By 

Aaron Nicholas Tubbs "atubbs" (Connecticut, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Canon EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM Ultra-Wide Angle Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras (Electronics)

This is the sort of lens that you buy if you know that you want to buy this sort of lens. If you're casually thinking of buying glass, this probably isn't for you. It's the best wide prime for Canon if you're looking for something that can autofocus. The difference between the 14mm of this lens and 16mm of the 16-35 is huge. The results are impressively sharp, and then lens is far more compact than the zooms which provide your only other options. If you want a wide lens on full frame and aren't concerned about your budget, this is your choice.

I have no idea why there's only a 6-blade aperture in this thing. I think they could have done much better. It doesn't usually matter, but it makes bright point sources look ... interesting. Not necessarily bad, but interesting. The effect on bokeh is negligible, since you're not going to get much bokeh.

Minor quibbles come from the front element, which of course doesn't accept filters, though there's a gel holder in the back. Next up, the hood (permanent, can't be moved/detached) is mostly useless; stopping flare often requires hands strategically placed to block the incoming sunlight. Finally, the lens cap only barely locks onto the hood, and comes off easily when removing the lens from the bag. I don't know why they couldn't design a lens cap that's secure -- some notches in the hood into which some clips actually engage would be a huge improvement.

Build quality is up there with the best black L lenses. Handling and use is good. The issues the lens has don't really make it any less exceptional, it's a lens you're going to love despite its minor flaws.

I can't see a good argument for getting this lens if you're on a crop body; you're paying for full frame corners in this sort of glass, and it doesn't make an exceptionally interesting focal length on anything short of full frame. It might be worth considering on APS-H.

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just Wide Enough, July 28, 2009

By 

San Antonio Bob "Bob" (San Antonio) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Canon EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM Ultra-Wide Angle Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras (Electronics)

I have a 17-55 Canon lens which I use on my 30D and 50D. It works great. When I got my 5D MkII I purchased the 14mm lens. It is awesome. For me just wide enough - not quite fisheye. It is a lens which offers incredible possibilities for unique views and perspectives and its speed certainly helps - although I tend to go for more depth of field which it accomodates as well. I have several L series lenses, but I can see where this one will be my "creative" lens. If you can afford it, you will be thrilled to own and use it.