Canon EF-S: a review (Canon EF-S)

Member Name: Alatariel

Product:	Canon EF-S
Date:	07/05/08 (52 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Beautiful bokeh, fast, very sharp lens

Disadvantages: Autofocus can be slow in low light conditions, no zoom

I bought this lens to use because when I first bought my Canon 400D, I didn't buy the kit lens to go with it (which in retrospect was a silly decision). It's quite pricey but well worth the cost, especially if you are a heavy portrait or macro shooter.

Since it is a prime lens, the photographs it takes are beautifully sharp and crisp and the colours are very accurate. At large apertures the bokeh is really beautiful and soft, with no vignetting or fringing. However, I haven't tried it at the other end of the aperture yet. I would really recommend getting a tripod if you don't have one, however.

It's a very fast lens and will mount onto any Canon camera that has the EF mount. The autofocus is relatively quick, although in low light you might want to just use manual focus instead as it takes a long time for AF to settle on one spot.

One other thing I really like about this lens is that it's a true macro lens. Unlike a lot of the other lenses on the market which call themselves macro, this one does have a 1:1 ratio; that is, the bug that you're photographing will be the same size as the bug that comes out in your photo. :) Unfortunately, that does mean you have to be standing within a metre of whatever you're photographing if you want the 1:1 ratio; if you're looking to photograph sensitive subjects such as birds or animals, I'd really recommend you get something like the 70-300mm telephoto instead.

For the price, this lens is absolutely worth it. You won't be disappointed by its lack of zoom (just walk a few more steps! no big deal) and its superb image quality. Best of all, it's small and light--nothing to strain your back or shoulders with.

Summary: An amazing true macro lens for those who aren't looking to empty their wallets

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