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| Canon EF 14mm f/2.8L USM Lens |
The Canon EF 14mm f/2.8 L USM Lens is Canon's widest rectilinear EF lens (The Canon 15mm f/2.8 Fisheye Lens is wider but not rectilinear) and is currently the widest Canon L Series Lens. The Canon EF-S 10-22mm USM Lens is a wider rectilinear lens, but it requires an EF-S lens mount.
The Canon EF 14mm f/2.8 L USM Lens' unique features in addition to its wide focal length are its convex objective lens and fixed, lens-protecting metal, petal-type lens hood. As there are no filter threads, only gelatin filters can be used on this lens - they are inserted into a slot in the rear of the lens. Likewise, a special lens cap is necessitated to protect this lens. Canon supplies a nicely manufactured metal cap that slips on over the hood. A fuzzy material on the inner sides of the cap protects the sides of the hood from scratches and gives the cap some adhesion to the lens. It don't know how it could be improved, but this cap is not as nice to use as the standard squeeze-on caps. It tends to come off too easily - when I don't want it to of course.
The Canon EF 14mm f/2.8 L USM Lens is a small lens (3.0" x 3.5" / 77.0mm x 89.0mm) - one of the smallest L lenses Canon makes. It is very well built with one minor exception - the material under the focus ring rubber seems to be plastic. Weight is a very comfortable 1.2 lb (560g). The Canon 14 L feels very solid in your hand - it handles very well.
What is the Canon EF 14mm f/2.8 L USM Lens used for? Nearly anything that requires an ultra wide angle lens. Wide landscapes are one such subject. Taking interior pictures of houses, vehicles and other confined spaces is a very good use for this lens. Although vignetting hurts its night-sky performance at f/2.8, this is a fine Northern Lights lens (see some of my samples).
Architecture and real estate photography often have large subjects and require wide angle lenses with low distortion - these are more good uses for the Canon EF 14mm f/2.8 L USM Lens.
With a few less nasties (bad attributes) and a much better price, the Canon EF 16-35mm L II USM Lens was my personal choice for an ultra wide angle lens while the 14mm was current. Although it sacrifices 2mm and is a bit larger, the 16-35 L at 16mm is sharper wide open, shows far less vignetting, flares far less easily and shows less CA. The 16-35 is weather-sealed and accepts front filters and standard lens caps. Add to these advantages the versatility of a zoom focal length range and the Canon EF 16-35mm L II USM Lens usually comes out on top in the decision making process for most other people as well. Those using an EF-S compatible body should also consider the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens.
If you need to get wider than 16mm with a rectilinear lens, the Canon EF 14mm f/2.8 L USM Lens should suit you well. Or, choose the Canon EF 14mm f/2.8 L II USM Lens for a much better option.
