Quick answer
Canon's 1991 ultra-wide rectilinear prime, with a bulbous front element and a built-in hood. The Mark II replaced it in 2007.
Pros
- Very wide rectilinear view
- L-series build
- Fast USM focusing
- Low distortion for the angle
Cons
- Front filters cannot be fitted
- Softer corners wide open
- Large front element is easy to scratch
Verdict
A capable ultra-wide prime if you can live with no front filters. The Mark II is better corrected at the edges.
About this lens
A 14mm f/2.8 wide-angle prime lens, the Canon EF 14mm f/2.8L USM is designed for Canon EF mount bodies, from the Canon L series with ultrasonic-motor autofocus. The wide view suits landscapes, architecture and environmental shots.
Canon EF 14mm f/2.8L USM specifications
- Brand
- Canon
- Mount
- Canon EF
- Focal length
- 14mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/2.8
- Lens type
- Prime
- Format coverage
- full-frame
- Released
- 1991
- Optical construction
- 14 elements in 10 groups
- Aperture blades
- 5
- Autofocus motor
- USM
- Minimum focus distance
- 0.25 m
- Maximum magnification
- 0.1x
- Weight
- 560 g
- Length
- 89 mm
- Diameter
- 77 mm
Specification source: global.canon
What can you shoot with the Canon EF 14mm f/2.8L USM?
- Interiors and architecture
- Astrophotography
- Landscapes with strong foregrounds
Its bright maximum aperture handles indoor and evening light reasonably well.
Full-frame equivalent and field of view
Calculated from the focal length and crop factor. Not measured.
| Sensor | Crop | Equivalent | Horizontal FOV | Diagonal FOV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full frame | 1.0x | 14mm | 104.3° | 114.2° |
| APS-C | 1.6x | 22mm | 77.6° | 88° |
Frequently asked questions
Can you use filters on the Canon EF 14mm f/2.8L USM?
Not on the front, because the bulbous element and built-in hood leave no thread.
Is the EF 14mm f/2.8L good for astrophotography?
It gathers a lot of sky and is usable for Milky Way work, but coma and soft corners at f/2.8 are noticeable. Stopping down slightly helps.
How does the EF 14mm f/2.8L USM differ from the Mark II?
The Mark II has better edge sharpness than the original.
Alternatives for Canon EF from other brands
All Canon EF lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.
