Canon 20D

Summary impression: The 20D has excellent autofocus function, and resolution performance hits a new high for Canon APS-C CMOS sensors (as of September, 2004). This is a significant performance step up from the 10D/D60.

• Resolution and 50% MTF information on camera
• Hutech modified 20D (AA/IR filter removed)

Lenses for Canon 20D

Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

Summary impression:

• Excellent resolution and contrast (50% MTF) in both central and peripheral image areas at ranges tested (20mm, 35 mm and 85mm)
• Substantial barrel distortion at 17mm. Mild pincushion distortion from 35-85mm
• Excellent image stabilization
• Very resistant to flare and internal reflection when shooting into light source (Sun).
• Chromatic aberration in peripheral image field areas is mild and comparable to that in the EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens with full frame sensors.
• The EF-S 17-85mm IS for APS-C cameras is comparable in performance to the EF 28-135 IS for full frame film and digital cameras

Data

• Resolution and 50% MTF Data
• Chromatic aberration test results
• Distortion examples - 17mm (barrel); 26mm (negligible); 35-85mm (mild pincushion)

Gallery

• Dancer Portraits Under Studio Lighting
• Buildings (mixed with Sigma 12-24 images)

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
Bench Performance Data Only - Not full review

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

Summary Impression of Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM:

• Sharpness and contrast is excellent
• Compact and light weight
• Mild barrel distortion at 10mm
• Generally mild lateral chromatic aberration

Data

• Resolution and 50% MTF Data - Tests in progress
• Chromatic aberration test results and distortion
• Lens sharpness examples compared to Primes and L-zoom lenses (surprisingly good performance)
  • Summary of Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM sharpness in images
    • 12.5mm (20mm full-frame equivalent): Good sharpness to corners
    • 15mm (24mm full-frame equivalent): Moderately good sharpness to corners
    • 22mm (35mm full-frame equivalent): Noticeable softness in corners (still very useable)

Gallery

• First Walk-Around Snap Shots (To be revised/removed) large jpgs

Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 DG HSM

Initial Summary Impression:

• Sharpness and contrast is excellent
• Minimal to no distortion with APS-C sensors
• Peforms well on EOS-1D series cameras
• Mild lateral chromatic aberration with APS-C sensors
• Slightly warm color (reduced blue) compared to most Canon lenses
• Exposed pop-eye lens element easily collects rain drops to distort images

Data

• Chromatic Aberration and Linear Distortion
• Distortion examples - Extremely low distortion with APS-C sensor
• Resolution and 50% MTF performance at 20mm f/8 against Canon lenses

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

Summary impression:

• Incredibly cheap, plastic construction
• Generally, excellent performance against other lenses tested at 20mm and 35mm at f/8
• Generally low chromatic aberration and linear distortion

Equipment Review Page

© 2004, William L. Castleman

posted 26 September 2004; Last update 06 June 2007