Stock Photo of a Canon EF-S 10-22mm

Stock Photo of a Canon EF-S 10-22mm

Any time I start getting the itch to try out a new lens, I’m sure I do much like any other photographer on a budget… I grab my computer or smart phone and use the power of Google. Unless I decide to try and drop some money on renting a lens (which is a great idea… I recommend “BarrowLenses.com“, if you don’t mind using money to “try before you buy”), I hit up the internet for scores and scores of professional (such as “The Digital Picture“) and non-professional (like “Amazon“) reviews. This lens has been tried and tested a TON since it’s introduction… so I’ll stick to a short couple of lists/facts that are all from my PERSONAL experience with my particular lens, and in no way is an attempt to regurgitate over used buzz words or other peoples “facts”.
 
 
What’s hot:

  • Sharp Optics (Surprisingly so. Better, in my experience, than a Canon 28-135mm IS USM and Tamron 70-300mm at their best, but not quite up to the level of my “L” glass).
  • Full-time manual focus override.
  • Super wide angle to ~almost~ “normal” on a ASP-C (cropped) sensor.
  • Smooth operation, good fit and finish. Not a metal barrel, but still feels solid.
  • Good contrast.
  • Handles distortion pretty well when zoomed all the way out for a lens that gets THIS wide.
  • As with most quality lenses, it will hold it’s value, even used
  • Good, minimal focus distance.

What’s not:

  • Chromatic aberration rears it’s ugly head when wide open and kicking it around 10mm’s. I hear it’s better than most the other choices in this range, but it’s still more than I’m a fan of. (This can be, mostly, compensated for by zooming in to about 12mm’s, or stopping down a little more.)
  • Not “weather sealed”. I personally haven’t had any issues, but when I go hunting for an epic landscape shot, I shy away sometimes if the weather is particularly rainy because while my 7D can take it… my lens might not be so lucky.
  • Pricey.
  • Won’t stay with me on “Full Frame” (EF-S mount).
  • Without IS or F/2.8, it’s usable, but not ideal for low-light shots with subject movement or no tripod. (Usable, but not ideal)

Final Word:
If you’re running an ASP-C sized sensor on your Canon Rebel, xxD, or 7D and you’re looking for “real” super wide angle shots, there aren’t many choices to be had. BUT… when you have to pull the trigger, I highly recommend this lens and would purchase it again if I had too. If you do not need quite as wide a shot, as much usable range, or want to shoot in lower light (and looking to save about $100)… I’d go with a Tokina 11-16mm. I hear it’s supposed to be pretty good as well… but I have no personal experience with it. You win some and lose some either way… but my final word is… the Canon 10-22mm is tough to beat.

TinK