Review of the Canon EF 20-35mm f/2.8L AFD zoom lens. July 1999 marks the tenth anniversary since the professional version of an EOS camera was introduced - the original EOS-1 model. Depending on the country and market, the pro EOS-1 camera was launched between late May and early September 1989. Introduced at the same time with the camera were four new L-series EF lenses, the EF 20-35mm f/2.8L AFD, EF 50mm f/1.0L USM*, EF 85mm f/1.2L USM and the EF 80-200mm f/2.8L AFD. *Although formally introduced in 1987 with EOS 650 & 620, the EF 50mm f/1.0L USM was officially available for sale only from Autumn 1989 onwards. While the EF 50mm f/1.0L USM and EF 85mm f/1.2L USM lenses were created to reflect the potential of the fully electronic lens mount of the EOS System, both the EF 20-35mm f/2.8L AFD and EF 80-200mm f/2.8L AFD were partly responsible for the success of the original Canon EOS-1 in capturing the lion's share in the professional 35mm SLR camera market. Reviewed here is the EF 20-35mm f/2.8L AFD Zoom Lens. Although officially discontinued, can still be bought brand new as Canon still has some stocks left. Check with your respective Canon office or dealer in your country if you are keen on buying one. It is also available from most used camera dealers as well. The Canon EF 20-35mm f/2.8L AFD Zoom Lens The Zoom Lens with its standard hood attached Close-up of the lens body   Yes, the lens reviewed here is my own - as can be seen in the third photo above, even the "20-35mm" numericals engrossed on the body is fast disappearing, indicating a well-used lens for the past ten years. With four widely used focal lengths, it is easy to see why professionals rushed to invest in the EOS-1 system ten years ago. Of course, the flexibilty of the EOS-1 itself is another reason for this shift in brand by professionals. Until the EF 20-35mm f/2.8L AFD came along, the closest lens to date was the manual focus FD 20-35mm f/3.5L version. No other independent or camera manufacturer came up with its own AF 20-35mm f/2.8 version until a few years ago - which is considered a bit too late since most EOS users are already happy with their investments. << Back to Main . 1 . 2 . 3 .