I was really looking for a better & wider lens for my EOS 350D-IR (Infra Red Converted). Was doing lots of reading up on forums and on IR-Dedicated Websites, many IR Photographers mentioned positively about this lens and some even sing praises of it, the EF 28mm F2.8. I immediately bought this lens following a visit to the photo store within days. This became my 11th lens and also my 3rd Canon Prime lens. (after 50mm & 100mm). This prime lens is cheap to begin with, below SGD $500 mark and when used on my EOS 5D Mark II, this lens offers sharp pictures and great colors with zero distortion. Wide open, the bokeh are creamy and smooth, nowhere near the quality of "cheap Canon lenses". When used on my 500D or 350D-IR, the focal range increased to 45mm which makes this lens a great walkabout lens for cropped EOS bodies too.

* picture:  EF 28mm F2.8.

The EF 28mm F2.8 is a cute & petite lens. Constructed in full metal, the lens felt purposeful when I held it for the first time and it actually feels good. I got a little irritated with the focusing motor which came in the form of AFD (Arc Form Drive Motor). This motor is known for its "squeals" during focusing. Noisy it may be, it worked well and focusing is faster than most AFD powered lens. The focusing ring (right behind the Distance Scale meter) near the front element feels a little out of place and a little thin to be used comfortably. Overall build quality is excellent.

The real test came when I fixed the EF 28mm F2.8 on my 350D-IR and went for a nature walk. (IR Photography revolves around nature) This lens performed well in IR with no hotspotting except the occasional odd photo. (Took 100+ photo and 5 were found with Hotspot) I blamed the lack of a hood that could have probably caused the hotspot effect. Other wise, this would have been a top IR Compatible EF lens. Those photos that turned out well were full of colors and contrast were well controlled. The photos are sharp and beautiful. I will recommend this lens to anyone who are starting out at Infra Red Photography or looking to buy their 2nd Prime lens (usually after the 50mm F1.8 II). Trust me, the EF 28mm F2.8 is a really decent lens to invest in.