much better than expected 3

All my previous lenses were zoom lenses. After all these years where I gained experience, I now covered the purchase of a fixed focal length. As I looked around, I came across this lens and had to assure myself that the price actually agreed (as yet had a hook be ?!).

So I researched on the internet, read variety of opinions and reviews by, which can be found in the various forums. At first I was put off as many cursed the processing and of a "disintegrating Objekiv" reported.
After much back and forth I decided then but for this, as the technical data and the imaging performance speak for themselves. For 85 euros you can not go far wrong with a lens. Moreover, it hardly loses value, so you can sell it again in the worst case.

When I finally got I was very surprised! Processing I really had expected much worse ... only the autofocusing switch feels a bit strange. The plastic bayonet is also not too bad, considering that the EF-S 18-55 has also a.
The focus ring is also quite good to use in MF (at least better than all descriptions have suggest), only with an attached hood handling is used to. In my opinion, but a decent processing.

The good color balance and high sharpness are not the only advantages. Through Aperture 1.8, you can record even freehand in relatively dark rooms. My favorite is the use in indoor sports photography because of my 400D through the so-called crop factor has a focal length of 80mm (lightweight telephoto) results and is so wonderful for such events.

However, what everyone will confirm: The version I was clearly superior, at least in the handling. From the optics, both versions are the same, however, had the older version of a distance scale (with a better focus ring) and a metal bayonet. Together they made the lens-quality (which why the old version is also declared sold at higher prices on eBay).

My conclusion: If you -Festbrennweite are looking for a "beginner", then this lens is just the thing for you! If you have first had experience with this, you can still at an EF 50mm / 1: 1.4 USM upgrading and / or acquire other fixed focal lengths.

By the very good value for money: 5 Stars!

EDIT: January 14, 2008

Meanwhile, I have the more expensive model with metal bayonet. And I'm very happy with it! The plastic version is sufficient for boarding, but the old version can not be beat. Which comes from the quality to the already rather 1.4er USM ran.
So if you want to spend a few more euros and can should rather get the old version (about 100 to 130 euros)