Durability, construction quality, and dust problems? Does anyone who owns this for over a year and now have problems with the construction quality and dust inside the lens. I've read so many reviews and comments that this lens sucks in a lot of dust and the build quality is so bad that it is not worth the money spent for a long-term lens. i'm an aspiring photographer/hobbyist who would keep this lens on a T2i body for 90% of photos. I love shooting in low light conditions and need the constant 2.8/f and IS. Durability, construction quality, and dust problems? Does anyone who owns this for over a year and now have problems with the construction quality and dust inside the lens. I've read so many... » Read More Durability, construction quality, and dust problems? Does anyone who owns this for over a year and now have problems with the construction quality and dust inside the lens. I've read so many reviews and comments that this lens sucks in a lot of dust and the build quality is so bad that it is not worth the money spent for a long-term lens. i'm an aspiring photographer/hobbyist who would keep this lens on a T2i body for 90% of photos. I love shooting in low light conditions and need the constant 2.8/f and IS. « Show Less
159812
I do not agree with J. Gland. You can have a weather resistant lens and a Rebel body. You can clean your camera sensor a lot easier than the internals of a lens. Also, your camera body depreciates in value as fast as a new car or computer...you're lens will hold it's value... One way to really avoid dust is lenses that do not extend while zooming.I've had mine since May 2007 and have used it at the beach, in the Rocky Mountains, at home, in Italy twice, etc... If you look into the front element there are several specs of dust (5 or so) if I look hard enough. They have no effect on image quality. Great lens, wish it was built a little more like an "L", but it's the best compromise for zoom range, 2.8 and IS. I do not agree with J. Gland. You can have a weather resistant lens and a Rebel body. You can clean your camera sensor a lot easier than the internals of a lens. Also, your camera body depreciates in value as fast as a new car or computer...you're lens will hold it's value... One way to really avoid dust is lenses that do not extend while zooming.I've had mine since May 2007 and have used it at the beach, in the Rocky Mountains, at home, in Italy twice, etc... If you look into the front element there are several specs of dust (5 or so) if I look hard enough. They have no effect... » Read More I do not agree with J. Gland. You can have a weather resistant lens and a Rebel body. You can clean your camera sensor a lot easier than the internals of a lens. Also, your camera body depreciates in value as fast as a new car or computer...you're lens will hold it's value... One way to really avoid dust is lenses that do not extend while zooming.I've had mine since May 2007 and have used it at the beach, in the Rocky Mountains, at home, in Italy twice, etc... If you look into the front element there are several specs of dust (5 or so) if I look hard enough. They have no effect on image quality. Great lens, wish it was built a little more like an "L", but it's the best compromise for zoom range, 2.8 and IS. « Show Less
159813
T2i isn't dustproof either... If your worried about serious amounts of dust, you should buy L lenses and a XXD or XD frame (e.g. 30D frame, 5D frame, etc). If you can't afford a weather resistant frame, you probably shouldn't worry about getting weather resistant glass...
1463261
Did you ever get a lens? I'm making the same decision now. If so, what did you buy? Are you happy with your decision? Is there anything else you would add that would help me make a decision. Thanks!
134990
Hello. I purchased tis lens and I can not be happier with it. The image quality comapred to the sigma to em is superior. LEss Chromatic Averration and way less distrotions on the edge of the frame on full frame cameras.Build is oustanding and I do used it for my paid jobs. Lokk at this link so you cna see some of the images of this magnificent and very good quality lens:http://fmta.com.mx/index.php/galerias-de-fotos/galeriasolimpiadas2014/64-olimpiadasclasificatorias2
1346886
I don't know anything about the 85mm lens, but I own the 50mm f/1.4 USM. That lens was great for about the first 4 months. It took very crisp shots, performed well in low light, and gave beautiful bokeh. However, after 4 months, the USM motor started to not function properly, and my lens would no longer autofocus correctly. I just sent it back for repair under warranty. Hopefully they will be able to fix it permanently, but I have recently read many reviews that have noticed the same problem. Therefore, I would not recommend the 50mm f/1.4 USM. I wish I had bought the 50mm f/1.8 instead. I don't know anything about the 85mm lens, but I own the 50mm f/1.4 USM. That lens was great for about the first 4 months. It took very crisp shots, performed well in low light, and gave beautiful bokeh. However, after 4 months, the USM motor started to not function properly, and my lens would no longer autofocus correctly. I just sent it back for repair under warranty. Hopefully they will be able to fix it permanently, but I have recently read many reviews that have noticed the same problem. Therefore, I would not recommend the 50mm f/1.4 USM. I wish I had bought the 50mm f/1.8 instead.
447638
I had heard about the focus problems but we have had no problems with it what so ever. At wide open apertures, the depth of field is extremely tight, so I am guessing that some people who have less photographic experience were the ones complaining, because even at those apertures we are producing tack sharp images, on auto-focus or in manual on our Canon cameras, a T5i and a 60D. Sigma has released an updated version of the 50mm in their new "Art" lineup, so if you still have concerns, save up for that one. I've played with it at our local camera store and it is beautiful!
1726682
"Falling apart" is rather vague but I'm on my third "130", the first eventually two developing lens problems - not opening up fully, not zooming out fully. This is what happens when one uses a camera a lot in the outdoors, especially with fine dust and salt air (I live on the CA coast) being almost constant factors. But I have liked this camera so much - with its two AA battery set-up - that I have ordered, through Amazon, two "like new" replacements (both in the $75-$100 range, about the same cost, or less even, as a cleaning/repair these days). You could buy one of the newer models in this series as I believe a "150" and a "170" came out more recently. You could look at the specs to see any differences - no doubt the newer models have more megapixel at the highest setting, like maybe 16mp instead of max of 12mp with the "130". (I have done most of my shooting at the much lower M2 setting, which is 2mp, 1600x1200 to conserve my Rayovac rechargeable batteries and because I only email phos and do digital album folders, no large prints.) By the way, I believe the "170" (or maybe "160"?) switched from two AAs to the more common flat rechargeable. Finally, if you find that you have to keep resetting the date/time, that is because your separate little battery, the CR1220, that powers that function, needs replacing. I have seen that question/problem with this camera come up on this Amazon forum before. (You can get a replacement at Walmart, some jewelry stores, some camera stores for about $5.) I love both the Canon Elph series and the PowerShot series but heavily used cameras of any brand develop problems. Consider buying an extended warranty on the next Canon, if you, buy new! Good luck with your photography....
80122
I use the lens for portraits and have not shot that many (less than 10 photos) so far with the sun backlighting my subject. Most of the time, I have my subject in shade or inside. So, I don't really have a lot of experience with flaring. On the small number of shots I did make, I did not think the lens was any worse than my 25-105mm F/4L lens. Actually I don't remember any flaring in those photos.
2161262
Don't know. Reading the other comments, it seems it's lacking warranty. Maybe. Mine came with box, literature, lens hood and front and rear caps. I got it a few days before a trip to Europe and it worked perfectly. Got detailed shots of the Parthenon, inside several cathedrals, landscapes and bell towers. In more than four decades since buying my first SLR (an Olympus OM-1) I've never had a problem with a lens (well, except for dropping an EOS lens on the pavement that one time in the 90s). My experience is they either work or they don't. And this one does magnificently. Even my SLR/tech snob buddies are impressed. Highly recommended! Don't know. Reading the other comments, it seems it's lacking warranty. Maybe. Mine came with box, literature, lens hood and front and rear caps. I got it a few days before a trip to Europe and it worked perfectly. Got detailed shots of the Parthenon, inside several cathedrals, landscapes and bell towers. In more than four decades since buying my first SLR (an Olympus OM-1) I've never had a problem with a lens (well, except for dropping an EOS lens on the pavement that one time in the 90s). My experience is they either work or they don't. And this one does magnificently. Even my SLR/tech... » Read More Don't know. Reading the other comments, it seems it's lacking warranty. Maybe. Mine came with box, literature, lens hood and front and rear caps. I got it a few days before a trip to Europe and it worked perfectly. Got detailed shots of the Parthenon, inside several cathedrals, landscapes and bell towers. In more than four decades since buying my first SLR (an Olympus OM-1) I've never had a problem with a lens (well, except for dropping an EOS lens on the pavement that one time in the 90s). My experience is they either work or they don't. And this one does magnificently. Even my SLR/tech snob buddies are impressed. Highly recommended! « Show Less
599075
Outside no problem. Inside or in low light you need to boost the ISO quite a bit. If you are shooting things that move IS is no lost at all this is because for most sports or bird in flight you need to be at 1/500 anyway to freeze the motion. I had the lens for over a year, was hesitating to buy it for exactly the same reason and in the end its a really fantastic lens and I don't miss IS at all.
795053
Outside it's excellent. Indoors......it depends. What is the ISO number that you or the camera has set ? Remember a higher number will give you a faster shutter speed. Also with all reviews / questions answered I look at the date they were posted. Back in 2013 when these were 1st answered I was using a 60D, & at higher ISO ranges like 2500 / 3200 I got much noise. But now with a 70D, there isn't that problem, In fact, by reading reviews here on Amazon & elsewhere that's one of the big advantages of that camera. So for me using this lens in lower light be it indoor or outdoor in an evening situation, big difference. Outside it's excellent. Indoors......it depends. What is the ISO number that you or the camera has set ? Remember a higher number will give you a faster shutter speed. Also with all reviews / questions answered I look at the date they were posted. Back in 2013 when these were 1st answered I was using a 60D, & at higher ISO ranges like 2500 / 3200 I got much noise. But now with a 70D, there isn't that problem, In fact, by reading reviews here on Amazon & elsewhere that's one of the big advantages of that camera. So for me using this lens in lower light be it indoor or outdoor in an evening... » Read More Outside it's excellent. Indoors......it depends. What is the ISO number that you or the camera has set ? Remember a higher number will give you a faster shutter speed. Also with all reviews / questions answered I look at the date they were posted. Back in 2013 when these were 1st answered I was using a 60D, & at higher ISO ranges like 2500 / 3200 I got much noise. But now with a 70D, there isn't that problem, In fact, by reading reviews here on Amazon & elsewhere that's one of the big advantages of that camera. So for me using this lens in lower light be it indoor or outdoor in an evening situation, big difference. « Show Less
575221
I agree and have noticed that as well. I bought the older version and have been pleased with it. I have also not read complaints about the newer version. It may be as simple as supply and demand or something we are not aware of. You might check review sites just to make sure the version 2 is well rated and then go for it if it's cheaper. The 20MM has been a great lens, I have received compliments about my photo's and 9 times out of 10, it's taken with the 20mm.
255695
I started having problems with mine a couple months after I bought it , then on jan 15 it broke bad is now sitting in my closet collecting dust till now, bought mine on November I think dint remember, and it broke in jan I remember that because it was on my birthday, so I gad prom lens with mine a bit ago now I can't use it not sure if my awnser is much help
260098
I've owned this camera for two years. Did not buy a case for it, as I couldn't find one that fit the size of the camera & extra battery. The dust problem has steadily increased within the barrel of the lens behind the first lens. I've noticed that the barrel seems to attract dust which surprised me; but there could be a friction attraction thing going on as the barrel lengthens and retracts, dust likes to stick to it. After two years, there is now a noticeable build-up that is creating light problems I used to be able to ignore. Will have to probably send it in to be cleaned.
2058094
Hi There! Sorry, but I haven't used this lens indoors and I am new to photography. I bought this lens for my trip to Africa and for my daughter's outdoor sports. I live in the Pacific NW where it rains often so that's the main reason I bought this lens is because of the weather proofing. So far I have been extremely happy with it's performance. I shoot with with the K5 IIS. Sorry I can't really comment on the numbers or stats of my pictures. All I know is the pictures I've taken have been pretty amazing. Cheers!
1820405
I'm still shooting with the xt I bought in May 2005. I shot with the kit lens for 6 months and then purchased this $70 50mm lens. I use this lens all the time and it's my primary portrait lens. I own several L lenses now and I still use this inexpensive lens all the time. Eventually I'll replace it with the 1.4 or the L version but until then, I can not say enough good things about this lens. Negatives are that the auto-focus hunts in very low light, it's noisy and it's built like a toy. On the other hand, I've taken it around the world twice and been shooting with it for 3 years and it still works like a champ. I'm still shooting with the xt I bought in May 2005. I shot with the kit lens for 6 months and then purchased this $70 50mm lens. I use this lens all the time and it's my primary portrait lens. I own several L lenses now and I still use this inexpensive lens all the time. Eventually I'll replace it with the 1.4 or the L version but until then, I can not say enough good things about this lens. Negatives are that the auto-focus hunts in very low light, it's noisy and it's built like a toy. On the other hand, I've taken it around the world twice and been shooting with it for 3 years and... » Read More I'm still shooting with the xt I bought in May 2005. I shot with the kit lens for 6 months and then purchased this $70 50mm lens. I use this lens all the time and it's my primary portrait lens. I own several L lenses now and I still use this inexpensive lens all the time. Eventually I'll replace it with the 1.4 or the L version but until then, I can not say enough good things about this lens. Negatives are that the auto-focus hunts in very low light, it's noisy and it's built like a toy. On the other hand, I've taken it around the world twice and been shooting with it for 3 years and it still works like a champ. « Show Less
507455
I have not had the camera for that long, only about 4 months, but have not had the problem occur. Before buying this model, I did a lot of research about the problem and was confident enough that it had been fixed, to shell out almost two grand for the camera. The Ken Rockwell website is a good source of information on Nikon and Canon cameras. I relied heavily on Ken Rockwell's opinion. On another note, I absolutely love everything about this camera.
246688
Have had the lens for a while now....It's been in some pretty dusty places - Including a few National Parks as well as the Beach. Never really experienced the "Dust Problem." Great little lens that delivers beautiful photos. Great walkabout lens for my 60D. Saving for the 70D as we speak.