Lens · prime
Canon FD 20mm f/2.8
Canon · from 1973
Canon FD 20mm f/2.8: 10 elements in 9 groups, 6 aperture blades, 0.25m minimum focus, 72mm filter thread, 305g. Canon Camera Museum marketing dates: FD20mm f/2.8 S.S.C. (March 1973); New FD20mm f/2.8 (December 1979).
- Focal length
- 20mm
- Max aperture
- f/2.8
- Mount
- Canon FD
- Format
- 35mm
- Elements / groups
- 10 / 9
Known for
- Architecture
- Landscape
- Interiors
- Creative perspectives
Considerations
- Some barrel distortion
Optical characteristics
Silverlog's editorial rating: our own judgement, not measured data.
Bokeh: N/A for ultra-wide
Rendering: Wide perspective, good correction
Colour: Neutral Canon science
Silverlog's editorial rating, 1 to 5; five is best. Not lab-measured.
Versions
FD S.S.C. (breech-lock)
1973-1979
Chrome breech-lock ring
10 elements in 9 groups, 345 g
New FD
1979-1989
All-black, bayonet-style mount
10 elements in 9 groups, 305 g
Takes 72mm filters and the BW-72 bayonet hood. Close 0.25m focus enables creative work.
Common issues
- Focus ring wear
- Front element scratches
- Coating scratches
Buying guide
Check the front element for scratches. Test focus throughout range.
Specifications
| Mount | Canon FD |
| Focal Length | 20mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 6 |
| Min Focus | 0.25m |
| Filter Size | 72mm |
| Weight | 305g |
Optical design
| Formula | Retrofocus |
| Elements | 10 |
| Groups | 9 |
| Coating | SSC (Canon) |
Pricing
- Typical used price
- £150 - £280
- Mint
- ~£350
Indicative, no dated source.