Overview

The Spiratone 20mm f/2.8 is a compact, budget ultra-wide lens from the 1980s that pleasantly surprises with its build and image quality given its price point. Optical strengths include good sharpness when stopped down, though wide-open sharpness is modest and corners can be smeared; distortion, spherical and chromatic aberrations are present. It is not sharp enough for landscapes but excels in tight spaces and close focusing. The lens is fun for creative, dramatic perspectives but requires working within its limitations. It suits photographers seeking an affordable ultra-wide for experimental or close-up work.