This is a good prime lens for daily indoor use.

Pros:
- Fast at f/1.8 although soft
- Reasonably sharp from f/2.0, gets better from f/2.2
- Rugged
- Good 'normal' lens for APS-C sensor with 1.6 multiplier (mine is the 450d)

Cons:
- Very soft at f/1.8
- My copy has a front-focus problem at times

Overall, happy with the lens since I can take available light pictures indoors where my 50mm f/1.4 prime (must have!) is too narrow. I can see the front-focus issue on some shots when compared to my 24-105mm f/4L in a reasonably contolled test. Also, from shot to shot taken indoors, the focus is slightly off at times. On a second test indoors, the focus was spot on.

I love this lens. I'm a professional photographer, and during photoshoots I never take it off my camera.
the 28 on a full frame sensor is amazing.
it works great, i love it.

As much as I love the 50mm f/1.4 lens there were times when it just was not wide enough. So I started an detailed search to find, for me, the perfect wide angle fixed focus lens.

As this lens will not get used a whole lot I immediately eliminated the 'L' lenses as too costly for the return. I was looking for something in the 20-30mm range. It needed to be a USM as non-USM lenses make too much noise while focusing and this lens will be used at plays & concerts. (I have the 35mm f/2 and it is way too noisy to use at these events.)

To make a long story short I selected the 28mm f/1.8 USM. This lens approaches the 'standard' 50mm lens length that shoots pretty much what you see with your eye. It excells in dimly lit interiors, such as auditoriums, for instance. Use it wide open with confidence, but focus carefully - DOF is narrow even with a 28 at 1.8.

Pros: Lightweight, Consistent Output, Strong Construction, Rugged, Easily Interchangeable, Durable, Sharp Focus, Wide Aperture

Cons: my only complaint is the same as with all non L lenses, that I have to pay extra for the hood.

Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Wide Angle Lens for Canon SLR Cameras

So, I couldn't wait to get this lens. I finally bought it, and was so excited to put it to use. I quickly found that the focus at 1.8 is very soft.

In my opinion, the value just isn't there. I mean if your paying double the price of the 28 2.8, you'd think it would keep sharp focus at the 1.8 setting, but it didn't. I'm just gonna buy the 2.8(which ive rented in the past, and loved) and be happy with my purchase.

Needless to say I returned the lens a couple days later

I tried this lens on a Canon 5D and while the images had great color and resolution, there were soft areas at the sides. I suspect this lens is much better on a camera that is not a full frame sensor.