Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 Lens Review
The tiny and reasonably inexpensive Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 Lens is actually a good performer.
Although f/2.8 is not fast considering the 24's fixed focal length,
it is reasonably sharp wide open with a nice improvement when stopped down to f/5.6.
Corners are relatively sharp even wide open on full frame body.
Although the
Canon EF 24mm f/1.4 L USM Lens
bested it in the color and sharpness departments, the Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 Lens held up very well.
It even proved sharper than the 24 L in some comparison tests (especially with close subjects).
Sharpness was quite good even wide open.
The Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 Lens is rather flare-resistant - much more so than the 24 L.
I noticed little distortion from this lens.
Some CA (Chromatic Aberration) is also present in this lens.
Light fall-off is noticeable when shot wide open even on a 1.3x FOVCF body.
As for size, the Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 Lens is tiny - even with its hood attached.
It is much smaller than the Canon L lenses with a 24mm focal length in their ranges.
It does not have the same build quality as these lenses - but it also doesn't have the weight.
Pictured above from left to right are the
Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 Lens,
Canon EF 24mm f/1.4 L USM Lens,
Canon EF 35mm f/1.4 L USM Lens and the
Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM Lens.
Pictured above from left to right are the
Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 Lens,
Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 Lens,
Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Lens and the
Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM Lens.
Without a USM motor, the Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 Lens does not focus silently or have FTM (Full Time Manual) focusing.
An AFD (Arc Form Drive) motor is responsible for focusing the 24 f/2.8.
A noticeable whine is heard while the lens attains focus.
Even without USM (Ultrasonic Motor), the 24 f/2.8 focuses with decent speed thanks in part to internal rear focusing.
The Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 Lens does not change length while focusing - and the front element does not rotate.
The bokeh produced by the Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 Lens is not special.
Hexagonal out of focus highlights from a 6-blade aperture are visible in some stopped-down shots.
With its light weight and compactness, the Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 Lens is a convenient lens to pack along anywhere you are going.
You can always have a wide angle lens at your disposal.
Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 Lens Sample Pictures ...
Recommended Shopping Resources
(Using these links to make your purchase supports this site)
Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 Lens at B&H Photo
Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 Lens at Amazon.com
Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 Lens at Adorama (Imported)
Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 Lens at Adorama
Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 Lens at 17th Street Photo
Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 Lens at J&R
Find the best price on the Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 Lens
More Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 Lens Reviews & Information
William Castleman
Bob Atkins
Peter Frary
FredMiranda.com
