Canon EF 24mm F1.4 L USM Review

General information

This is a prime lens manufactured by Canon and the lens was released 1997.
The lens belongs to the category wide angle prime lenses, a wide angle lens where you do not have the possibility to zoom in and out.

Product description from Canon

At launch 1997 Canon wrote this regarding Canon EF 24mm F1.4 L USM :

"The fastest wide angle L lens in its class with excellent definition. The first EF lens uses a ground and polished aspherical glass lens element and a UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) glass lens element simultaneously, in order to achieve a large f/1.4 aperture and superb optical performance of a L lens at the same time. The floating optical system provides high image quality over the entire focusing range. This is the first L lens with lens elements, made of only ecologically sound lead-free glass. A ring USM (Ultrasonic Motor) and rear focus system offer silent, high-speed AF. A full-time manual focusing and a non-rotating filter frame provide excellent operability. A petal-shaped lens hood comes with the lens."

Compatibility, autofocus and focal length

This lens is constructed to fit all models of Canon cameras, regardless of camera model or type of sensor.

The ability to use autofocus is available for all cameras.

The lens has a focal length of 24 mm. Depending on which camera the lens is used, the experienced and perceived focal length will be different. Please visit the list of compatible cameras below, it will provide the equivalent focal length you get on each camera.

Lens brightness and image stabilizer

The lens brightness and aperture value is f/1,4.

This aperture value indicates that the lens is extremely bright.  This will make it so much easier shooting in darker environments where you do not want or can use flash lighting, for example in churches or at different sports venues.

The lens lacks image stabilization, which otherwise os good for avoiding the blur that can occur when using slow shutter speeds. Since the lens is bright, with good aperture value, the lack of image stabilization might not be that big of a deal, although a image stabilizer is always an advantage to have.

Filter and Lens Hood

The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 77 mm which also the filter you will use must have. If you use for example an UV filter can be a cheap insurance against scratches and dust.

If you buy this lens it will come with a lens hood, whose model name is "EW-83D II".

Things to consider before buying

Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.

  • The lens brightness, f/1,4
  • Works on all sensor types
  • A lens hood is included
  • The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust
  • Heavy (550 gr)
  • The price (more info)

Our Review Ratings

Time to grade Canon EF 24mm F1.4 L USM .

Build Quality     
Image Quality     
Autofocus     
Sharpness     
Versatility     
Value     
Overall rating 3 of 5

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