Canon EF24mm f/1.4L II USM

• Specifications
• Reviews
• Sample Images
• Initial launch information.

Canon's Mk2 24/1.4 lens (2008) replaces the original (1997) 24/1.4L lens with improved build quality and a redesign of the optical formula.

Available from: Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk | B&H | Adorama

Lens specifications

Angle of view (horzntl, vertl, diagnl)	74°, 53°, 84°
Lens construction (elements/groups)	13/10
No. of diaphragm blades	8
Minimum aperture	22
Closest focusing distance (m)	0.25
Maximum magnification (x)	0.17
Distance information	Provided
AF actuator	Ring USM¹
Dust/moisture resistance	Yes¹
Filter diameter (mm)	77
Max. diameter x length (mm)	93.5 x 86.9
Weight (g)	650g
Magnification - Extension Tube EF12 II	0.67-0.50
Magnification - Extension Tube EF25 II	NC
Lens hood	EW-83K
Soft case	LP1319
Extenders	NC

AF actuator	¹ Full time Manual focus
Dust/moisture resistance	¹ Lenses with dust/moisture resistance are fitted with a rubber ring on the lens mount which may cause sligth abrasion of the camera mount. This in no way effects either the lens or camera performance.

A quick guide to MTF charts (which only measure contrast and resolution. Canon's guide to their MTF charts) Black lines reflect lens performance at widest aperture. Blue lines show the performance at f/8 Thick lines indicate lens contrast Thin lines indicate lens resolution Dashed lines: Lens performance with meridional lines. Solid lines: Lens performance with sagittal lines Closer sagittal and meridional chart lines indicate more 'natural' out of focus areas. Remember that MTF charts are good for comparing similar lenses, so comparing ones from the 14mm f2.8L and 300mm 2.8L won't tell you much at all, whilst comparing the EF14 2.8L with the EF14 2.8L II will show meaningful differences. Note that other manufacturers may have different ways of displaying such information that may or may not match up with the Canon figures.

EF24mm f/1.4L II USM reviews and articles

• Canon UK / US Information Page
• Amazon
• Northlight Images
• Canon CPN article
• Fred Miranda
• Lens Tip
• Digital Picture
• PhotoZone
• SLR Gear
• Lens Review
• ePhotozine

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Sample images

Product launch

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 17 September, 2008: Canon today strengthens its line-up of EF-series lenses with the introduction of a new fast aperture prime lens: the EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM.

Replacing the EF 24mm f/1.4L USM, the EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM has been completely redesigned to provide an exacting partner lens to Canon’s new EOS digital SLRs, the EOS 50D and EOS 5D Mark II.

The EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM offers:
Fast f/1.4 aperture
Aspherical and UD lens elements for correction of chromatic aberration
Sub Wavelength structure Coating (SWC) to dramatically reduce ghosting and flare
Circular aperture for pleasing bokeh
USM for full-time manual focus
Lead-free glass (RoHS compliance)
Lens hood and pouch supplied
Superior image performance

Featuring a 13-element, 10-group lens, the EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM is designed to achieve the highest standards of image quality. Two high-precision GMo aspheric lenses are employed to correct various forms of aberration such as curvature of field and distortion, with a floating mechanism ensuring crisp corner-to-corner detail throughout the focal range. In addition, two UD lenses reduce the chromatic aberration common in wide-angle lenses.

A fast, ultra-large maximum aperture of f/1.4 delivers excellent low-light performance, with the circular aperture offering the potential for creative out-of-focus highlights. A focal length of 24mm and a USM focus motor providing full-time manual focus also make the EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM ideal for situations where a wide-angle, high-performance lens is required.

Advanced lens coating

Reflections off a digital camera’s image sensor can compromise images with ghosting and flare. To help reduce this, the inside of EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM’s front element is treated with Canon’s new Sub Wavelength structure Coating. Developed specifically to work with Canon optics, this anti-reflective coating helps reduce flare and ghosting - for consistently crisp, undistorted images.
Robust build quality

The EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM is designed to withstand the rigours of even the most testing shooting environment – with Canon’s advanced weather and dust sealing making it the perfect choice for photojournalists and landscape photographers.