Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM

Specifications
Reviews
Sample Images
Initial launch information.

Overview

The shorter primes from Canon dated back to the origins of the EF lens range (1988 for the 24/2.8) The updated 24mm is an entirely new lens and show the advances in over 20 years of lens design. Offering good performance in a lightweight package, the 24 and 28mm (announced at the same time) both incorporate 4 stop IS (image stabilisation) and USM focus.

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

Lens specifications

Marketed	June 2012
Original Price	80,000 yen
Lens Construction (group)	9
Lens Construction (element)	11
No. of Diaphragm Blades	7(circular aperture)
Minimum Aperture	f/22
Closest Focusing Distance (m)	0.20
Maximum Magnifcation (x)	0.23
Filter Diameter (mm)	58
Maximum Diameter x Length (mm)	68.4 X 55.7
Weight (g)	280

EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM block diagram

EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM MTF diagram

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/2.8 IS 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

Written a review? Contact us and we'll add it to the list.

Sample images

Product launch

Lens launched at the same time as the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM and EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM

Introducing the world's first wide-angle primes with IS

Canon today also launches the new EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM and EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM – the world's first 24mm and 28mm fixed wide-angle lenses to feature optical IS technology. Ideal for landscape and reportage, both lenses offer outstanding flexibility allowing photographers to shoot an even broader range of scenes and subjects – combining fast apertures with IS to enable sharp results when shooting handheld, even in low light conditions.

Offering an advantage of up to 4-stops over lenses without IS, both lenses are ideal for capturing more of the scene thanks to their wider focal lengths. Both feature a wide f/2.8 aperture, allowing photographers to explore shallow depth of field, or to shoot in lower-light conditions. Wide apertures and IS technology also make each lens ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects, while Canon's advanced IS technology is able to detect intentional panning movement and automatically switch from Normal IS mode to Panning IS mode – helping users to capture movement with greater accuracy.

Silent, high-speed AF performance is provided by the inclusion of a ring-type USM and additional features including optimized AF control. Full-time manual focusing also ensures adjustments can be made even when AF is engaged, while a minimum focusing distance of 0.20m (EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM) and 0.23m (EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM) allows photographers to get even closer to smaller or more detailed subjects.

Designed to perform

Both the EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM and EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM feature redesigned optics to improve image quality and reduce the need for post-production. An aspherical glass moulded (GMo) lens element is incorporated to correct aberration throughout the optical system, while Canon's optimised Super Spectra Coatings reduce ghosting and flare for stand-out image quality. Externally, both models also boast a number of design similarities with Canon's professional L-series lenses, with a similar coating on the barrel and a similar design on the focus ring. A distance scale is also included to assist with landscape photography, while the compact design makes these lenses an unobtrusive addition to any kit bag.

1 According to Canon research as of February 2012
2 Waterproof construction around the lens mount, switch panel, zoom ring, focusing ring and zoom lock.
Weatherproof when used with weatherproof EOS bodies.