Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Wide Angle Lens

by Canon

• 77mm Snap-On Lens Cap
• Lens Dust Cap E (Rear)
• EW-83D II Lens Hood
• Lens Case LP1214
• Warranty

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 3.4 x 3.4 x 3.4 inches ; 1.4 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B001GNCWCE
• Item model number: 2750B002
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 17, 2008

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Canon EF 24mm f/1.4 L USM II Wide Angle Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras Canon's newest fixed length L-series lens, the EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM, incorporates the newest in Canon lens technology for spectacular sharpness and impressive performance at all settings. It features two high-precision, large-diameter aspherical lenses for sharpness across the sensor, even in peripheral areas of full-frame sensors.

Product Description

The Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Lens is a venerable wide-angle prime lens that provides sharpness and impressive performance at all settings. Its large maximum aperture of f/1.4 allows for superb low-light photographs, and its circular aperture and narrow depth of field provide pleasing background blur. It is the ideal tool for photojournalists, landscape and event photographers, and anyone who enjoys taking images from a wider perspective. This version "II" improves greatly over its predecessor with the addition of two high-precision aspheric lenses, which correct aberration including curvature of field and distortion. Chromatic aberration common in wide-angle shooting is also reduced by the inclusion of two UD lenses, which ensure optimum image quality and corner-to-corner detail. The EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM features Canon's near-silent Ultra Sonic Motor (USM), which provides super-fast auto-focusing with full-time manual override. The floating internal focus system also helps maintain high image quality throughout the focal range.

FEATURES:

• SWC (Sub Wavelength Coating) - The anti-reflective SWC (Sub Wavelength Coating) differs from conventional coatings by using a much finer structure, which minimizes ghosting and flaring across the lens surface, regardless of the angle with which light enters or exits.
• Ring-Type USM Motor - Canon's very best autofocusing mechanisms are in place, permitting full-time manual focusing override without requiring a switchover from AF to MF mode.
• L-Series - Canon's "L-Series" designation indicates that this lens meets their highest quality standards with excellent color reproduction and edge to edge sharpness

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

117 of 140 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars My New Favorite Lens October 7, 2009

By Matt Van Zant

The Canon 24-70/2.8 has been my primary lens for the past two years. It has served me well and was hands down my favorite lens for this focal length, until I tried the 24/1.4 II from Canon. This lens has very fast and accurate focus, and the images are incredibly sharp, even wide-open. I've decided that I can live without the 25-70mm focal length of the 24-70 for this lens.

The minimum focus is 0.8ft, which allows you to get incredibly close to your subject, and the 24mm gives you a very wide view to capture your entire subject.

The 1.4 aperture is incredibly fast. Combine that with fast focus and incredible sharpness and you now have a lens you can use indoors without flash (Note: 1.4 aperture comes with a thin depth-of-field. Focusing on the eye will leave you with a blurry nose and forehead, very smooth bokeh).

I've used the following Canon lenses and this one tops the list and is now on my 5D II 70% of the time (have to leave time for the 70-200).

Canon 16-35/2.8 II: Fantastic lens if this is the focal length you're looking for. This lens has the fish-eye effect at 16mm with full-frame sensors

Canon 50/1.4: Great focal length and speed, but overdue for a refresh. This is a great lens if you're looking for the soft feel of photos.

Canon 85/1.2: Excellent lens, if your subject isn't moving. Very slow focus combined with very narrow depth of field equals out-of-focus photo.

Canon 135/2: Very sharp. Perhaps one of the sharpest lenses Canon makes. The 24/1.4 II is as good if not better.

Canon 70-200/2.8 IS: Hands down the best lens in this focal length (ok, you could argue the 135/2 is better if that's the length you're looking for).

Canon 300/4 IS: Very sharp lens with quick and accurate focus. It's also about 25% of the price of the 300/2.8 IS.

If this is the focal length you're looking for, this lens will prove to be an incredible choice. This lens is not on the cheap end, with respect to price. But I feel the 24/1.4 II is worth every penny. If you're on the edge of purchasing the lens, rent it and you'll be back here hitting the "Add to Shopping Cart" button.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Low Lite Wide Angle April 8, 2010

By M. Neace

Bought this about 1 month ago and have used it for two weddings. Color and contrast are perfect and it focuses fast and sharp in all light. We have a very nice copy of Canon's 17-55 f/2.8 for our 7D, but it falls down a bit in very low light (typically during the reception during first dance). It just can't grab focus in low light....even with the 580EX II attached. We put this baby on and it's dead to right every time. Of course, we have to zoom in and out with our legs, but at least we can get the shot. And that's what it's all about.

9-8-11 update.

Since the first review we added a 5D Mark II and that's even better in low light. The 24 mm is a bit wide and there is some distortion on the edges, but a slight crop, or Photoshop fix, takes care of that so it's not an issue. I still prefer to use it on the 7D, which makes it a 38MM with the 1.6 crop factor. We use the 24-70 f2.8L on the 5D most of the time, except when doing group portrait shots. Then we put this one on because it's cleaner than the 24-70.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This is simply an amazing lens September 20, 2010

By genesis

Amazon Verified Purchase

I've a lot of L grade Canon zooms and primes.
I particularly appreciate the colors and the sharpness of these lenses.
Even zooms lenses are unbeatable for speed and practicality, primes are the best in terms of image quality and creativity possibilities.
I finally decided to purchase this lens as my 35L is not wide enough and, frankly, the quality of my 16-35-II at wide aperture is unsufficient. Well, the 24L-II matched perfectly the good characteristics of my 35L. It is not a perfect lens: wide open is quite soft but when stopped-down to 2 -2.8 it become sharp as a razor. In conclusion it is a great lens!