© Robert I. Sadler, 2011
Review
The lens is rather old in terms of design, material, mechanics and ergonomics, and it is doubtful if Canon will ever update this little gem. Yet it gives any zoom (L or not) a serious run, usually also winning. Optical formula and lens elements are apparently the same as the best of the FD series.
Very little distortion, beyond what can be expected and ultimately accepted from a 24mm design. Colour rendition, saturation and friends are extremely good. This is one of the few can-shoot-straight-to-JPEG lenses, as post-processing to fix lens defects is not necessary.
Focussing is internal, moderately fast, audible, very accurate and the front element does not rotate. Unfortunately the designated lens hood follows the Canon standard of attaching behind the filter thread, so polarising filters are a hassle to use with the hood on.
The standard EW-60II hood is a joke and offers absolutely zero protection in the harsh South African sun. But, when used on a 1.6x FoVCF camera, the ET-60 hood (with some minor filing) fits Kentucky.
Fits easily into a standard tobacco pouch.
I like the flare this lens suffers from, although it isn’t as beautiful as that of the Super-Takumar lenses. Veiling can also be a problem in certain situations. Fortunately the lens is consistent regarding these “flaws” and it can therefore easily be avoided either with good filters, large hoods or common-sense photography. On the other hand, you also have the ability to intentionally and predictably produce nice flare.
The EF 24mm f/2·8 is also a nifty close-up lens, with the minimum focussing distance of 25 centimetres. Add a 250D filter and it can focus down to 12 centimetres. At the minimum some distortion shows, but this disappears very quickly from about 35 centimetres. Sharp at nearly all apertures, but f/11 is recommended for depth of view.
Lekker wide on a full-frame camera and in my opinion required optics for a 1·6x FoVCF camera, where it is roughly equivalent to a 38mm. Only I do feel it is priced a tad too much for such an old design, but luckily they can be found rather cheaply on the secondhand market (although scarce). If Canon were to update this lens — same optics — with USM and FTM focus, I’ll be first in line at the shops.
Recommended: YES!
Buy the Canon EF 24mm f/2·8 lens from: kalahari.net
Sample Photographs
Some flare, and it’s definitely time to clean that sensor again!
Canon EOS 30D – ISO 200, f/8 & 1/2000 sec.
© Robert I. Sadler, 2010