Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Autofocus Lens USA

  • Price: $1,661.00
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  • Offer ends MAR 3 '12
  • You Pay: $1,541.00
  • B&H # CA2414L2EF
  • Mfr# 2750B002

Product Highlights

  • Wide Angle
  • SWC (Sub Wavelength Coating)

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The Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Lens 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.

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.
Performance
Focal Length 24 mm
Aperture Maximum: f/1.4
Minimum: f/22
Camera Mount Type Canon EF
Format Compatibility 35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor
Canon (APS-C)
Angle of View 84°
Minimum Focus Distance 9.84" (25 cm)
Magnification 0.17x
Maximum Reproduction Ratio 1:5.88
Groups/Elements 10/13
Diaphragm Blades 8
Features
Image Stabilization No
Autofocus Yes
Tripod Collar No
Physical
Filter Thread 77 mm
Dimensions (DxL) Approx. 3.3 x 3.4" (8.38 x 8.64 cm)
Weight 1.43 lb (650 g)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Autofocus Lens
 
4.9

(based on 141 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (126)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (12)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (3)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

99%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Fast / accurate auto-focus (118)
  • Strong construction (99)
  • Durable (80)
  • Consistent output (76)
  • Nice bokeh (64)

Cons

  • Heavy (29)
  • Pricey / poor value (5)
  • Blurry focus (3)

Best Uses

  • Low light (103)
  • Landscape/scenery (96)
  • Night photography (78)
  • Weddings (77)
  • Video (40)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Pro photographer (56), Semi-pro photographer (33), Photo enthusiast (32), Casual photographer (7), Professional (4)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (102), Yes (4)

Most Liked Positive Review

 

Worth the wait ... both of them

I do a great deal of outdoor, available light photography and have wanted a fast 24 mm lens for over 25 years. When Canon announced the Mark II version last year, it was time...Read complete review

I do a great deal of outdoor, available light photography and have wanted a fast 24 mm lens for over 25 years. When Canon announced the Mark II version last year, it was time to ante up even though I believe they overpriced it by $200. I placed my order with a great deal of trepidation; could any lens live up to a quarter of a century of expectations?

The answer is, eventually, … “yes.”

Straight out of the box the lens was a disaster as it suffered from major league front focusing. A trip to a Canon Factory Service Center (It was out of my hands for 10 days) made it a whole new ball game. I mention this because it should have never passed Canon’s QC in the condition in which I received it. My gripe is not with B&H; it is with Canon.

Getting down to the nitty-gritty, this lens focuses so quietly that I thought it was broken. A few simple tests showed me that, yes it is focusing and if I listen real hard I might hear the USM. It is easily the quietest AF lens I have ever had the opportunity to use.

Using it wide open is tricky, as the depth of field is paper-thin at “close” distances. Never the less, when the photographer knows what he or she is doing, this lens, at f/1.4, produces images with startling clarity and focus … and it only gets better. Images taken with the lens stopped down even slightly are tack sharp with unbelievable contrast and brilliant color. I bet the new lens coatings Canon applies to the elements have something to do with this as well. Images show just a hint of vignetting, if you look for it, when used on a camera body equipped with an APS-C sensor.

The construction is typical “L” lens, built like a tank. The manual focus ring seems to glide rather than move and is very responsive. It feels “solid” and the balance on a 20D camera body is perfect.

Oh yes, the lens hood slips easily on and off, but is very secure when on.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

 

Great lens but mine didn't work well

It's really hard to say how I'd rate this lens, as the copy that I got wouldn't focus correctly beyond about 9 inches - it'd always frontfocus beyond that. As a lens that I ...Read complete review

It's really hard to say how I'd rate this lens, as the copy that I got wouldn't focus correctly beyond about 9 inches - it'd always frontfocus beyond that. As a lens that I could use fine during manual focus (@f/1.4), though, it served its purpose, and pretty well, as a fast, wide weather-sealed prime. I'm not a huge fan of the bokeh, and much prefer the 50 L (my favorite Canon lens), but in terms of a wide prime (which I'm looking for) there's not much else that'll beat it.

Reviewed by 141 customers

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5.0

Amazing

By Missie

from San Diego, CA

About Me Casual Photographer

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Consistent Output
  • Durable
  • Easily Interchangeable
  • Fast / accurate auto-focus
  • Nice Bokeh
  • Strong Construction

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Indoors/Low Light
    • Landscape/Scenery
    • Weddings/Events
    • Wildlife Photos

    Comments about Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Autofocus Lens:

    This is a great lens. It picks up on great detail, and also has a very creamy bokeh.

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Share this review

     
    4.0

    looks great

    By SSR

    from NYC

    About Me Semi-pro Photographer

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Consistent Output
    • Durable
    • Easily Interchangeable
    • Strong Construction

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Indoors/Low Light
      • Landscape/Scenery

      Comments about Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Autofocus Lens:

      Used with a 7D for somewhat close-up interviews- wide lens let me get in close without awkward cropping.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Share this review

       
      5.0

      Excellent len

      By windtower

      from San Jose, CA

      About Me Photo Enthusiast

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Consistent Output
      • Fast / accurate auto-focus

      Cons

      • Pricey but worth it

      Best Uses

      • Indoors/Low Light
      • Weddings/Events

      Comments about Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Autofocus Lens:

      I use it for shooting portrait most.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Share this review

       
      5.0

      love this lens

      By Larry

      from Monmouth Oregon

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Lightweight
      • Nice Bokeh
      • Strong Construction

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Indoors/Low Light
        • Landscape/Scenery
        • Video
        • Weddings/Events

        Comments about Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Autofocus Lens:

        I use this for landscape and everyday snap shots. It's got outstanding color.

        Share this review

         
        5.0

        EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Autofocus Lens by

        By Jim Shorts

        from Kansas City, Mo

        About Me Pro Photographer

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Durable
        • Strong Construction

        Cons

        • Heavy

        Best Uses

        • Indoors/Low Light
        • Landscape/Scenery
        • Night Photography
        • Video

        Comments about Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Autofocus Lens:

        Shallow depth of field and excellent for low light

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

         
        5.0

        Very good lens

        By Stormyboy

        from Bucharest, Romania

        About Me Pro Photographer

        See all my reviews

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Consistent Output
        • Durable
        • Fast / accurate auto-focus
        • Strong Construction

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Indoors/Low Light
          • Landscape/Scenery
          • Weddings/Events

          Comments about Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Autofocus Lens:

          Great fast wide lens. I use it a lot at every wedding i shot.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

           
          5.0

          Best decision I ever made

          By Miriam

          from New York

          About Me Photography Student

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Easily Interchangeable
          • Fast / accurate auto-focus
          • Nice Bokeh
          • Strong Construction

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Indoors/Low Light
            • Landscape/Scenery
            • Night Photography
            • Video
            • Weddings/Events

            Comments about Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Autofocus Lens:

            This is a beauty, which is to be expected with Canon's L series. The autofocus is fast and quiet (although I rarely use it), and images are decently sharp between f1.4 and 1.8 and very sharp at f1.8 and smaller. The driving force behind my decision to buy this lens after extensive research is the 1.4 aperture capability, which is so invaluable for someone who doesn't often use flash like myself.

            I bought this lens along with a Canon 5D Mark II, and am still getting used to the weight of both the camera and lens, a step up from the less durable Rebel series. The lens is solidly constructed and balances nicely with my 5D.

            As a pretty wide-angle lens, it serves its purpose fabulously. I actually have been using it as my all-purpose lenses; the only thing it's not good for are portraits and macro work, but that is to be expected of a 24mm. I can't wait to get my hands on the 50mm L lens, but I have to save up enough money first!

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Share this review

            (1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

             
            3.0

            Too bulky and heavy compared to 1st gen

            By piggie

            from nyc

            About Me Pro Photographer

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Consistent Output

            Cons

            • Heavy

            Best Uses

              Comments about Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Autofocus Lens:

              This lens is more bulky and heavy compared to the 24mm first generation. So far, I haven't experienced any noticeable improvements from the previous model.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

               
              5.0

              Superb Lens

              By David

              from Calgary, AB, Canada

              About Me Semi-pro Photographer

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Consistent Output
              • Fast / accurate auto-focus
              • Nice Bokeh
              • Strong Construction
              • Weather sealed

              Cons

              • High price

              Best Uses

              • architectural
              • Indoors/Low Light
              • Landscape/Scenery
              • Night Photography
              • Weddings/Events

              Comments about Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Autofocus Lens:

              This lens does live up to L lens quality. It is really sharp out of the box with no micro adjustments needed.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

               
              5.0

              Best prime lens ever!

              By Dyan :)

              from Orlando, florida

              About Me Photo Enthusiast

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Fast / accurate auto-focus
              • Lightweight
              • Strong Construction

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Indoors/Low Light
                • Weddings/Events

                Comments about Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Autofocus Lens:

                Very sharp and clear! Very light weight! Best prime lens ever!

                • Was this a gift?:
                • Yes

                Share this review

                (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                 
                5.0

                Good quality

                By Jorge Kick

                from Guadalajara, Mexico

                About Me Pro Photographer

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                • Nice Bokeh
                • Strong Construction

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • Indoors/Low Light
                  • Night Photography
                  • Weddings/Events

                  Comments about Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Autofocus Lens:

                  I've never work with it before, and it's just great!

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  Share this review

                   
                  5.0

                  Great Lens

                  By Mark 8

                  from UK

                  About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Easily Interchangeable
                  • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                  • Strong Construction

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                      Comments about Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Autofocus Lens:

                      A definite buy.

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Share this review

                      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                       
                      5.0

                      One of the best prime L lens!

                      By Jack

                      from Vancouver, BC

                      About Me Photo Enthusiast

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                      • Lightweight
                      • Strong Construction

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

                        • Indoors/Low Light
                        • Landscape/Scenery
                        • Night Photography
                        • Video

                        Comments about Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Autofocus Lens:

                        I'm completely satisfied with this lens. It's sharp at f/1.4 and extremely sharp when stopped down to f/1.8! This is one of the best L lenses I have.

                        • Was this a gift?:
                        • No

                        Share this review

                        (0 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                         
                        5.0

                        Excellent Prime Lens

                        By Duramaxtuner.com

                        from Union, IL

                        About Me Pro Photographer

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                        • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                        • Nice Bokeh

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                          • Landscape/Scenery
                          • Macro Photography

                          Comments about Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Autofocus Lens:

                          A lot of shoots require a wide angle lens in our business. This is a great addition to your collection of Primes. Not to mention being a premium USM II lens. This is one of the lenses you never part with. Period. Buy It!

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

                          Share this review

                          (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                           
                          5.0

                          Terrific lens

                          By Gabriel

                          from Pointe-Claire, Qc

                          About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Consistent Output
                          • Durable
                          • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                          • Rugged
                          • Strong Construction

                          Cons

                            Best Uses

                            • Indoors/Low Light
                            • Landscape/Scenery
                            • Night Photography
                            • Video
                            • Weddings/Events

                            Comments about Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Autofocus Lens:

                            Really sharp wide open, where I use it 90% of the time. Interesting portraits with shallow DOF when used close to the subject. Excellent for interior, low light shots. Short focusing distance, I used it in some product shots as well for a different look. Finally, this is now the only lens I use for video on a crop sensor. I found out that 24mm is wide enough for me, and stopped using the 2.8 zoom after buying this lens – it really is that good.

                            • Was this a gift?:
                            • No

                            Share this review

                             
                            5.0

                            What else can I say abou it?

                            By Marcelo

                            from Belo Horizonte, Brasil

                            About Me Pro Photographer

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

                            • Consistent Output
                            • Durable
                            • Easily Interchangeable
                            • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                            • Lightweight
                            • Strong Construction

                            Cons

                              Best Uses

                              • Indoors/Low Light
                              • Night Photography
                              • Video
                              • Weddings/Events

                              Comments about Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Autofocus Lens:

                              I think everything that should be said about this lens is ever said. It's a "must have" for canon DSLR users.

                              Use: wedding videography
                              To be perfect for video it could feature optical stabilization.

                              • Was this a gift?:
                              • No

                              Share this review

                               
                              5.0

                              Awesome Lens

                              By Michael Justin Films

                              from New York

                              About Me Pro Photographer

                              Verified Buyer

                              Pros

                              • Durable
                              • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                              • Rugged
                              • Strong Construction

                              Cons

                                Best Uses

                                • Indoors/Low Light
                                • Landscape/Scenery
                                • Night Photography
                                • Video
                                • Weddings/Events

                                Comments about Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Autofocus Lens:

                                I use it for Professional Videography. Very sharp and performs extremely well in low light. At 24mm, I can shoot hand held, get enough light into the camera, and not deal w/ shaky footage.

                                • Was this a gift?:
                                • No

                                Share this review

                                 
                                5.0

                                It's the lens you must own

                                By Autumn

                                from Vancouver

                                About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                                Verified Buyer

                                Pros

                                • Consistent Output
                                • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                                • Strong Construction

                                Cons

                                  Best Uses

                                  • Indoors/Low Light
                                  • Night Photography

                                  Comments about Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Autofocus Lens:

                                  It's the best lens I have ever use.

                                  • Was this a gift?:
                                  • No

                                  Share this review

                                   
                                  5.0

                                  Wicked sharp and fast

                                  By Abarbs30

                                  from Denver, CO

                                  About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                                  Verified Buyer

                                  Pros

                                  • Consistent Output
                                  • Durable
                                  • Easily Interchangeable
                                  • Nice Bokeh
                                  • Rugged
                                  • Strong Construction

                                  Cons

                                  • Heavy
                                  • Slow Focus

                                  Best Uses

                                  • Indoors/Low Light
                                  • Landscape/Scenery
                                  • Night Photography
                                  • Video

                                  Comments about Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Autofocus Lens:

                                  Picked this up to try it out. Instantly impressed by the shallow DOF and the center sharpness when wide open. Corners become tack sharp are you go to f2 and above, but do you really need corner sharpness when you are in the F1's.... Focusing is a little slow.

                                  Great wide angle lens on a full frame!

                                  • Was this a gift?:
                                  • No

                                  Share this review

                                  (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                                   
                                  5.0

                                  One of my favorite lenses.

                                  By isencela

                                  from new york

                                  About Me Photo Enthusiast

                                  Verified Buyer

                                  Pros

                                  • Fast / accurate auto-focus

                                  Cons

                                    Best Uses

                                    • Indoors/Low Light
                                    • Landscape/Scenery
                                    • Night Photography
                                    • Weddings/Events

                                    Comments about Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Autofocus Lens:

                                    Great wide angle lens, super sharp and no distortion at the edges like other wide-angle lenses.

                                    • Was this a gift?:
                                    • No

                                    Share this review

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