Canon EF 24mm f1.4L USM review

All the L lenses that I have tested are awesome, except this one. The lens has severe front focus (about 1.5-2.5 inches depending on the copy) at around f1.8. Some people call it soft focus but it is really a front focus issue if you know how to test for it. I bought and returned four of these trying to get a good one, only to find that it is a design flaw. It exists in the majority of the series II, but often even the pros don't notice it because it only shows up at specific f stops. I wish Canon would do something about it, check out the canon reviews on the canon site for more detail.

This lens is my personal favorite. For general photography, I'll walk out with this lens mounted and a 100mm in the bag for occasional long shots. I find little use for my zoom (17-40mm) when I've got the two lenses. The 24mm is very heavy, but the small dimensions make for good maneuverability.

The main point of this review, is that this lens can shoot f1.4 at 24mm, which is a unique class. At f1.4: Center sharpness is good, soft at the edges. There is noticeable edge distortion and fringing. A compromise for such a fast lens. I like the dreamlike, shallow depth of field with a wide field of view. The bokeh is very pleasing. Handheld shots benefit from being 2 stops faster than f2.8. When stopped down to f2.8, the traditional measures of lens performance is good. Another huge plus is a close focus distance.

It's a lens that can make an ordinary scene, pop.

This lens is my personal favorite. For general photography, I'll walk out with this lens mounted and a 100mm in the bag for occasional long shots. I find little use for my zoom (17-40mm) when I've got the two lenses. The 24mm is very heavy, but the small dimensions make for good maneuverability.

The main point of this review, is that this lens can shoot f1.4 at 24mm, which is a unique class. At f1.4: Center sharpness is good, soft at the edges. There is noticeable edge distortion and fringing. A compromise for such a fast lens. I like the dreamlike, shallow depth of field with a wide field of view. The bokeh is very pleasing. Handheld shots benefit from being 2 stops faster than f2.8. When stopped down to f2.8, the traditional measures of lens performance is good. Another huge plus is a close focus distance.

It's a lens that can make an ordinary scene, pop.

This lens is my personal favorite. For general photography, I'll walk out with this lens mounted and a 100mm in the bag for occasional long shots. I find little use for my zoom (17-40mm) when I've got the two lenses. The 24mm is very heavy, but the small dimensions make for good maneuverability. The main point of this review, is that this lens can shoot f1.4 at 24mm, which is a unique class. At f1.4: Center sharpness is good, soft at the edges. There is noticeable edge distortion and fringing. A compromise for such a fast lens. I like the dreamlike, shallow depth of field with a wide field of view. The bokeh is very pleasing. Handheld shots benefit from being 2 stops faster than f2.8. When stopped down to f2.8, the traditional measures of lens performance is good. Another huge plus is a close focus distance. It's a lens that can make an ordinary scene, pop.

I had researched Canon lenses. Have a 50 mm f 1.18 and love it, but needed more wide angle. Bought a 28mm f2.8 and it was ok. Lots of Glamor Shots type of pictures, not very sharp and it struggled in low light.

I was leaning toard the 24-70 L zoom, but wanted the most crisp, sharp, low-light wide angle I could find, so I took a chance on 24 mm L 1.4.

I thought I'd made a mistake at first,lots of muddy photos, but an occassional good one made me keep trying. Once I had a little experience with the f-stops, ISO, dioptic adjustments and manual focus, I am now taking more of the "WOW" pictures. Super crisp and sharp. Local newspaper has published several (and they are even better than the local newspaper photog's shots with their zoom lens cameras).

This is on a Canon XTi digital rebel.

I like to take most of my pics close up (20 feet or less) and this lens is THE ONE! Get the hood when you buy it and save youself some time. You will need it as the glass is right up to the edge of the rim.

Got it through Calumet and received fast delivery with no games or sales calls.