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Canon EF 24 2.8 IS USM

User Review

Peter Kun Frary

The original EF 24 2.8 was in my bag for twenty years and due an upgrade. A few clicks and UPS deposited a new EF 24 2.8 IS USM on my doorstep. Here's my spiel on this able optic.

Equisetum hyemale | EOS Rebel SL1 and EF 24 2.8 IS USM | F8

This review consists of my opinions and observations as a hobbyist. No scientific measurements, MFT charts or pixel peeking comparisons will be found here.

Compatibility

The EF 24 2.8 IS USM works on all Canon EOS DSLR cameras, both full frame and APS-C (1.6X), such as the EOS 6D and Rebel SL3. It will also work on EOS R and M series mirrorless cameras with a mount adapter. It does not fit non-Canon cameras such as Pentax, Nikon, Fuji, etc.

Construction

Construction feels durable and solid in hand: metal mount, quality plastics and silky manual focus. Although a little larger and heavier than the previous model, it's still small, light (280g) and takes the same size filters (58mm). The updated cosmetics and fingerprint resistant matte finish are attractive and professional in appearance.

EF 24 2.8 IS USM | Steady and sturdy (image courtesy Canon)

Image Quality

Wide open it delivers sharp images with smooth bokeh. Out of focus highlights are pleasantly smooth and round. Stopping down only slightly improves sharpness as it's already very good. There's a tiny amount of chromatic aberration (CA) in high contrast areas at F2.8—branches against bright sky—but stopping down reduces it to nominal amounts. There's virtually no flare or ghosting in images of sunsets or streetlights. And distortion is well corrected, making it idea for architecture and artwork.

Seeing Red | EOS 90D and EF 24 2.8 IS USM

There is a moderate amount of light falloff at F2.8. Stop down and light falloff reduces considerably. No biggie since landscapes are normally shot between F8 and F16. If you live at F2.8 and frequently include sweeping views of blue skies in your pictures, light falloff may be an issue, albeit it's easy to correct in DPP or Lightroom.

The EF 24 2.8 IS USM is a significant improvement over the original EF 24 2.8: increased corner sharpness, silent and blazing fast USM focus and image stabilization. Center sharpness and contrast of both lenses are about the same at F4 and higher, although the newer design has much less purple fringing.

I also compared it to my EF-s 24 2.8 STM and optical quality is similar on APS-C format. Of course, the EF-s 24 2.8 STM doesn't mount on full frame or have IS. Finally, compared to the 24mm end of my 24-105 4L IS USM, F4 sharpness is similar but the prime has significantly less light falloff and barrel distortion.

Lucky Jacket | EOS Rebel SL1 and EF 24 2.8 IS USM

Auto Focus

The ring-type USM yields blazing fast and silent AF on my EOS 6D MK II and 90D. AF accurately locks in any light I can see in. However, the 24 2.8 IS isn't the best choice for video with first generation movie servo enabled DLSRs like the SL1 and 70D. However, it focuses surprisingly smooth with second generation movie servo, e.g., 80D, 77D and 6D MK II. And, yes, you need an external mic or outboard audio since the USM motor, although silent to all but doggie ears, produces strange chirps with build-in mics.

Green Leaf | EOS Rebel SL1 and EF 24 2.8 IS USM | F5.6

Macro and video buffs will love manual focus: well dampened, smooth, no slop/play and long throw for smooth transitions. Manual focus is always available—no focus by wire!—without flipping a switch or touching the shutter button: simply grab the well ribbed MF ring and turn. The front element doesn't rotate during AF operation, making polarizing filter use a breeze.

Image Stabilization

The inclusion of image stabilization (IS) kicked it over the top for me: three stops of slower hand holdable shutter speeds than I can normally muster. Canon's claim of four stops was a no-go for me. I suspect a more steady handed photographer might squeeze out that fourth stop. Nevertheless, with F2.8 and IS engaged and I can hand hold my camera and nail amazingly sharp images of evening street scenes, dim bars and stages.

Green 'n Blue | EOS Rebel SL1 and EF 24 2.8 IS USM

EW-65B Hood

A hood helps protect the front element from dust, fingerprints, doggie noses, rain and flare. The hood isn't included and Canon charges an unreasonable $50 for the EW-65B hood. So I bought the JJC HEW65B Lens Hood instead, a knockoff with 90% of OEM quality at 25% of OEM cost. Looks good, fits well and works great albeit no rayon flocking.

EW-65B Hood | Hood for the EF 24 2.8 IS USM (image courtesy Canon)

Last Blurb

The reason to own this lens is the unique combination of tiny size, image stabilization and excellent image quality. I own several lenses with the last two attributes but they ain't so tiny! I find the moderately wide perspective—84 degrees on full frame—ideal for landscapes, architecture and showing a subject in its environment. On an APS-C camera—Rebel, 80D or 90D—this lens is between a semi-wide and normal perspective and makes a great walk around lens. It stayed mounted on my SL1 for months at a time. All in all an impressive optic and one I'll keep in my bag for a long time.

Finally, please help support this website by purchasing this lens at Amazon.

Specifications

Focal Length: 24mm

Aperture: F2.8 to 22

Lens Construction: 11 elements in 9 groups

Min. Focusing Distance: 0.66 ft. / 0.2m

Maximum Magnification: .17x

Angle of View (Diagonal): 84° (full frame)

No. of Diaphragm Blades: 7

Diameter & Length: 2.69 x 2.19 inches / 68.4 x 55.7mm

Weight: 9.9oz/280g

Included Accessories: lens caps

Cost: $599

Image Samples

09/16/2014 | Revised 10/31/2023