But Expensive!

There was a time when 35mm was the first wide-angle lens that a photographer would opt for. As lens designs and performance started improving, many chose the 28mm as their first wide-angle lens. The trend has now shifted to 24mm which not only provides extreme depth of field, but has now transformed itself into a much-sought-after lens for initiated photographers who love to experiment with the dynamic perspectives that the lens offers. Canon also offers a f/1.4 version ( EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM), but its MRP is not for the faint hearted! The EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM will serve you well for most purposes.

Design and Build Quality

The Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM is a prime lens designed for full-frame camera bodies. Its shell is made from engineering plastic, but is well finished and seems adequately strong. The lens has no aperture ring. Communication between the lens and the body is via 7 gold-plated contacts. The lens mount is made of metal.

Key Features

For an ultra-wide-angle lens, the EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM is small; the lens maintains its cylindrical shape throughout, unlike some such lenses that offer a larger front element. A distance scale (in feet and meters) is provided under a plastic cover in the mid-section of the lens. The metric scale, marked in white, is very easy to see even in low light, but the other scale (feet) marked in green is a bit difficult to read. A Focus Mode switch (AF/MF) is provided to the left of the lens. Full-time manual override is possible even when in AF mode. Next to the Focus Mode switch is the Image Stabilizer ( IS) switch. The stabilizer offers a 4-stop shake reduction along with a ring-type USM ( Ultra Sonic Motor), coupled to a Central Processing Unit for quick and accurate autofocussing. Flare and ghosting are minimised due to special lens coatings. Minimum focussing distance is 0.20m (0.66 ft), while its 7-bladed diaphragm delivers smooth ‘ bokeh’. Depth of field scale is offered but only for f/11 and f/22. A red lens mount index helps to align the lens correctly with the camera body. The lens weighs a mere 280 g and the filter size is 58mm diameter.

Ergonomics

Being small and lightweight, the lens was very easy to use. It offered stunning perspectives when used close to various subjects (though I would not consider it for close-up portraits!). The lens, due to its internal focussing system, maintains its length when focussing.

Performance

We tested the lens using a Canon EOS 650 body as well as a EOS 5D Mark III body. Autofocussing was fast with both, and the focussing ring rotated smoothly. Initially, I was a bit surprised to see a Image Stabilizer on such a wide