Photo: Ashley Pomeroy (talk) (CC BY 3.0)
Quick answer
A small, light 1988 wide prime with a conventional focus motor rather than USM. It is a basic design with a 58mm filter thread.
Pros
- Very light at about 270g
- Compact
- Close focus of 0.25m
Cons
- Slow, buzzy autofocus
- No full-time manual focus
- Softer corners and some distortion
Verdict
A basic, light wide prime. The EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM is a clear step up.
About this lens
The Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 is a wide-angle prime lens covering 24mm at f/2.8 for Canon EF mount cameras. The wide view suits landscapes, architecture and environmental shots.
Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 specifications
- Brand
- Canon
- Mount
- Canon EF
- Focal length
- 24mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/24.0
- Lens type
- Prime
- Format coverage
- full-frame
- Released
- 1988
- Optical construction
- 10 elements in 10 groups
- Aperture blades
- 6
- Minimum focus distance
- 0.25 m
- Maximum magnification
- 0.16x
- Filter thread
- 58 mm
- Weight
- 270 g
- Length
- 48.5 mm
- Diameter
- 67.5 mm
Specification source: global.canon
What can you shoot with the Canon EF 24mm f/2.8?
- Casual wide-angle work
- Street photography
- Film bodies
Its smaller maximum aperture favours daylight shooting and keeps the lens compact.
Full-frame equivalent and field of view
Calculated from the focal length and crop factor. Not measured.
| Sensor | Crop | Equivalent | Horizontal FOV | Diagonal FOV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full frame | 1.0x | 24mm | 73.7° | 84.1° |
| APS-C | 1.6x | 38mm | 50.2° | 58.8° |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 a full-frame lens?
Yes, it covers full frame and also fits APS-C EF bodies, where it frames like a 38mm lens.
Does the EF 24mm f/2.8 have USM?
No, it uses a conventional micro-type motor, so focusing is slower and louder than on USM lenses.
How does it compare with the EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM?
The IS USM version adds stabilization and USM, and focuses closer at 0.2m. Both take 58mm filters.
Alternatives for Canon EF from other brands
All Canon EF lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.
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