Canon's newest fixed length L-series lens, the EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM, incorporates the newest in Canon lens technology for spectacular sharpness and impressive performance at all settings. It features two high-precision, large-diameter aspherical lenses for sharpness across the sensor, even in peripheral areas of full-frame sensors. Lens elements have a newly-designed anti-reflective SWC (Sub Wavelength Coating) that departs from conventional coatings by using an extremely fine structure that minimizes ghosting and flaring across the lens surface, regardless of the angle with which light enters or exits. It also features two UD lens elements to minimize chromatic aberrations, incorporates rear-focusing, ultrasonic, quiet and high-speed AF with full-time manual override. A circular aperture provides beautiful out-of-focus detail and offers legendary dust- and water-resistant L-series construction using only lead-free glass.

UPDATE: Post your review

• Focal Length & Maximum Aperture: 24mm 1:1.4
• Lens Construction: 13 elements in 10 groups
• Aspherical and UD lens elements for correction of chromatic aberration. (2 UD Lens Elements)
• Circular aperture for pleasing bokeh. (8 blades)
• Lead-free glass
• Diagonal Angle of View: 84°
• Focus Adjustment: Rear focusing system with USM
• Closest Focusing Distance: 3.0 in./77mm
• Maximum magnification: 0.17x
• Filter Size: 77mm
• Max. Diameter x Length, Weight: 3.4 in./86.9mm; 22.9 oz./650g
• Lens hood and pouch supplied
• Weather sealed
• Provides distance information for E-TTL II flash metering

For more info, please check Canon's website directly.

Had my 24L since its inception, and it's easily my favorite lens. Can't wait for this one!

This looks like a spicey lens to me.

I wonder if they finally have updated the "ancient" AF algorythms of the mkI version...

No coincidence they released it together with the 5D2 landscape/commercial cam

How would the 24II hold up against the new Zeiss 21mm?

BTW No IS

Iīm getting one, not even gonna bother looking for reviews. This is one of the key issues why i switched from Nikon.

I'm sure it'll be sensational, but that MTF curve looks crap.

The MTF chart doesn't look very impressive. In fact, I think the old 24/1.4L looks better than this. What gives

Why do you think Zeiss has announced the ZE line?

Those new megapixel monsters will require the very best lenses.

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/683641/3#6130896

It seems that Canon is listening to me....

But I must agree with Whayn. The MTF does look bad.

Happy shooting,
Yakim.

Can't wait to see a shootout between the 24/1.4L II and the ZE 21/2.8 .... and I will go with the winner!

Was planning on getting a 24L anyways, this makes the mk1 cheaper, or this one much better.

bobbytan wrote:
Can't wait to see a shootout between the 24/1.4L II and the ZE 21/2.8 .... and I will go with the winner!

+1

Why couldn't they release something new, like an 18mm L

Guess I'll stick to my CZ 18mm.

The new ZE 21/2.8 and the EF 24/1.4 have very different attributes if you ask me.
I have the old 24/1.4, and it's already sensational by f/2. The ZE may win in ultimate resolution when stopped down, but I still think the extra two stops of the Canon, along with AF if you need it, makes it far more versatlie. If Zeiss have delivered anything like the old 21 Distagon, and I expect they have, the ZE would be the choice for stopped-down landscape work approaching MF quality.
Horses for courses really.

Stu Warner wrote:
The new ZE 21/2.8 and the EF 24/1.4 have very different attributes if you ask me.
I have the old 24/1.4, and it's already sensational by f/2. The ZE may win in ultimate resolution when stopped down, but I still think the extra two stops of the Canon, along with AF if you need it, makes it far more versatlie. If Zeiss have delivered anything like the old 21 Distagon, and I expect they have, the ZE would be the choice for stopped-down landscape work approaching MF quality.
Horses for courses really.


Yes 24L is a low light, ultra-thin DOF master and 21 distagon is a corner-to-corner tack sharp master, the perfect landscape, architecture lens. Different uses IMO, although the 24L II would no doubt make an excellent landscape lens too.

I've been holding off on the 24L lens as I have that FL covered about 15 times, but if this performs better than the chart suggests I might think about it.

Lord knows I won't be buying that 5d2 thing for quite a while....

For the Uninitiated - Would someone please explain why the MTF is not as good as might be hoped for ?

Hoping to learn ...

Aussie_User wrote:
For the Uninitiated - Would someone please explain why the MTF is not as good as might be hoped for ?

Hoping to learn ...

This should help you out nicely

http://luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/understanding-series/understanding-mtf.shtml

Well, Im no expert on MTF reading, but that doesnt show stopped down lines at all?

"keep in mind that the black lines show the lens wide open while the blue lines show the lens stopped down to f/8"

Red = "the higher up the chart the 10 LP/mm line is (the thick lines), the higher the contrast reproduction capability of the lens will be."

Blue = "the higher up the chart the 30 LP/mm line is (the thin lines), the higher the resolving power and thus subjective sharpness of the lens will be."


Old


New


So, comparing the red/blue to the black lines it seems new one is actually better, especially in corners?

Someone smarter correct if thats wrong.

I've got the 24L Mk1 which I would think is still good enough for use on the 5D2 (if I buy one). Unless the new 24 is remarkably better than my exisiting lens I think I will save up for the new 35L f1.4 Mk2 instead (there are rumours that this lens may be in the Canon pipeline somewhere).

As my old 24L is being deleted from the current lineup, how long should I expect Canon to continue being able to repair it?

My copy was built 1998 and still works like new. You expect yours to fail sometime soon?

I'm more interested in comparisons between this and the 16-35 II at 24mm.....

W00t! 24mm goodness here I come. I was just about to buy the MK1 and this was announced.

wtlloyd wrote:
I'm more interested in comparisons between this and the 16-35 II at 24mm.....

Assuming this will be better than the old 24, result of that comparison would be pretty clear.

http://tinyurl.com/24vs1635ii

Shuko

"You expect yours to fail sometime soon? "

No, I'm just paranoid !

I love lowlight photography, but both of my fast wides are now old models, as they cost me alot of money I'd like to keep them going as long as possible.

Wow, this is the first time I have owned an MkI of a lens when a MkII has been released. Now I know how it feels. I feel loyal to my 24; it's such a sweet pup. I'm sure I won't upgrade :-)

The new one looks a good bit more compact. The MTF is in error; no f8 lines. The wide open lines shown are a bit better, certainly smother curves w/o the crazy wiggles of the original's.

I look forward to seeing reviews (like to suffer)