Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens

Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens — image 1
Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens — image 2
Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens — image 3
Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens — image 4
Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens — image 5
87%
93%
Autofocus Performance
89%
Image Quality (Sharpness)
91%
Portability and Design
88%
Bokeh Quality
85%
Low Light Performance
90%
Ease of Use
92%
Value for Money
80%
Build Quality
75%
Fixed Focal Length
94%
Travel Suitability
87%
Compatibility with APS-C Cameras
82%
Overall Durability
More

Overview

The Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens is a compact and lightweight wide-angle lens designed for Canon APS-C cameras. Its small size makes it an excellent choice for photographers who need portability without sacrificing image quality. Perfect for general photography, street photography, and landscapes, this lens offers high resolution with minimal distortion, ensuring crisp, clear shots even in wide-angle settings. Its slim profile also makes it a great companion for travel, fitting easily into a camera bag without adding extra bulk. Whether you're shooting a bustling city street or serene landscapes, this lens provides impressive performance.

Features & Benefits

This 24mm STM lens features a versatile 24mm focal length, offering a 38mm equivalent field of view on full-frame cameras. The f/2.8 aperture allows for good low-light performance and the ability to create a shallow depth of field. Its STM motor ensures smooth and quiet autofocus, ideal for video work, while the circular aperture with 7 blades creates beautiful, creamy bokeh in out-of-focus areas. The lens is incredibly slim, making it easy to carry and use for extended shooting sessions without fatigue. These features combine to provide a well-rounded option for photographers and videographers alike.

Best For

This Canon wide-angle lens is a fantastic choice for those looking for a lightweight and portable option. It's well-suited for Canon APS-C DSLR users who want a fast, wide-angle lens for shooting landscapes, street photography, and general everyday scenes. Content creators, in particular, will appreciate the smooth autofocus that ensures high-quality video recordings. Additionally, its compact form and impressive image quality make it ideal for travel photography, where space and weight are at a premium. If you want a reliable, versatile lens that doesn’t weigh you down, this 24mm STM lens is a great option.

User Feedback

Users consistently praise this lens for its sharpness and image quality, especially in the center, making it a favorite among landscape and street photographers. Its lightweight design is another standout feature, with many finding it perfect for long days of shooting or travel. However, some users note the limited zoom range, as it’s a prime lens with a fixed 24mm focal length, which can be restrictive in certain situations. On the positive side, autofocus is reported to be fast, silent, and smooth, making it ideal for video. Additionally, the bokeh effect is often highlighted for its pleasant and creamy appearance in portraits.

#SLR Camera Lenses
#Camera Lenses
#Lenses
#Camera & Photo
#Electronics

Pros

  • The lightweight design makes it easy to carry for long periods, perfect for travel and street photography.
  • Autofocus performance is fast and silent, making it ideal for video recording and live setups.
  • Sharp image quality, especially in the center, is highly praised by users for general photography.
  • The f/2.8 aperture allows for decent low-light performance while maintaining a shallow depth of field.
  • Compact size makes it a great choice for photographers who prefer minimal gear.
  • The circular aperture with 7 blades creates a smooth bokeh effect that enhances portrait shots.

Cons

  • The fixed 24mm focal length can feel restrictive for those used to zoom lenses.
  • Not as fast as some lenses with wider apertures, making it less suitable for very low-light conditions.
  • Build quality feels plasticky, which may concern users looking for a more durable lens.
  • Limited to Canon APS-C DSLR cameras, which excludes full-frame camera users.
  • The lens is not weather-sealed, which may be a drawback for outdoor or adventure photographers.
  • Some users find the lack of zoom limiting for versatile shooting situations.

Ratings

After analyzing a wide range of verified user reviews from multiple languages and platforms, the Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens has earned strong praise for its performance, portability, and image quality. Spam, bot-generated, and incentivized reviews have been filtered out, ensuring that only genuine, high-quality feedback informs these scores. Both strengths and pain points are reflected in the ratings, providing a balanced view of this popular lens from users worldwide.

Autofocus Performance
93%
Many users highlight the smooth and silent autofocus of this lens, making it a great choice for both photography and video work. The STM motor ensures fast focusing, even in low light, and contributes to a seamless experience when shooting moving subjects or recording videos. Content creators particularly appreciate its quiet operation during video recording sessions.
A few users mention that while autofocus is fast and reliable in most situations, it can struggle with very fast-moving subjects or in dimly lit environments. Although it works well in most casual scenarios, some professionals may find it less responsive in more challenging conditions.
Image Quality (Sharpness)
89%
The lens delivers sharp and crisp images, especially in the center of the frame. Many reviewers mention that it performs well even at f/2.8, providing high contrast and minimal chromatic aberration. Users find it especially effective for landscape and street photography, where fine details are crucial.
While most users praise the sharpness, some mention that the edges of the frame can be slightly softer, particularly when shooting wide open. It's a common trait for many wide-angle prime lenses, but a few users feel it limits the lens's overall versatility, especially for large prints or high-resolution crops.
Portability and Design
91%
The lightweight and compact design of this lens makes it ideal for travel photography. Weighing just 4.4 ounces, it doesn't add much bulk to your camera setup, allowing for extended shooting sessions without fatigue. The slim profile is perfect for those who prioritize portability during long hikes or city walks.
While the small size is generally appreciated, some users find the lens a bit too compact, leading to occasional difficulties in handling or achieving a firm grip. For users with larger hands, the lightweight design can feel less stable, especially when using the lens for longer periods or in windy conditions.
Bokeh Quality
88%
This lens creates a smooth and aesthetically pleasing bokeh, particularly useful for portraits and subject isolation. The circular aperture with 7 blades contributes to the soft, natural look of out-of-focus areas. Many photographers appreciate how it enhances the overall look of their images, especially when shooting at wide apertures.
Some users feel the bokeh can appear slightly harsh or less uniform at times, especially in highly contrasted lighting conditions. While most find it pleasing, a few professional photographers would prefer a bit more control over the bokeh's quality, particularly in more demanding portrait work.
Low Light Performance
85%
With its f/2.8 maximum aperture, this lens performs well in low-light conditions. Many users find it delivers bright, clear images even in dim environments, making it suitable for both indoor events and nighttime street photography. The aperture allows for more creative control over depth of field in challenging lighting.
While the lens handles low light better than many other options in its class, some users mention that it struggles a bit compared to faster lenses with wider apertures. In extremely low-light situations, autofocus can be slower, and image quality may degrade slightly due to increased noise and lower sharpness at higher ISOs.
Ease of Use
90%
This lens is simple to use, with intuitive controls and a straightforward design. The fixed focal length encourages users to think more about composition, helping beginners learn essential photography techniques. Many users find it a pleasure to use for everyday shoots, as it requires little adjustment beyond focus and aperture.
Some users may feel limited by the fixed focal length, particularly those used to zoom lenses. The 24mm perspective might not be versatile enough for all types of shooting, especially for those who prefer more flexibility in their compositions. It can be a bit too restrictive for certain situations.
Value for Money
92%
Many buyers consider this lens an excellent value for money, given its high-quality performance at an affordable price point. It offers great sharpness, a solid build, and versatile functionality without the hefty price tag of professional-grade lenses. Its performance in both photography and video applications is another reason it stands out.
While the lens provides strong value, a few buyers believe that it could be priced slightly lower to compete with other affordable wide-angle lenses in the market. However, most agree that the quality justifies the price, even if it's a little above what some would expect for a prime lens.
Build Quality
80%
20%
The lens is well-constructed, with a solid, durable feel for its size. Users appreciate that it feels robust enough for everyday use and travel, and it holds up well to normal wear and tear. The overall design balances lightweight portability with a feeling of sturdiness.
A few users report concerns with the build quality, particularly the plastic construction of certain components. While the lens feels durable, it may not stand up to heavy use over time, especially if subjected to frequent drops or exposure to harsh conditions. Some users wished for a more premium build.
Fixed Focal Length
75%
25%
For photographers who enjoy working with prime lenses, the fixed focal length of this lens offers a sharp, focused perspective that encourages creative shooting. It’s perfect for capturing wide-angle shots, especially in landscapes and street scenes, where the fixed field of view can help simplify composition.
Many users point out the limitation of the fixed 24mm focal length, especially for those accustomed to zoom lenses. Some find themselves needing a wider or longer focal length for different shooting scenarios, and this lack of flexibility can feel restrictive, particularly for those who prefer more adaptable gear.
Travel Suitability
94%
This lens is highly praised for its suitability as a travel companion. Its compact size and light weight make it easy to carry on long trips, and it performs well in various settings—from landscapes to street photography. Photographers traveling light often prefer this lens for its versatility and excellent portability.
Despite its travel-friendly design, some users feel that the 24mm focal length might not be wide enough for certain travel situations, such as capturing expansive vistas. It might require additional lenses for more specific types of shots, which could reduce the convenience for those looking for an all-in-one solution.
Compatibility with APS-C Cameras
87%
This lens performs exceptionally well on Canon APS-C cameras, providing a 38mm equivalent field of view. It’s designed specifically for this sensor type, allowing users to achieve the best results without worrying about compatibility issues. Many buyers note that it pairs seamlessly with their Canon DSLR systems.
Some users with full-frame or non-Canon APS-C cameras may find the lens unsuitable for their needs. The lens is specifically designed for APS-C sensors, and it doesn’t offer the versatility of a full-frame compatible lens, which could limit its appeal for those planning to upgrade their gear.
Overall Durability
82%
18%
Users find this lens quite durable for its size and weight, with many noting that it holds up well to everyday use and travel. The lens’s overall design ensures it can withstand typical handling, and it's not overly fragile, making it suitable for more adventurous shooting environments.
Some users feel that the overall durability could be better, especially in comparison to more expensive lenses. While it's built to handle normal use, it's not as rugged as higher-end models, and users may need to be cautious in extreme conditions like heavy rain or dust.

Suitable for:

The Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens is ideal for photographers and content creators seeking a lightweight, versatile lens for Canon APS-C DSLR cameras. It's particularly beneficial for those who prioritize portability, such as travelers or street photographers, as its compact design makes it easy to carry for extended periods. Users who need smooth autofocus for video work will appreciate the STM motor, which ensures quiet and fast focusing. It's also great for landscape and general photography, thanks to its sharp center performance and minimal distortion. If you're looking for a high-quality wide-angle lens that offers reliable performance without the bulk, this lens will fit well into your gear bag.

Not suitable for:

This lens may not be the best option for those who need more flexibility in their focal length range, as the fixed 24mm design can feel limiting. While great for general photography, street, and landscape shots, those who prefer zoom lenses or need a wider focal range for certain scenarios might find it restrictive. Additionally, while it performs well in low light, it's not as fast as lenses with wider apertures, so users working in very dim environments or with fast-moving subjects may find its autofocus sluggish. Professional photographers or those shooting in challenging conditions might prefer a more robust, weather-sealed lens with greater versatility.

Specifications

  • Focal Length: The lens has a fixed 24mm focal length, providing a wide field of view ideal for landscapes and street photography.
  • Aperture: The maximum aperture of f/2.8 allows for good low-light performance and a shallow depth of field.
  • Autofocus Type: The lens uses STM (Stepping Motor) technology, ensuring smooth, fast, and quiet autofocus, particularly useful for video recording.
  • Field of View: On Canon APS-C cameras, this lens offers a field of view equivalent to 38mm on full-frame cameras.
  • Minimum Focusing Distance: The minimum focusing distance is 0.16 meters (0.5 feet), allowing for close-up photography and detailed shots.
  • Aperture Blades: The lens features a circular aperture with 7 blades, contributing to smooth and aesthetically pleasing bokeh.
  • Weight: Weighing just 4.4 ounces (125 grams), this lens is lightweight and ideal for travel and handheld shooting.
  • Dimensions: The lens has compact dimensions of 0.91 x 2.68 x 2.68 inches, making it easy to carry and use for extended periods.
  • Lens Type: This is a prime lens with a fixed focal length of 24mm, offering sharper results than zoom lenses in its range.
  • Compatibility: This lens is compatible with Canon APS-C DSLR cameras, such as the EOS 90D and EOS Rebel series.
  • Build Material: The lens body is primarily made of plastic, ensuring a lightweight construction but may lack the durability of metal-bodied lenses.
  • Bokeh Effect: The circular aperture design helps produce smooth bokeh in out-of-focus areas, making it a good choice for portraiture.
  • Weather Sealing: This lens does not feature weather sealing, so it may not be suitable for extreme weather conditions or heavy outdoor use.
  • Ideal Usage: The lens is well-suited for general photography, including street, landscape, and travel photography, due to its portability and image quality.
  • Image Quality: Users have praised the lens for its sharpness, especially in the center, with minimal distortion for its wide-angle range.
  • Prime Lens: Being a prime lens, it lacks zoom functionality but provides superior image quality at its fixed focal length.
  • Maximum Aperture: With a maximum aperture of f/2.8, this lens offers a balance of low-light capability and depth of field control.
  • Close Focus: The lens allows for close focus, making it versatile for capturing detailed textures and small subjects.
  • Video Recording: The smooth and silent autofocus performance makes this lens ideal for video recording, especially in dynamic shooting situations.

FAQ

This lens is ideal for photographers using Canon APS-C DSLR cameras who need a compact, lightweight wide-angle lens. It excels in street photography, landscape photography, and everyday shooting, offering sharp image quality and a wide field of view.

No, the Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens is specifically designed for Canon APS-C DSLR cameras. It won't work on full-frame cameras without potential issues, as it is made to match the smaller sensor size of APS-C models.

The autofocus on this lens is smooth and virtually silent thanks to the STM (Stepping Motor) technology. This makes it an excellent choice for video creators who require quiet, quick, and reliable autofocus while recording.

The minimum focusing distance of this lens is 0.16 meters (0.5 feet). This allows for close-up shots, which can be especially useful for macro-style photography or when you need to capture details at a short distance.

Yes, the f/2.8 maximum aperture allows for good low-light performance, though it may not be as effective in extremely low light as lenses with wider apertures. It's great for general low-light conditions, like indoor events or evening landscapes.

Yes, the Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens features a circular aperture with 7 blades that creates a smooth, pleasing bokeh effect. This helps in isolating subjects and enhancing portrait photography with soft, out-of-focus backgrounds.

Absolutely! With its lightweight, compact design and versatile focal length, this lens is perfect for photographers on the go. Whether you're traveling for landscapes or street photography, it won't weigh down your gear bag.

One limitation is the fixed focal length of 24mm, which can feel restrictive for users accustomed to zoom lenses. Additionally, while it performs well in low light, it’s not as fast as lenses with larger apertures, which may affect certain shooting scenarios.

The lens is made primarily of plastic, which makes it lightweight but also less durable compared to all-metal lenses. It’s a good option for casual photographers, but might not be robust enough for heavy-duty outdoor or professional use in extreme conditions.

Weighing only 4.4 ounces (125 grams), this lens is extremely light and portable. This makes it a great choice for travel, street photography, and any situation where carrying a heavy lens would be inconvenient.