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Are you done with all the heavy and bulky lenses which cause hand fatigue? Because if you are, then here is an excellent alternative for you.
The Canon EF-S 24mm STM lens is one of the best lenses that you will find on the market. It has the right size and weight for both professional photographers and newbies.
This STM lens is a keeper for those who want sharper focus in even low light conditions.
Other than the technical features, its price is a huge win too. It helps you do work of more than just one lens at a rate not meant for only one. So, let’s see what this is all about without further ado.
- Wide angle lens for Canon APS C cameras (equivalent to 38 millimeter on a full frame camera)
- Focal length & maximum aperture: 24 millimeter 1:2.8, maximum magnification of x0.27
- Slimmest and lightest lens of the EF S series
Contents
Canon EF-S 24mm F/2.8 STM
PROS
- Auto focus provides a reliable focus
- High-quality construction material used
- Soft background provides a creamy bokeh
- Lesser light dispersion and chromatic aberration in the images
- Internal image stabilization technology for better image quality
CONS
- Suitable for outdoor photography only
- Does not have a quiet motor operation
- Film-making is not great due to shaky angles
Main Features
The Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 comes with a multitude of impressive features. They help it stand out to the customers and us on the market. It is appropriate for almost all kinds of outdoor photography due to its features. So, let’s have a look at what it has to offer to its users.
Aperture Width
The aperture width of a lens affects the shutter speed, which, in return, influences the overall image. The aperture has to be wide enough to let maximum light into the lens for providing the right brightness. This lens has an opening of f/2.8, which is standard for most lenses.
This gives the users enough room to practice photography in different kinds of light settings. The aperture has a fast shutter closure, which increases the sharpness of images. As the circular aperture has sharp blades, it renders more clarity to your images. So, the aperture width is just perfect for most photographers as it adjusts to multiple light conditions.
Focal Length
Focal length plays an integral role in improving the focus in your images. The focal length should be right for letting you focus on the distance. As the Canon EF-S 24mm STM lens has a focal length of 24 mm, it serves multiple purposes.
The focal length is great for objects at a distance as it distinguishes them from the background. It works just like a 35mm lens when you use it with a 1.6x camera. Also, it is capable of working as an 18-55mm focal length lens too.
Wide Camera Angle
This Canon EF-S 24mm STM lens has amazing camera angles that improve your overall photography. The diagonal, vertical, and horizontal angles are 59.2º, 35º, and 50.5º, respectively. This makes it perfect for capturing all the scenes you fall in love with, making it great for vacations.
Pros
Canon lenses are usually packed with features that the users love. The Canon EF-S 24mm STM lens is no different as it offers so many pros to its buyers discussed below.
Soft Backgrounds
The f/2.8 aperture is wide enough to allow maximum light into the lens. This creates the right amount of brightness for the images. The bokeh is also great due to the sharpness of the seven blades that are there in its circular aperture. They bring the subject in a sharp focus and automatically soften the background, giving it a creamy texture.
Intact Lighting
Now, this is one of the most liked things about the Canon EF-S 24mm STM lens. There is almost no light dispersion in it, which keeps the images intact. There is hardly ever any flare even at the edges. This makes the images look sharper and have more vivid sides.
It has active mechanisms in place to reduce ghosting as well, which minimizes the element of chromatic aberration. The lighting is also intact because it has high optical performance. It does not reflect back any necessary light even in sharp lighting. So, you can rely on it equally well in both high and low light conditions.
Image Stabilization
Another major perk of getting this lens is that you get to have more stable images. The width of angles of view enables it to have steady photography. Its weight is minimal, and it does not cause any hand fatigue even after a long duration of use. This, too, helps you in keeping a steady hand while taking still shots. So, you must get it if you want to have steady photography with the right focus at all the needed points.
Better Focus
The focus of this lens is magical, with a great focal length and focus range. Whether your subject is at a distance from you, you can focus on it easily. The minimum focus distance is 0.5 feet, which helps you catch even the tiny details. Also, the bokeh helps in taking away focus from the background, highlighting the subject more.
Construction Quality
One of the best things about the Canon EF-S 24mm STM lens is its construction quality. It has strong elements that last for a long, long time. The coatings protect its glass surface as well.
Cons
The Canon EF-S 24mm STM lens is undoubtedly great, but it has some minor drawbacks too. Even if the pros outweigh the cons, you need to have a look at the cons. This will help you in making the right decision for yourself.
Shaky Videography
While the Canon EF-S 24mm STM lens is perfect for taking still shots, it is not good for videography. The focus stays on all the right points as long as you stay still. But, when you move the camera to take video shots, then it just goes out of focus. You can overcome this by using a tripod that does not come at a high cost.
Noisy Motor
Another downside to this amazing lens is that it has a noisy motor. While many Canon lenses have AF silent wave motors, this one just does not. It causes a distraction while you are busy taking shots.
The noise can be a bigger problem if you are a perfectionist who needs to have close attention. But it shouldn’t bother you much if you like the sounds of the motor’s operation for assurance of getting a shot.
Not For Indoors
The only major setback to this lens is that it is not very reliable when it comes to indoor settings. The resolution just does not cooperate, and you have to use other lenses.
What is the Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens Best For?
The Canon EF-S 24mm STM lens comes equipped with all the right features to help you broaden your horizon. It enables you to practice even the trickiest photography techniques. Here are some of the ways you can put it to its best use.
EOS Mounting
Since this is an EF (Electric Focus) lens, it works best with lenses that have an EOS mounting type. The lens is in direct contact with the fil or sensors, which makes it more reliable. You do not have to invest in any adaptors as you would with an FD lens. This is why you can use it on all modern lenses that have an EOS mount.
Landscape Photography
This lens is very useful when it comes to landscape photography. You get to have a wide-angle for horizontal photography with it. The focus is greater on the background as well as the subject. This helps you in capturing your favorite things about nature around you in all their beauty.
Astrophotography
Astrophotography is slightly tricky, and it needs only some specific lenses. Since the Canon EF-S 24mm STM lens has a focal length of 24 mm, it is great for astrophotography. It is also more suited to this due to its remarkable low light performance.
What Do I Need To Know Before Buying?
Buying the right lens is the key to having the best user experience, isn’t it? So, you must be careful about the following aspects before you buy one.
Size
The size of a lens is one of the most important factors to consider, as it can affect your shoots immensely. The lens has to be compact and small enough not to cause any problems. But it should not be too small as that will make the pictures less clear. The Canon EF-S 24mm STM lens has the perfect size with its 0.91 x 2.68 x 2.68 inch dimensions.
Chromatic Aberration
Chromatic aberration is something that a lens should not have at all. It ruins the images and causes the light to disperse in all directions. This is why you have to get a lens which guarantees negligible chromatic distortion.
Magnification
The magnification of a lens matters a lot, too, especially if you are into nature photography. The lens should have enough magnification to help you focus on your subject properly.
Focus Type:
Focus type makes a huge difference in the way you take the shots. The Canon EF-S 24mm STM lens has auto focus, and it immediately focuses on the subject. So, go for it if you do not want to spend time configuring the right zoom for your subject.
Bottom Line
Canon EF-S 24mm is an essential lens for every photographer’s photography kit. It has a sleek build with the right features to help you in a diversity of situations. It easily replaces the usual 18-55mm focal length lenses, helping you save both money and space. It is much more lightweight and more compact than others on the market, which makes it a better option.
The focus range and minimum focus distance helps you in capturing the right details. Moreover, the price is not a problem either. This is a great lens for those too who are on a tight budget, so you can invest in it.
