Luminous Landscape Forum

Equipment & Techniques => Cameras, Lenses and Shooting gear => Topic started by: harlemshooter on January 31, 2009, 05:27:47 pm

Title: canon 24mm 1.4L 2 USM
Post by: harlemshooter on January 31, 2009, 05:27:47 pm
has anyone use this lens and if so how do you like it?
Title: canon 24mm 1.4L 2 USM
Post by: Josh-H on January 31, 2009, 05:37:53 pm
Quote from: harlemshooter
has anyone use this lens and if so how do you like it?
1.  is it worth the high price tag?
2.  are there other prime lenses you like better?
3.  is it better than zeiss prime ze series?

thanks.

See this thread here: Canon Wide Lens's (http://luminous-landscape.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=31204)

I have ordered the new 24m F1.4L MK2 - will post some impressions when it arrives and I get a chance to do some shooting with it.
Title: canon 24mm 1.4L 2 USM
Post by: Paul Kay on February 01, 2009, 06:58:15 am
Quote from: harlemshooter
1.  is it worth the high price tag?
2.  are there other prime lenses you like better?
3.  is it better than zeiss prime ze series?

I'm still using the MkI - it is by far my most used wide-angle, and I use it wide-open an awful lot. But to answer your qusetions:

1. Depends on whether you need such a fast wide-angle. Given that (I assume) the MkI will be discontinued, then if you do, it must be!
2. No, nothing else is so wide or so fast for Canon. At some point I will look at, and if I like it, I will buy the MkII - whether I do will purely depend on its wide open performance.
3. As far as I am aware Zeiss don't make a 24/1.4 so they make nothing comparable.

If you are talking about performance levels at other apertures, then I'd suggest that there are an awful lot of options depending on whether distortion is a big deal or not and at what apertures you need it to perform.
Title: canon 24mm 1.4L 2 USM
Post by: Aravind on February 01, 2009, 10:15:42 am
Received this lens a few days ago.  So far I'm very impressed with this lens.  I owned and shot with the 24L Mk1 for about a year.  The new lens is sharper at f/1.4 and has significantly less CA than the older one.  It does however have pronounced vignetting at large apertures.  I'm really liking the 'look' of the files I get from this lens, requires little to no post processing.  

1. Is it worth the high price tag?  Thats a matter of personal perspective.  It is to me.  It may not to others

2.  Other primes at 24mm that I like better?  Nope.  Other primes in general?  Sure there are others I like better but because their focal lengths suit a particular type of subject.  

3.  Haven't shot with the Zeiss ZE prime.  I don't have much interest in the Zeiss mostly because it doesn't open up to f/1.4.  I see the two lenses as being targeted for different purposes.  If your intent is to stop a lens down to get maximum across the frame sharpness (for a landscape) one may be the better choice than the other.  My interest is in having a very fast wide angle and the 24L II fits the bill nicely.
Title: canon 24mm 1.4L 2 USM
Post by: DaveCurtis on February 01, 2009, 03:53:39 pm
Just out of interest, what kind of shooting do you do with a 24mm at f1.4 ?
Title: canon 24mm 1.4L 2 USM
Post by: harlemshooter on February 01, 2009, 07:17:26 pm
Quote from: DaveDn
Just out of interest, what kind of shooting do you do with a 24mm at f1.4 ?

if you are asking me, i primarily would be using it for staged scenes under artificial light at f6-8.  i don't need it for 1.4, looking for excellent sharpness across entire plane.
Title: canon 24mm 1.4L 2 USM
Post by: DaveCurtis on February 01, 2009, 08:41:04 pm
Quote from: harlemshooter
if you are asking me, i primarily would be using it for staged scenes under artificial light at f6-8.  i don't need it for 1.4, looking for excellent sharpness across entire plane.


Thanks .. by the way if you go to this link: http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews...FLI=0&API=7 (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=480&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0&LensComp=0&CameraComp=0&SampleComp=0&FLI=0&API=7)

You can compare the 24mm f1.4 MrkII to other canon lens and select f stop. To me it looks like the Mrk II is head and shoulders better than all other Canon 24mm lenses including zooms at that focal length.
Title: canon 24mm 1.4L 2 USM
Post by: Paul Kay on February 02, 2009, 04:33:33 pm
Quote from: DaveDn
Just out of interest, what kind of shooting do you do with a 24mm at f1.4 ?
And if you are asking me...allsorts! (Visited Dunedin in Feb - really enjoyed it!). Here's an example, but I shoot a lot of available light material at f/1.4.

[attachment=11341:D047386.jpg]
Title: canon 24mm 1.4L 2 USM
Post by: Paul Kay on February 04, 2009, 05:31:05 pm
I used my 24/1.4 MkI on a Canon 5dMkII today for the first time. Colour fringing is now evident so I can well understand why a MkII version of the lens is being produced. Even at f/8 the images show a lack of fine detail and much of what is there is fringed, not all of which I can sort in post processing. On the other hand the other lens I also used was an 80mm f/1.4 Summilux R which produced really fabulous detail at f/8.
Title: canon 24mm 1.4L 2 USM
Post by: Yoram from Berlin on February 05, 2009, 08:10:53 am
Absolutely LOVE the Mk II (on my old 5D). What a lens!

Title: canon 24mm 1.4L 2 USM
Post by: DaveCurtis on February 08, 2009, 02:51:43 am
Quote from: Paul Kay
And if you are asking me...allsorts! (Visited Dunedin in Feb - really enjoyed it!). Here's an example, but I shoot a lot of available light material at f/1.4.

[attachment=11341:D047386.jpg]



Nice shot Paul. Glade you enjoyed Dunedin. 34C here today which is rather hot when you are this close to the south Pole.
Title: canon 24mm 1.4L 2 USM
Post by: Josh-H on February 10, 2009, 08:47:54 pm
My 24mm F1.4L MK2 arrived today - very much looking forward to shooting with it this weekend. Will post some shots and impressions post shoot.

Initial thoughts - build quality - as good as an L lens and better than most. The focus ring is gorgeous, no slop or play whatsoever.
Title: canon 24mm 1.4L 2 USM
Post by: Josh-H on February 13, 2009, 10:14:33 pm
Sample photographs now online here: LL Thread (http://luminous-landscape.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=32079&st=0#entry259857)
Title: canon 24mm 1.4L 2 USM
Post by: canlogic on February 18, 2009, 11:23:18 am
Anyone know about availability in US or Canada? Everywhere I check no one knows when they will have it.
Title: canon 24mm 1.4L 2 USM
Post by: Daniel Browning on February 18, 2009, 01:32:59 pm
Quote from: harlemshooter
has anyone use this lens and if so how do you like it?

This lens sticks to my 5D2 90% of the time. I love it.

Quote from: harlemshooter
1.  is it worth the high price tag?

Objectively, and in comparison with its predecessor and the price of other Canon lenses, I'd have to say no. In other words, compared to other Canon lenses, I think it is overpriced. But for me personally, yes, it is worth it

Quote from: harlemshooter
2.  are there other prime lenses you like better?

Yes, but none of them are 24mm. No other 35mm lens in the world can give you ultra wide angle perspective and thin depth of field at the same time.
Title: canon 24mm 1.4L 2 USM
Post by: canlogic on February 19, 2009, 08:21:10 am
According to BH as of this morning the lens has been discontinued by Canon, and yes I checked that it was the mark II. Maybe they had too much trouble with them as almost none showed up in the retail chain. At least thats what they told me. Other places still list it but say back ordered and delivery unknown.
Title: canon 24mm 1.4L 2 USM
Post by: Josh-H on February 19, 2009, 06:26:04 pm
Quote from: canlogic
According to BH as of this morning the lens has been discontinued by Canon, and yes I checked that it was the mark II. Maybe they had too much trouble with them as almost none showed up in the retail chain. At least thats what they told me. Other places still list it but say back ordered and delivery unknown.

I dont think so - B&H still list it on their site. I would be awfully surprised if the MKII had been discontinued - the MKI - Yes.
B&H 24mm F1.4 MK II (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/590449-USA/Canon_2750B002_EF_24mm_f_1_4L_II.html)

There are lots of other retailers with stock and on line stores showing stock as well.

And still on Canon USA website here:
Canon USA (http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=151&modelid=17623)
And on Canon Australia's website:
Canon Australia (http://www.canon.com.au/products/cameras_lenses_accessories/ultrawide_wide_lenses/ef24mmf1.4liiusm.aspx)

Title: canon 24mm 1.4L 2 USM
Post by: telyt on February 19, 2009, 06:56:07 pm
Quote from: Daniel Browning
... No other 35mm lens in the world can give you ultra wide angle perspective and thin depth of field at the same time.

Unless you are using a Leica M camera.  The new 21mm and 24mm Summilux-M lenses will give you the wide perspective and the thin DOF of an f/1.4 lens.
Title: canon 24mm 1.4L 2 USM
Post by: canlogic on February 19, 2009, 08:56:16 pm
Quote from: Josh-H
I dont think so - B&H still list it on their site. I would be awfully surprised if the MKII had been discontinued - the MKI - Yes.
B&H 24mm F1.4 MK II (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/590449-USA/Canon_2750B002_EF_24mm_f_1_4L_II.html)

This morning they listed it as discontinued when I questioned them they said it was the Mk II. After talking to Canon and emailing BH customer service they have changed it back to back ordered. Hopefully they will turn up in Canada soon.
Title: canon 24mm 1.4L 2 USM
Post by: Daniel Browning on February 19, 2009, 09:02:35 pm
Quote from: telyt
Unless you are using a Leica M camera.  The new 21mm and 24mm Summilux-M lenses will give you the wide perspective and the thin DOF of an f/1.4 lens.

I thought about mentioning those, but since they're $5,000 and  no digital camera that can use them for their intended purpose, you might as well add the 14mm f/1.2 master prime to the list.
Title: canon 24mm 1.4L 2 USM
Post by: DaveCurtis on June 15, 2009, 08:28:28 pm
DIGLLOYD has his paid review out on the 24mm f1.4 II. Seems to be a great lens in most respects. Better than I imagined.
Title: canon 24mm 1.4L 2 USM
Post by: Josh-H on June 15, 2009, 08:40:03 pm
Quote from: DaveDn
DIGLLOYD has his paid review out on the 24mm f1.4 II. Seems to be a great lens in most respects. Better than I imagined.

I've been saying it ever snce I took my first frames with it - its really really sharp glass!
Title: canon 24mm 1.4L 2 USM
Post by: DaveCurtis on June 15, 2009, 09:00:50 pm
Quote from: Josh-H
I've been saying it ever snce I took my first frames with it - its really really sharp glass!


Perhaps you should be a reviewer too Josh !

I must say it is very hard to get good lens reviews on the web. Most lens tests seem to be shot using a 'planar' test chart which is of limited use testing wide angle lens which have curvature of field issues. A few real world 3D shots are required. e.g. scenes stretching to infinity as well as near shots.

I must say that Canon appears to be back when it comes to wide angles.


Title: canon 24mm 1.4L 2 USM
Post by: Josh-H on June 15, 2009, 09:04:11 pm
Quote
Perhaps you should be a reviewer too Josh !

*chuckle* no way... to many black helicopters out there for my liking. I prefer to leave the reviews to those with thicker hides than mine  
Title: canon 24mm 1.4L 2 USM
Post by: DaveCurtis on June 15, 2009, 09:59:38 pm
Quote from: Josh-H
*chuckle* no way... to many black helicopters out there for my liking. I prefer to leave the reviews to those with thicker hides than mine  


   likewise
Title: canon 24mm 1.4L 2 USM
Post by: Chris Pollock on June 19, 2009, 08:11:12 am
Quote from: DaveDn
DIGLLOYD has his paid review out on the 24mm f1.4 II. Seems to be a great lens in most respects. Better than I imagined.
I've been using this lens since January. I read the review ealier this evening to see how it compared to my own experience. The only thing that surprised me is that the review said that it had very little chromatic aberation, but I've noticed a moderate amount, even at F8. This problem is easily corrected in Adobe Camera Raw, however. Perhaps the reviewer used Canon's software, and it corrected the chromatic aberration automatically.

I'm quite happy with the image quality of the lens, although considering the price I'd expect it to be good. If only Canon would make something as good at 14 and 20mm.
Title: canon 24mm 1.4L 2 USM
Post by: DaveCurtis on June 20, 2009, 05:23:12 pm
Quote from: Chris Pollock
I'm quite happy with the image quality of the lens, although considering the price I'd expect it to be good. If only Canon would make something as good at 14 and 20mm.

Yes. I could agree more.

One other point that Lloyd Chambers advised was that the 24mm had more curvature of field at infinite than the Zeiss 21mm ZF. To keep the corners relatively sharp the 24mm needs to be stopped well down. I might wait for the Zeiss 21 mm ZE version.

I need a lens around this focal length primarily for landscapes so AF it's a killer for me.
Title: canon 24mm 1.4L 2 USM
Post by: ThomasPoeschmann on June 21, 2009, 10:48:37 am
Quote from: DaveDn
I might wait for the Zeiss 21 mm ZE version.

I need a lens around this focal length primarily for landscapes so AF it's a killer for me.
I use the ZF version on an EOS camera. The viewfinder (of todays modern DSLRs) at f/8 is bright enough to re-check the composition. LiveView helps to focus in critical situations and to check dof. I do not use the light meter but the historgram to check the exposure. The image quality is stunning.

The drawbacks are acceptable to me: the need for manually stoping down the lens, the absence of EXIF data, 82 mm filter attachment, LiveView comes up too dark, wave-formed distortions.
Title: canon 24mm 1.4L 2 USM
Post by: stever on June 21, 2009, 03:34:05 pm
is the Zeiss 21 "mustache" distortion reasonably correctable?  this is the one aspect of the lens that put me off in Lloyd's review.
Title: canon 24mm 1.4L 2 USM
Post by: DaveCurtis on June 22, 2009, 05:12:13 am
Quote from: ThomasPoeschmann
I use the ZF version on an EOS camera. The viewfinder (of todays modern DSLRs) at f/8 is bright enough to re-check the composition. LiveView helps to focus in critical situations and to check dof. I do not use the light meter but the historgram to check the exposure. The image quality is stunning.

The drawbacks are acceptable to me: the need for manually stoping down the lens, the absence of EXIF data, 82 mm filter attachment, LiveView comes up too dark, wave-formed distortions.


Yes, the few quirks are acceptable to me to (wave-type distortion and uneven color rendition in the corners) Especially when considering the amazing micro contrast and "3D look".  Sometimes I think I should 'bite the bullet' and go for the ZF + adapter rather than wait for the ZE.
Title: canon 24mm 1.4L 2 USM
Post by: DaveCurtis on June 22, 2009, 05:19:25 am
Quote from: stever
is the Zeiss 21 "mustache" distortion reasonably correctable?  this is the one aspect of the lens that put me off in Lloyd's review.

I think you need to match the lens to your subject matter. If you require a low distortion lens, don't buy this one.
Title: canon 24mm 1.4L 2 USM
Post by: ThomasPoeschmann on June 22, 2009, 04:40:46 pm
Quote from: stever
is the Zeiss 21 "mustache" distortion reasonably correctable?

I do not care. But since the 17-40 has a compareable distortion I would say: why not.

Please notice:

As Dave said, if you cannot live with the distortion this one's not for you.

Edit: oh great, the file names gone away when uploading the files, but if you save them locally they are restored! 1st and 2nd are from 17-40, one is distortion corrected in DPP. The 3rd file is from the Zeiss.