Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM – Verdict

The Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM offers decent image quality that belies its size

When the Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM first appeared at Photokina last year, it was perhaps overshadowed by an array of more eye-catching announcements. It would be a mistake to overlook this unassuming little optic, though, as not only is it a genuinely capable lens, but it’s also one that almost any photographer can afford. For beginners, it would make an excellent companion to a kit zoom, allowing handheld shooting in low light while keeping shutter speeds up to avoid motion blur. Even those with more extensive lens collections should be able 
to see the virtue of its minuscule size.

Some obvious compromises have clearly been made to produce such a small lens at this focal length, most visibly distortion and vignetting being a bit high. However, both are so easily corrected in software that I wouldn’t worry. More importantly, the lens focuses accurately and gives consistently sharp, detailed images. With its bargain price, carry-everywhere size and highly competent imaging performance, the Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM deserves to be high on the wish list of many 
a Canon user.

Score: 4 out of 5