Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Review – Introduction

When we look at all the new photographic equipment that appears each year, it’s easy to get swept along by the big announcements such as super-high resolution cameras and ultra-fast lenses. Yet often the less spectacular products are equally worthy of our attention, especially those that are affordable for mere mortals.

The Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM is just such a product. At around £150, 
it is one of the least expensive lenses on the market, and measuring just 22.8mm thick it’s one that can easily be carried around all day without any inconvenience.

At one time, ultra-slim pancake prime lenses had a reputation for poor optical quality, as they simply couldn’t fit in sufficient lens elements to achieve satisfactory correction of aberrations. However, advances in lens design and manufacture have changed all that, exemplified by Canon’s own EF 40mm f/2.8 STM lens for full frame, which offers great performance at a low price. The EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM sees Canon trying to replicate this winning formula, only now for APS-C shooters.

With its 38mm equivalent focal length, the EF-S 24mm f/2.8 gives a natural, undistorted perspective to images

Offering a 38mm (equivalent) angle of view, this focal length may seem like a slightly odd choice for APS-C. However, it sits towards the wide end of the ‘normal’ spectrum, which means it should lend a very natural perspective to images. Indeed, many photographers – myself included – prefer this slightly wider option to a 50mm lens, which is usually considered standard. It does make you work a little bit harder for your shots, though, as you can’t rely on subject isolation or unusual perspectives for impact.