Canon 24mm f2.8 STM Lens

I have been using the Canon 24mm f2.8 STM lens for about a year now, and here’s how it’s holding up.

First things first, this is an EFS Lens for older crop sensor cameras from canon. So, the mirrorless lines of canon cameras, like the EOS R, RP, R5, M50, M6 II and the likes have nothing to do with this lens.

Also, the full frame cameras, like the 6D II, 5Ds and the likes, again, have nothing to do with this lens.

But, if you’re on an older canon camera with a crop sensor 1300D, 77D, 60D and has this white square over here at the mounting ring, then continue watching this video. I am using the Canon 600D/T3i so I have no problems.

Like I’ve stated already, this is and EFS lens system, indicated by this white square here, whiles on the EF lens system, we have a red circle.

So just looking at the lens, you may or may not realize how similar it is to the 40mm f2.8 EF pancake lens for full frame cameras.

On the sides, we have Auto and Manual Focus Switch, right next to the Canon Branding and similarly next to it, is the white square mounting indicator. It has minimal focusing distance is 0.16m or 0.52ft as indicated here.

At the top, just taking the lens cover off, exposes the lens. Keep in mind though, that if you want to use ND filters on this, be sure to get the 52mm.

The bottom has the metallic lens mount and these 4 screws to get rid of, in case you want to go a little crazy on the internals.

The lens cover has some strong resistance to it, which is cool. And you can clearly see that mine has taking quite a beating over the single year of usage. The lens with the lens cap on has fallen more than 3 times already, and it still holds up with no issues.

The focus ring has this grid feel, which I love. It makes the ring much grippier and steady when turning. But more on focusing, later in this video.

Comparing this to the famous 50mm f1.8 lens, the glass on this is super small but has a maximum aperture of f2.8 and a wide view of 24mm, in case you didn’t get that in the name already. Honestly though, you aren’t getting that exact 24mm field of view cos it’s for crop sensor camera. Somewhere around 38.4mm, but it is still wide for what I use and intend to use it for.

Now, let’s talk about the photo and video quality.

Over the couple of months, I have taking pictures of some fake plants, Paul’s MacBook, some trees outdoors, a couple of buildings, some portraits, pictures of the sky, some indoor shots.

Mind you, all these images are not edited. Strictly, straight out of the camera.

I have even used this lens for capturing a large number of people at engagements and weddings.

In terms of video recording, it lacks OIS or optical image stabilization, so try to keep your hands still.

The focusing motor is super silent on manual, but when you switch to auto, you hear the sounds.

It’ll also not super-fast in Live View Mode, but I don’t know if that is the limitation on my camera or the lens, so yeah.

for indoor shots, here’s how it looks comparing with the canon 18-55mm kitlens

Why did I buy this lens?

I realized my kitlens isn’t the best lens to use, especially for indoor videos, which I do a lot of the time, so I definitely needed to upgrade.

The first lens of choice was the Yongnuo 35mm f2.0, but it wasn’t wide enough on a crop sensor and secondary, I have owned Yongnuo lenses before, and I didn’t like them as much.

I actually compared the Yongnuo 50mm f1.8 lens to the Canon 50mm and till date, it’s my most viewed video.

So upon realization that this lens existed, I got one for myself.

I love the fact that, it is super slim, small and compact. Weighing just 125g, this literally fits my pocket. When shooting weddings, I’ll always have it in my back pocket, ready to switch it out anytime. I should get a zoom lens.

I love the wide aperture. I’m not really going to shooting portraits with it, but a wider aperture is always nice to have.

And finally, the distortion isn’t too drastic that your photo editing of choice cannot correct.

What I don’t like though are the heavy vignetting and distortions you get. Yes, I just said you can correct them, but now, that’s an extra work you have to do.

It’s about GHc 900 to 1,200 brand new but I got my from a 2^nd dealer for GHc 700