ar aperture, which will produce pleasing “bokeh” (out of focus characteristics), and is autofocus but has full-time manual-focus override. Improvements over the EF24mm f/1.4L include weather protection and improved sharpness. The lens will cost approximately $1,699 and will be available in December.
For details, read the Canon press release:
Canon enhances EF series with new EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM fast aperture wide-angle prime lens
Canon today strengthens its line-up of EF-series lenses with the introduction of a new fast aperture prime lens: the EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM. Replacing the EF 24mm f/1.4L USM, the EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM has been completely redesigned to provide an exacting partner lens to Canon’s new EOS digital SLRs, the EOS 50D and EOS 5D Mark II.
The EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM offers:
– Fast f/1.4 aperture
– Aspherical and UD lens elements for correction of chromatic aberration
– Sub Wavelength structure Coating (SWC) to dramatically reduce ghosting and flare
– Circular aperture for pleasing bokeh
– USM for full-time manual focus
– Lead-free glass (RoHS compliance)
– Lens hood and pouch supplied
Superior image performance
Featuring a 13-element, 10-group lens, the EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM is designed to achieve the highest standards of image quality. Two high-precision GMo aspheric lenses are employed to correct various forms of aberration such as curvature of field and distortion, with a floating mechanism ensuring crisp corner-to-corner detail throughout the focal range. In addition, two UD lenses reduce the chromatic aberration common in wide-angle lenses.
A fast, ultra-large maximum aperture of f/1.4 delivers excellent low-light performance, with the circular aperture offering the potential for creative out-of-focus highlights. A focal length of 24mm and a USM focus motor providing full-time manual focus also make the EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM ideal for situations where a wide-angle, high-performance lens is required.
Advanced lens coating
Reflections off a digital camera’s image sensor can compromise images with ghosting and flare. To help reduce this, the inside of EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM’s front element is treated with Canon’s new Sub Wavelength structure Coating. Developed specifically to work with Canon optics, this anti-reflective coating helps reduce flare and ghosting – for consistently crisp, undistorted images.
Robust build quality
The EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM is designed to withstand the rigours of even the most testing shooting environment – with Canon’s advanced weather and dust sealing making it the perfect choice for photojournalists and landscape photographers.
