Handling and features This brand new wide angle prime lens from Canon sports a fast f/2.8 maximum aperture, an ultrasonic focus motor and image stabilisation. This lens is currently available for around ￡750. Is it really worth the expense?

The widest of Canon's recent barrage of wide-angle, full-frame prime lenses, this 24mm f/2.8 IS USM ($807, street)-along with the 28mm f/2.8, and new 35mm f/2-forms a three-tiered team, notable for compact proportions, reasonable pricing, and image stabilization across the board.

This is a great lens. I bought it so I could take pictures during my recent trip to Morocco. I was able to capture full landscapes and great pictures of groups of people with amazing and full backgrounds.

compact; easy to set up; decent price

heavier than my other lenses

The inimitable ability to hand hold for prolonged shutter durations ushers in a whole new and exciting world of creative potential for long exposures in poor light conditions. Also, the lens delivers an incredibly sharp performance, even at f/2. 8.

does everything it should. quick focus. hands down a better lens than non OEM brands (though the japanese lens brands are great quality).

does everything it should; quick focus; hands down a better lens than non OEM brands (though the japanese lens brands are great quality)

price

Love this lens! I often shoot Holiday events and it's great for small groups or individuals up close. Sharp, light weight, non-intrusive, and fast focus. I previously used a 50mm and 70-200 but this lens allows me to mingle in the party and still get full length photos with surrounding atmosphere,...

Fast / accurate auto-focus; Lightweight; Strong Construction

Whenever I travel a lot by foot, this is the lens that I use the most regardless of lighting condition. Aside from all the comments on sharpness and being light, its IS is simply superb. I've used it handheld at shutter speeds of 1/5 and the IS saves the day.

Great small prime for your canon camera! It works with crop and FF DSLRs. Great image quality and fast focus!

From my own extensive research of the worldwide web, I fully expected this lens to be somewhat inferior to its 35mm f2 similarly image stabilised sibling, which in fairness would have been far easier to construct.

Fairly lightweight and compact; near silent, precise autofocus; attractive colours; extremely effective image stabilisation; low distortion

Lens hood is essential but not provided; adequate sharpness but not outstanding

I bought this lens to use in low light places such as bars for promotional work. This thing is so much better for me than my 50 1.4 or 18-55 and 55-250. It works. The low light capabilities combined with the wide angle have produced images better than I ever dreamed of straight out of the camera.