Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L USM vs Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

EF 24mm f/1.4L USM compared with EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM
CanonEF 24mm f/1.4L USMCanonEF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM
Overview
ReleasedDecember 1997June 2012
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length24 mm24 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionEleven elements in nine groups; floating optical systemEleven elements in nine groups
Special elementsGround and polished aspherical glass element and UD element according to Canon Camera MuseumGlass-moulded aspherical element according to Canon Camera Museum
Coatings–Super Spectra coating according to Canon UK
DiaphragmSeven-blade circular aperture according to Canon Camera MuseumSeven-blade circular aperture
Angle of view84° diagonal, 74° horizontal and 53° vertical according to Canon's manual84° diagonal, 74° horizontal and 53° vertical
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EF full-frame and APS-C camerasFull-frame and APS-C Canon EF DSLR cameras according to Canon UK
Adaptor support–EOS M compatibility with the EF-EOS M mount adaptor according to Canon UK
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.25 m0.2 m
Maximum magnification0.16×0.23×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailRing USM with full-time manual focus; Canon's manual specifies One-Shot AF with the shutter button held halfway for manual adjustment after autofocusRing USM with full-time manual focus according to Canon UK's specification page; Canon Camera Museum instead describes micro USM
Focus distance detailRear focusing system with non-rotating filter frame according to Canon Camera MuseumConstant physical length and non-rotating filter during focusing according to Photozone
Magnification detail–0.23× native; 0.62–0.43× with Extension Tube EF12 II and 1.13–0.95× with EF25 II according to Canon UK
Stabilisation detailNo optical stabilisation according to The Digital Picture's exact-model specification tableFour-stop optical stabilisation claimed by Canon UK
Design
Dust and moisture resistantNoNo
Filter diameter77 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter83.5 mm68.4 mm
Length77.4 mm55.7 mm
Weight550 g280 g (better)
ControlsAF/MF switch, focus ring, distance window and infrared focus indexAF/MF and stabiliser switches, focus ring, distance window and depth-of-field scale
Weather resistanceNo weather sealing according to The Digital Picture's exact-model specification tableNo weather sealing according to both independent exact-model reviews
Dimensions detail83.5 mm maximum diameter × 77.4 mm length; dimensions and 550 g weight are lens-only. Front and rear caps add 21.5 mm according to Canon's manual68.4 mm maximum diameter × 55.7 mm length and 280 g according to Canon UK; dimensions in retracted state
Lens hoodSupplied reversible EW-83D II petal hood; LP1214 case according to Canon's manual and The Digital PictureOptional EW-65B; Canon UK's box list excludes a hood
In the box–Lens, E-58U front cap, Lens Dust Cap E and user manual according to Canon UK
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records December 1997 marketing; no first-sale day is givenCanon Camera Museum records June 2012 marketing and explicitly names the November 1988 EF 24mm f/2.8 as its predecessor

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