24MM f/1.4L: A test in versatility, and adaptation

[RiftsWRX]

http://gallery.projectwrx.com/album/50204 <-- the gallery in question for this test can be found here.

In a few other conversations, we'd discussed the versatility of a fast apature lens, vs. their trade off in sharpness, and image quality.

I do a lot of shooting for our national car club, and wanted to actually force myself to break some paradigms last night.

Typical walk around configurations for me are my 50MM f/1.4, or my 24MM f/1.4L, with a 580EX and LSPJ. I already knew the limitations of the 50MM under f/2. So I really wanted to push the limits on my 24L. This is actually in comparison to some of the 35L vs 24L conversations.

Hopefully some of these shots give a decent idea of the debate.

Only small issue is the fact that it was DARK outside... and the AF system was having some small issues in low contrast situations.

All shots are done at ISO 1600, f/1.4, and I actually had CF:4 set to 1 (AE lock/AF). So I'd focus, spot on the individual, and then recompose and shoot.

With the exception of the focus issue, I think it actually performed well above average. This would be one of the few times, I'd love to be able to toss on something small like a speedlite transmitter, for the IR assist function alone, and just keep banging away with no flash.

I know I'll still get a 24-70, and a 70-200 to compliment my primes, but it's hard to not want to take for granted what those extra stops mean. Especially in situations like this.

http://gallery.projectwrx.com/show/external/50204/50204/2360117/file.jpg

http://gallery.projectwrx.com/show/external/50204/50204/2360123/file.jpg

http://gallery.projectwrx.com/show/external/50204/50204/2360115/file.jpg

Jorge (RiftsWRX)
www.ProjectWRX.com (http://www.ProjectWRX.com)

[roanjohn]

Awesome shots!!! Nothing beats a fast L prime in terms of sharpness, build and speed. BTW, are these shot full frame??

I was also torn between the 24 and 35 L............In the end, I found the 35 L to be just a tad sharper wide open...........So I ended up getting it. THe 24 has a nicer focal length though for lowlight indoor stuff as it can capture more of the scene than the 35 (especially on a cropped sensor).

Ro1

[RiftsWRX]

Awesome shots!!! Nothing beats a fast L prime in terms of sharpness, build and speed. BTW, are these shot full frame??

I was also torn between the 24 and 35 L............In the end, I found the 35 L to be just a tad sharper wide open...........So I ended up getting it. THe 24 has a nicer focal length though for lowlight indoor stuff as it can capture more of the scene than the 35 (especially on a cropped sensor).

Ro1

Sorry, I should have clarified that before, these are on a 20D.

I was torn on that as well. 24L vs 35L. But ironically, as you can see from some of the head and shoulder shots, they surprisingly don't distort features. Even when I'm about 3 feet away from someone.

Jorge (RiftsWRX)
www.ProjectWRX.com