Canon EF 24mm lens - to buy or not to...

[pjd83]

I can get a second hand Canon EF24mm f/2.8 lens for (GBP) £150.

Should I? Its in very good condition and looks like it was rarely used. Currently I have a Nifty Fifty and the 300D kit lens. I was thinking about getting either the Sigma 70-300 APO Super Macro or something with less range like an 18-200 Sigma or Tamron.

But now this 24mm for £150? I'm not too sure what to do? Should I?

[tim]

It depends if you need a standard or slightly wide prime. I'd not bother myself, my 28-75's fine and comes close enough to that range.

[Tom W]

As Tim says, if you need it, by all means get it. On the other hand, even if you don't, if the lens is in very good shape and the price is right, it doesn't hurt to buy it and see how it performs. If you find that you don't need that focal length, or you need something different, sell it.

I can't judge the price in GBP since I am only familiar with the US dollar. I'm sure that someone on that side of the pond can help you there if you need it.

[cactusclay]

I have been considering that lens and read some pretty positive reviews of it. On a 1.6 crop, it's like a 38 mm lens, which I consider a great walk around length. To be honest, I don't know what your currency is compared to U.S. dollars, but if it is cheaper than new and in good shape, it might be worth it. I checked one out in a store recently and found that particular copy rather soft at 2.8, but if it hadn't been I think I would have got it.

[Citizensmith]

On a 1.6 crop, it's like a 38 mm lens, which I consider a great walk around length.

I agree completely. I have one and its my lens of choice when going as light as possible. In otherwords if I want a small lens and I only want to carry one lens, it'll be the one. The fifty is too long on a 300D to be a walkaround lens, and I tend to shoot on the long side of normal anyway. It's a great little lens, and mine has been a workhorse.

[DocFrankenstein]

one more voice supporting that 24mm is a great focal length.

[erik-nl]

I have one too, and I really like it for its compactness and general usability.
In the center it is very very sharp, BUT.....
It is rather too soft in the corners, even when stopped down to f5,6 or f8 and the amount of CA on high contrast edges is worse than I expected.
The absense of flare, even when pointed directly into very bright lightsources, compensates these flaws for me to some degree.
Great walkabout lens, but not 'the best of the best' optically.

[pjd83]

Well, I finally did it. I shouldn't have. But after reading about it and seeing all the reviews I foolishly spent some cash.

[RichardtheSane]

Congrats :)
Should you ever get fed up with it then I'll gladly part with some cash to buy it off you :)

[pjd83]

Hehe, I think I'll be holding on to this one I'm afraid. Its a very nice wee lens.