24mm 1.4 vs 24mm 1.4 II

is there a big difference between the older version of the 24L and the newer one? I'm planning to pick up the version 1 up for my 5d

The original was a nice lens, but the new one saw improvements in sharpness (especially in corners), improved lens coating for flare resistance, it's weather sealed, and overall the build quality is improved.

Here's the release on the 24L II that explains the changes: http://www.dpreview.co​m/news/2008/9/17/canon​_ef24mm

That said, the original is still a nice lens and if that is where your budget is I'm sure you'll get great results with it.

It is a very nice lens, I owned one prior to getting a 24L II, and I would have kept it if it wasn't for the fact that someone offered me full retail price for a lens a few years old.

It was regarded a world class lens in its FL, and it really still is, even if there now are two (slightly) better 24 mm lenses out there (24L II and TS-E 24L ).

It is a very good lens, as mentioned, and it really excels in the low light department, has a beautiful colour rendering SOOC, and for it being a WA lens, bokeh is absolutely amazing.

Kind regards, Wim