Canon Zoom Lens EF 11-24mm 1: 4 L USM Ultrasonic review by Photo Dzen

As an exchange of courtesies for my review S5 Pro and help in creating a review Nikon DF, this Canon Zoom Lens EF 11-24mm 1: 4 L USM Ultrasonic review, especially for our beloved Radozhivka, was prepared by Andrey Kondratenko, one of the project editors Photo dzen... Spelling and punctuation are preserved from the author, and were not ruled by the forces of Radozhiva.

Canon EF 11-24mm F / 4L USM

Canon EF 11-24mm F / 4L USM

The spirit of struggle is always present in everything - and not only in sporting events. And the ancient slogan “Citius, Altius, Fortius” in relation to the photo, you can try to rephrase as - wider, brighter, sharper (in relation to the lenses, at least).

So Canon, it seems, got involved in a "fight for the leader" with its main competitor in the face of Nikon, as they say - on all fronts. The recently introduced new 50-megapixel EOS 5DS and 5DS-R allowed Canon to outperform 36-megapixel Nikon D800, D800E, D810a and D810.

Well, now, the new Canon EF 11-24mm F / 4L USM zoom lens has pulled out ahead in coverage angle and focal length, as the "main competitor" has the widest-angle lens to date - this is a rather old Nikon ED AF-S Nikkor 14-24mm 1: 2.8G VR N Nano Crystal Coat SWM IF Aspherical with “only” 14mm focal length at its widest position. We are talking about full-frame diagonal zoom lenses - not fixed and not fishey.

Canon EF 11-24mm F / 4L USM

Canon EF 11-24mm F / 4L USM

The Canon EF 11-24mm F / 4L USM is the widest classic full-frame lens, with 126-degree diagonal coverage. To achieve such outstanding results, the manufacturer equipped the lens with a giant 108mm spherical front lens. Naturally, the only protection for the front glass is the “built-in” hood. There is simply nowhere to wind the filter. Unless you install attachments or use small internal filters for which special slots are provided on the back of the lens.

Canon EF 11-24mm F / 4L USM

Canon EF 11-24mm F / 4L USM

Using the lens, I often found myself thinking that the front element was a bit scary, and I tried to hold the lens more often with the cap on it.

Lens specifications:

Focal length 11-24 mm for full-frame cameras; 17,6-38,4 mm for cameras with APS-C sensors
Maximum / minimum aperture F / 4,0 - F / 22
Zoom ratio 2,18 x
Viewing angles (wide - far position) 126.08 - 84.00 diagonal (11 mm to 24 mm), 117.17 - 74.00 horizontal (11 mm to 24 mm), 95.0 - 53.0 vertical (11 mm to 24 mm)
Optical design 16 elements in 11 groups, including 4 aspherical elements
Minimum Focus Distance 0,28 m - at a focal length of 24 mm, 0,32 m - at a focal length of 11 mm.
Max magnification 0,16x - at a focal length of 24 mm, 0,06x - at a focal length of 11 mm.
The number of aperture blades 9 (rounded type);
Technologies used USM (Ultra-sonic motor) L (Luxury) AL (Aspherical Lens) S-UD (Super Ultra-low dispersion)

UD (Ultra-low dispersion)

CA (Circular Aperture)

SWC (SubWave Length Structure Coating)

dimensions diameter 108 mm, length 132 mm.
Weight 1180 grams
Diagram: Optical design Canon 11-24
Price View–>
Canon EF 11-24mm F / 4L USM

Canon EF 11-24mm F / 4L USM

Looking at the characteristics that appeared after the announcement of the lens back in February 2015, it was clear that it was not small at all. However, “not small” in this case is said very softly. The lens is very large, heavy, and because of the huge spherical lens - it seems just huge. With amateur equipment, such as Canon 750D, using it is very inconvenient, imbalance is too strong - the center of mass is somewhere on the wide end of the lens, which is why it is necessary to hold the camera + lens beyond the edge of the lens.

Canon EF 11-24mm F / 4L USM

Canon EF 11-24mm F / 4L USM

Anyway, with “cropped” cameras, such a lens loses all meaning, because its key advantage disappears - an ultra-wide angle.

Canon EF 11-24mm F / 4L USM

Canon EF 11-24mm F / 4L USM

11-24, like all top-end equipment, is made in Japan. The assembly is impeccable, the lens is very "knocked down" and monolithic, with a fairly smooth (or rather, even moderately tight) zoom stroke. Focus - not internal. The lens, while zooming, does not change its physical dimensions, but the back and front groups of lenses “travel”, so theoretically, dust inside the structure can leak out over time, despite the fact that it is an L-lens with dust and moisture protection.

Canon EF 11-24mm F / 4L USM

Canon EF 11-24mm F / 4L USM

The zoom and focus rings are rubberized, wide enough and spaced apart a large distance from each other - so that “focusing accidentally” fails. Since the lens uses a modern ring focusing motor, you can not switch to MF mode, and if necessary simply “to focus»During the shooting. Both rings have very short stroke - which is typical for an ultra-wide angle lens.

Canon EF 11-24mm F / 4L USM

Canon EF 11-24mm F / 4L USM

On the body there is a focus switching slider (MF / AF) and a focus scale window. Moreover - only 3 basic values ​​are applied - 11, 16 and 24 mm. As with all Canon wide-angle lenses, there is no optical stabilization.

11-24 is a completely unique lens. No matter how fantastic it may sound, it is super-sharp across the entire plane of the frame and at all aperture values. Not in vain, only having managed to appear, she immediately received 2 prestigious awards - both TIPA 2015 and EISA 2015.

Naturally, given the viewing angles - there are spherical distortions. But:

  • firstly, as for such an angle, they are very, very “modest” and visible only at 11 mm, at 24 mm straight lines remain straight even at the edges of the frame.
  • secondly, there is already a lens profile for Adobe Camera RAW, so that you can correct the distortion at the pre-processing stage.
Canon EF 11-24mm F / 4L USM

Canon EF 11-24mm F / 4L USM

Aperture 11-24 is not the most outstanding, "only" F / 4.0. But, looking at the sizes, I can’t even imagine what a lens with the same optical and technical characteristics (sharpness, minimal distortion) and aperture - F / 2,8 can be. Apparently, Canon also reasoned and decided not to shock us with monstrous sizes (and at the same monstrous price). Let me remind you that the recommended price of this device is $ 3000, which is very, very large.
But this is not a reportable lens, where shooting in low light conditions and with hands is often important. Its use is landscape, architectural and interior photography, that is, the ability to mount the camera on a tripod and thoughtfully take pictures. The lack of built-in stabilization, as if additionally hinting at it.

Canon EF 11-24mm F / 4L USM

Canon EF 11-24mm F / 4L USM

Given this wide angle, I expected to see some pretty noticeable vignetting in the corners, at the widest aperture. But even then a surprise awaited. Yes, at F / 4 at 11 mm there is darkening in the corners of the frame. But, open the aperture to F / 5,6, and here it is minimal, and again - easily fixable using the profile in Camera Raw. This is clearly seen in the test shots. In addition, the lens actually does not catch parasitic "bunnies". In any case - I have not been caught).

Another misfortune of "super-wide" - chromatic aberration. They are minimal, and to get them (and demonstrate) - you had to try pretty hard. Below is a frame where they can be clearly seen along the edges of rose leaves (thin purple stripes). But the picture was taken on a sunny day, against the sun and on the most closed aperture. And in the same picture you can see a drop in detail on the most closed aperture in the widest angle of the lens.

Shot on a Canon EF 11-24mm F / 4L USM

Shot on a Canon EF 11-24mm F / 4L USM

Original RAW ('.CR2') photos can be download from this link.

It was not for nothing that I mentioned the brand new Canon 5DS and 5DS-R at the beginning of the article. A lens with such outstanding optical characteristics can fully reveal the 50-megapixel matrix of new cameras. I am sure that professional landscape photographers are already “rubbing their hands”, looking at such a “tandem”.

True, one should not forget that shooting landscapes and architecture often involves long journeys in search of “that same place and perspective” with photographic equipment in hand (or a wardrobe trunk). So, and the weight of the lens in kilograms and 200 grams, this is already not small, and if you add here the weight of a full-frame camera and a tripod, your shoulders and neck will quickly "make themselves felt."

Below is a photo for comparing the dimensions of two structurally similar lenses. Lumix 7-14mm F / 4 and EF 11-24mm Canon F / 4L USM. The Lumix 7-14 is a lens that I always take with me when I travel, as it is light, small, and yet the widest for an equally light and small MFT mirrorless system. Yes, Lumix 7-14, taking into account the "crop" 2x, will give a focal length of 14-28 mm, which is certainly not 11-24, and optically it is somewhat simpler. But three times less weight and dimensions for long hikes with a camera around the neck are for me personally a more weighty argument (I did not mention the price - but it is also three times lower). IMHO.

Canon EF 11-24mm F / 4L USM

Canon EF 11-24mm F / 4L USM

Canon EF 11-24mm F / 4L USM

Canon EF 11-24mm F / 4L USM


Conclusions:

The Canon EF 11-24mm F / 4L USM is by far the best ultra-wide angle lens on the market without exception. It is simultaneously the widest, sharpest and fastest lens with simply unique optical qualities. Until recently, it seemed that 11 millimeters in a full frame, and even not in a fisheye design, was fantastic, but Canon was able to really surprise. I don’t remember for a long time that the lens caused me such enthusiastic feelings.

Of course, all this “splendor” weighs a lot, but is very expensive, but until none of the competitors presents anything like this, the price will not go down, and I’m sure that there will be plenty of people who want to buy it.

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Comments: 255, on the topic: Canon Zoom Lens EF 11-24mm 1: 4 L USM Ultrasonic review from Photo Dzen

  • Peter Sh.

    16mm f / 4

  • Peter Sh.

    Final pictures
    time

  • Peter Sh.

    two

  • Peter Sh.

    three

    • Jury

      Thank you Peter! Good photos and a good lens. You can be congratulated on his purchase.

    • Antosha

      The photos are great!

  • Lynx

    Something became quiet in the thread.
    Come on, divine, found today in the vastness of "Avito":

    [/ i] I will sell the Canon EF 70-200 4L lens in good condition.
    Set: lens, hood, covers, box.
    There is a scratch on the front lens, it does not affect the image quality, the rear lens responsible for the picture is in perfect condition.
    Date of purchase May 2014 in MVideo.
    The reason for the sale is the switch to Nikon. [/ I]

    • Antosha

      Lynx, if you are trying to troll, then at least do it qualitatively. And it’s somehow sluggish you get boring. Push up!

      • Lynx

        nyasha, not sluggish, but “thick”.
        Go to Lurka, pick up the materiel.

      • Lynx

        announcement by the way, real.

        • anonym

          Lurka may be thick, but yours is sluggish, ahaha) How often do you call men “nyasha”? This is suggestive.

          • anonym

            This is Antosha writing to you from another browser.

            • Lynx

              Antosha - you don't care.

  • anonym

    I'm your nightmare, spotty feline)

  • anonym

    For those who don't like DXOMARK - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NK5J571CKvE

    • anonym

      ... and here are the results of the last test ... (cameras guessed everything!)
      Does everyone understand which camera is better in the picture? (Nikon D810 hint ;-))

  • Alexey

    http://www.lenstip.com/453.11-Lens_review-Canon_EF_11-24_mm_f_4L_USM_Summary.html
    ... you get a unique device characterized by excellent resolution in the frame center and sensible resolution on the edge of the frame even if you deal with full frame. With such huge angles of view it is an achievement worth your recognition and respect.
    Well, there are also flaws ... Maybe in such construction some of them are simply unavoidable or very difficult to avoid. It is yet to be seen whether or not it is actually possible to produce a better lens with similar properties. So far the Canon 11-24 mm remains a unique option and only because of that its constructors should be praised for their audacity.

  • Alexander

    I think or the review is stolen from DrTV?

  • literate in everything

    Oh, how delicious the mulberries! So that I die, to rule the color on Nikon is hell! Nikonists are not photographers at all, and Nikons are not cameras, and this is easy to prove: Nikon cameras create a biofield that prevents Nikonists from taking pictures of beautiful girls with Nikon. For example, a Nikonist walks down the street, sees a beautiful schoolgirl, and Nikon's biofield makes him aim the lens at some terrible aunt, and so it is with all Nikonists, without exception. I have a canon, and it does not forbid me to perfectly shoot only the most beautiful girls with the most beautiful radiant eyes, a cute face and a perfect figure, with natural color reproduction both day and night. Not a single Nikonist has ever filmed, does not remove and will not remove anything like this

    • Valery A.

      Ugh on your stuffing.

    • anonym

      toby your mom asked for a loaf to buy home.

  • literate in everything

    This lens without a stabilizer is not interesting. The edges are soapy and strong ha. If the angle is not enough, they shoot a panorama. A tripod is the last century, I almost never use a tripod and flash, and the best shots are always random, and just in case an extra kilogram is for photo shots.

    • anonym

      So take pictures on your phone - why are the fotik pulled

  • Sovereign

    Try a soap box with a large zoom, the impressions will be no less vivid I think :)

    • Denis

      how far is it from the moon?

      • KalekseyG

        Judging by the picture, about ten meters.

  • Ali

    "The Canon EF 11-24mm F / 4L USM is by far the best ultra-wide angle lens on the market without exception."
    Strange, but what about the old Nikon 14-24mm f / 2.8G ED AF-S Nikkor? Sharp over the entire frame area, minimum chromaticity and aberration. Lighter and 2.8 working. The only negative, in wet weather, easily catches drops. Without an umbrella, shooting in the rain is not realistic, the front lens sticks out. The focal length is minimal; you can take it literally with glass buried in an object. I wrote a review about him at the photographer, there are photos. Width more than three units is not important. I compared frames shot at 11 mm and 14 mm and the difference is cheap. It was necessary to remove the ship almost tightly buried in the parapet. At 11 it captivated one and a half steps of the flight of stairs more. But aperture 2.8 rescued. By the way, my friend is a wedding photographer who regularly makes a series of shots of Nikon 14-24mm f / 2.8G ED AF-S Nikkor, and uses a hole 2.8 regularly.

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