The Canon EF 11-24mm F4L USM has been out for a while now and it certainly got everyone's attention quickly. This is the widest professional lens you can get for a full frame camera, and at 11mm the angle of view is absolutely astonishing. But is this lens a must-have? Can a professional photographer who shoots wide angle a lot live without it or not?
We want to share an honest look at this ultra wide lens, with goods and bads. Let's start with why you shouldn't consider this lens.
Ditch it
1. Because it's too expensive
This lens will set you back $3000.That is serious money no matter how you look at it. You can get a lot of stuff for $3000, including the 16-35 f/2.8L USM II for half. Sure, it's not as wide, but still hasn't stopped it from being the number one ultra wide choice for pros around the world. If you want this lens, make sure your wallet's big enough.
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2. Because it's not a f/2.8
When you spend this kind of money, you kind of expect bright glass. Sure, it might not be easy to produce an f/2.8 lens in this focal range, but that again the paying photographer doesn't care how hard it is. Nobody says you can't shoot longer exposures hand held at 11mm, but the still, this thing doesn't even have IS.
3. You can't put filters on it
This is something Nikon users are already used to, thanks to their trusty 14-24mm f/2.8, which by the way costs less. Not being able to put a filter on this lens takes away a lot from it. We're talking about pro landscape photographers who would buy this lens if they could mount a circular polarizer or a ND filter on it.
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Reasons to keep it:
Because it's insane
There are fisheye lenses narrower than this lens, yet in the middle of the frame, everything is perfectly straight. It is the ultimate ultra-wide angle experience and it offers unique perspectives that will change your game completely regardless of what you're shooting.
Because of the image quality
The photos that come through this thing are top notch quality. The details are amazing and if you mount it on a 5Ds, you enter a whole new dimension in DSLR photography. The colors are great, the contrast is there, and it's everything you would expect from L glass.See full specs and photos here.
Because it's a tank
Just because you should treat it like a jewel doesn't mean it is one. This think is a big hunk of metal filled with expensive glass. It is highly resistant to water and dust, meaning you can take it even in the toughest environments.
Overall, the Canon 11-24mm f/4L USM is an engineering marvel and above all, it is a great investment, despite the high cost. We recommend it to all landscape photographers, photojournalists and everyone who wants to enjoy a unique ultra- wide-angle experience.
Check out more details about the Canon 11-24 f/4L USM lens here.