Lens · prime
Canon FD 24mm f/1.4 L
Canon · from 1979
Canon FD 24mm f/1.4 L: 10 elements in 8 groups, 8 aperture blades, 0.3m minimum focus, 72mm filter thread, 430g. Canon Camera Museum marketing dates: FD24mm f/1.4 S.S.C. ASPHERICAL (March 1975); New FD24mm f/1.4L (December 1979).
- Focal length
- 24mm
- Max aperture
- f/1.4
- Mount
- Canon FD
- Format
- 35mm
- Elements / groups
- 10 / 8
Known for
- Astrophotography
- Available light wide
- Environmental portraits
- Creative work
Considerations
- Soft corners wide open
- Heavy for 24mm
Optical characteristics
Silverlog's editorial rating: our own judgement, not measured data.
Bokeh: Unusual for wide-angle, pleasant
Rendering: Characterful wide open
Colour: Warm Canon tones
Silverlog's editorial rating, 1 to 5; five is best. Not lab-measured.
Versions
FD 24mm f/1.4 S.S.C. Aspherical
1975-1979
Chrome breech-lock ring, ASPHERICAL marking
10 elements in 8 groups, 500 g
New FD 24mm f/1.4L
1979-1989
All-black, red L ring
10 elements in 8 groups, 430 g
The breech-lock predecessor (March 1975) had a ground and polished aspherical rear surface on its eighth element and a floating mechanism; Canon called it the largest-aperture 24mm wide-angle of its time.
Common issues
- Focus ring wear
- Aperture blade oil
- Coating damage
Buying guide
Check all elements carefully. The hood (BW-72) is a separate bayonet accessory.
Specifications
| Mount | Canon FD |
| Focal Length | 24mm |
| Max Aperture | f/1.4 |
| Min Aperture | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 8 |
| Min Focus | 0.3m |
| Filter Size | 72mm |
| Weight | 430g |
Optical design
| Formula | Retrofocus |
| Elements | 10 |
| Groups | 8 |
| Coating | SSC (Canon) |
| Special | Aspherical element |
Pricing
- Typical used price
- £800 - £1500
- Mint
- ~£2000
Indicative, no dated source.