Production
1971
Country
-
Optical
10 elements in 9 groups (nFD); earlier versions 9 elements in 8 groups.
Updated
Jul 1, 2026
Canon Canon 24mm f2.8
Canon FD · 24mm · f/2.8
Overview
The Canon FD 24mm f/2.8 was Canon's manual-focus wide-angle offering for its FD-mount SLR system (such as the AE-1 Program), sitting at the edge of what Nikon classifies as 'ultra-wide' territory with a 24mm full-frame focal length and an 84° diagonal angle of view. The lens went through several revisions. The earliest 'silver nose' FD version was introduced in 1971, weighed a hefty 410g/14.5oz, used nine elements in eight groups, lacked the S.S.C. coating, and stopped down only to f/16. A middle version arrived in 1973 bearing red S.S.C. markings — Canon's best coating for flare reduction — while retaining the breech-lock mounting system. The final 'nFD' version reviewed here was introduced in 1979: notably lighter at around 240g, redesigned with a more complex ten-elements-in-nine-groups formula, stopping down to f/22, and switching to a modern bayonet-style mount that locks with a short twist. Interestingly, the nFD still uses S.S.C. coating despite no longer advertising it on the front (no red 'S.C.'/'S.S.C.' markings or silver nose). It remains an affordable enthusiast favorite, still findable for under $100, praised as one of the best-handling FD lenses. No established nicknames appear in the reviews.
Verdict: The Canon FD 24mm f/2.8 (especially the 1979 nFD version) is an affordable, sharp, and superbly handling manual-focus ultra-wide that punches above its price. It's ideal for film shooters on FD-mount SLRs who want a competent, flare-resistant wide-angle with pleasant rendering and don't need the light-gathering or larger bokeh of the pricier f/2 and f/1.4 versions.
Optical Character
Bokeh
Renders nice, subtle bokeh for a wide-angle f/2.8 lens, with limited but pleasant background separation.
Sharpness wide open
Described as very sharp, though no specific center-vs-corner detail is given.
Flare resistance
The S.S.C. coating (retained on the nFD) significantly reduces flare.
Community Insights
What people love
- Excellent ergonomics — described as one of the best FD-mount lenses handled by the reviewer, with all dials rotating perfectly smoothly and operating exactly as expected
- Very sharp results
- Pleasing subtle bokeh and background separation despite the slow f/2.8 aperture and wide angle
- Effective S.S.C. coating that significantly reduces flare
- Affordability — can still be found for less than $100
- Reasonably light and compact (nFD version ~240g, extending 47mm from the mount)
- Useful depth-of-field calculator on the barrel
What people dislike
- Aperture clicks feel 'a little strong,' though the reviewer notes this is not really an issue
- Slow f/2.8 aperture limits light-gathering and bokeh size compared to the faster f/2 and f/1.4 FD 24mm variants
Pro Tips
- The nFD version is lighter and easier to handle than the older heavier variants, making it a good pick for everyday shooting
- Take advantage of the S.S.C. coating — it handles flare well, so you can shoot toward brighter scenes with more confidence
- Lean into subtle background separation at f/2.8 rather than expecting large bokeh; for bigger blur consider the faster 24mm f/2 or f/1.4
- Use the on-barrel depth-of-field calculator for zone focusing with this wide lens
Sample Photos
Sources (1)
Web-grounded synthesissecondary
The Canon FD 24mm f/2.8 was Canon's manual-focus wide-angle offering for its FD-mount SLR system (such as the AE-1 Program), sitting at the edge of what Nikon classifies as 'ultra-wide' territory with a 24mm full-frame focal length and an 84° diagonal angle of view. The lens went through several revisions. The earliest 'silver nose' FD version was introduced in 1971, weighed a hefty 410g/14.5oz, used nine elements in eight groups, lacked the S.S.C. coating, and stopped down only to f/16. A middle version arrived in 1973 bearing red S.S.C. markings — Canon's best coating for flare reduction — while retaining the breech-lock mounting system. The final 'nFD' version reviewed here was introduced in 1979: notably lighter at around 240g, redesigned with a more complex ten-elements-in-nine-groups formula, stopping down to f/22, and switching to a modern bayonet-style mount that locks with a short twist. Interestingly, the nFD still uses S.S.C. coating despite no longer advertising it on the front (no red 'S.C.'/'S.S.C.' markings or silver nose). It remains an affordable enthusiast favorite, still findable for under $100, praised as one of the best-handling FD lenses. No established nicknames appear in the reviews.
https://www.analog.cafe/r/canon-fd-24mm-128-ultrawide-lens-review-1xmf