24mm f/2 Ai-S

[richardHaw]

always curious about this lens but it's too expensive for me. Does anybody have this lens? is this good?

they're too expensive for me

[Birna Rørslett]

(of course) I have it ...

Tried 4 sampes oveer the years and never was happy with any of them. The fifth sample was good, though. Beware that  the rear CRC cell can easily come out of alignment. That might explain the divided opinions on the 24/2.

The 24/2 is tiny compared to modern lenses with similar specifications, so attractive for unobtrusive shooting etc.

[Birna Rørslett]

An example with the 24/2 AIS (on Df)

[Erik Lund]

Very graphic! Information galore 

[Gerhard2006]

The lens was originally designed as a photojournalist lens with low distortion and low light fall off. It’s really good for people at about 5 feet that seems to be where it’s the sharpest. Other individuals who have reviews  say that it’s sharper in the centre and the depth of field doesn’t agree with the depth of field scale probably caused from curvature. The lens is very good up close because of CRC, so best get close to your subject and blur the background. Although some say with certain subjects the Bokeh can be a little busy. The 35 mm F1.4 Ais can also have busy renderings with some subjects.
I compared it to a 28 1.8 sigma one time and I couldn’t believe how much better the colour was from the 24 F2 then the Sigma lens as well as the sharpness.
It doesn’t handle flare well so don’t pointed at the sun. The 24 2.8 is better for that.
I’ve installed a dandelion chip on mine and it’s a lens I won’t part with.