Canon’s EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM lens does what many pros thought couldn’t be done – replace the previous L-series 28-70 f/2.8 lens with something even better. Extended coverage to an ultra-wide-angle 24mm makes it ideal for digital as well as film shooters, and the optics are even better than before with two Aspherical elements and a totally new UD glass element. It’s now sealed and gasketed against dust and moisture, and a new processing unit makes the AF faster than ever. (Canon)
Reviews
The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM Lens is very sharp for a zoom lens. The 24-70 L is sharp in the center at f/2.8 at all focal lengths. Corners are also very good with one exception – the extreme full-frame corners are soft at 28mm and below until stopped down to at least f/8. There is rapid sharpness drop-off at these far corners below 28mm. Stopping down a stop or so improves sharpness slightly in the center and slightly more in the corners.
If you´re lucky enough to get a decent sample you can expect a very high performance level, especially when stopped down a bit. Distortions, vignetting and CAs are well controlled. The build quality is superb with only the reverse zoom extension as a minor downside. Even so the 24-70mm range is not all that attractive on APS-C DSLRs (39-112mm) – the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 USM IS is a better and cheaper bet except regarding build quality.
Given that the old 28-70mm has long been considered a stellar performer — one of the most highly regarded mid-range fast zooms — to have it trumped so decisively by the new 24-70mm is quite a surprise.
Fred Miranda Forum User Reviews
I have used this lens under extremely demanding conditions and have never had a problem. It has been subjected to continuous salt spray for days at sea, snow storms, downpours, freezing conditions, and some hard knocks. The solid, weather sealed construction can take the punishment and just keep on going as if nothing ever happened. The lens shade is well designed and protects the front element very nicely, especially at the telephoto end of the zoom range.
Photography Review User Reviews
Canon’s classic 24-70mm f/2.8 L was until recently without peer as a standard zoom. It’s solid, weather proof and so sharp you can hurt yourself. You now have the choice of this or the 24-105mm f/4 L IS. Having tried both I’d still go for this every time unless I was a travel photographer perhaps.
These are simply among the highest quality and best performing zoom lenses ever designed and manufactured for full-frame 35mm and digital cameras. The EF 28-70mm f/2.8L lens was superceded by the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L lens. Both lenses are superb, and I hesitated replacing my 28-70 with the 24-70 because the older version of the lens was so good. However, the extra coverage at 24mm is very useful.
All in all, this is a lens that does not disappoint. I expected professional results when I used it, and got them, without a doubt. The only two things that I minded were the weight — in particular its front-heavy distribution — and the lack of image stabilization.
All-in-all the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM lens is amazing. The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM lens is built like a rhino, and is as sharp as a razor. The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM lens is a bit heavy, which tends to bother people with really weak arms, but if gives me confidence in the amount of glass used to help produce superior image quality. I highly recommend the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM lens and consider one of my all-time favorites.
Where to Buy
First off, consider going to your local camera store (and I don’t necessarily mean Wolf Camera at the mall). By going to your local camera store, you’re supporting your community and you just might build a lasting relationship with people you can rely on when you need some help or answers. If you’re buying online, I recommend sticking with Amazon, B&H Photo or Adorama. These three vendors are reliable, trustworthy and generally have the best (legitimate) prices. Additionally, purchasing your gear through these links helps support this site.
[tags]Canon, EF, 24-70mm, f/2.8L, USM, lens, review[/tags]