Review originally written in April 2014, updated March 2017.
This is just an incredible lens that, provided you can afford it, will deliver in spectacular fashion.
My first standard range zoom for full frame was the 24-105 f/4L IS. I found myself using it only when I absolutely had to. Generally, the photographs taken with it lacked sharpness, contrast and depth of color. For any situation that mattered, I ended up using primes - the 35L, 35 f/2 IS, 135L, or the 50/1.4.
All this changed when I rented this lens in December 2013 for a trip to Utah. Looking at the photographs after my trip, I was stunned by the sharpness and color rendition in the landscapes captured with this lens. I could not see any meaningful difference between the shots taken with this lens and those with the 135L or the 35 f/2 IS which I had also taken with me. Here at last was a standard range lens that offered the convenience of a zoom with little or no sacrifice in image quality compared to a prime. Very quickly, my 24-105 and a couple other lenses went on sale to finance the purchase of this lens.
Since my purchase, I have used this lens for portraits, low light events, and landscapes, and it has never failed to deliver. Focusing, even at f/2.8 and in AI Servo mode is quick, accurate, and decisive. Stopped down when used for landscape photography, it shows excellent corner to corner sharpness - for a recent project, I shot identical photographs with this and the 35mm f/2 IS and could not, even at 100% magnification, see any difference in sharpness, color, and contrast between the two. The lower weight compared to the old version, new hood design and center pinch cap are all very nice features which add to the pleasure of using this lens. I continue to use the 35mm when I need the extra stop or IS - such as for hand held late evening street shots - or just some thing small and light; and of course nothing I have shot with can approach the pure magic of portraits taken with the 135L. The bulk of the time though, this and the 70-200 f/2.8L IS II are the lenses I reach for. Both are lenses that, apart from maximum aperture, can mix it up with the best primes I have shot with. Both focus faster and more accurately than primes I've used (but see addendum).
If, like me, you do not make money from photography, it is rational to ask whether a lens like this is worth it, and I will offer this perspective. This lens, much like its equally accomplished big brother, ranks among a select few that you can mount on your camera and walk into practically any situation with complete confidence that you will return with great pictures. If you love photography as I do, if getting the shot matters to you, that is worth the price of purchase.
Image Notes: The Milky Way panorama arcing over Glacier Point, the Fall color photograph, and the wide field of the constellation of Orion were taken with a 5D Mark IV. The Orion photograph is a stack of approximately 20 minutes worth of 45 second subs with tracking using an iOptron SkyTracker Pro.The photograph of Mt. Rainier and Seattle from the Bainbridge Ferry were taken with a 5D Mark III. The excellent corner sharpness makes this lens a great choice for landscape photography; the fast aperture makes it a good choice for astrophotography, although faster primes will yield better results.
Addendum: The one lens in this range I've used recently that does out resolve this is the new 35mm f/1.4L II. That wonderfully sharp lens resolves visibly more detail in the landscape photos I've taken with my 5D Mark IV and focuses just as quickly and accurately as this zoom. If you're looking for absolute sharpness, and can make do with a 35mm focal length, that is the lens to use. For me, this 24-70 is plenty sharp, particularly at its wide end where I use it a lot, and I value the versatility more than the increase in sharpness and two stop advantage the new 35mm has. For specific applications such as astrophotography, this calculus will change, but for me, those needs are infrequent enough to where renting the 35mm when I need it makes more sense. Your needs could well lead you to a different choice.
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This is just for the new photographers out there looking to get their first big boy lens. I'm not addressing the old salts out there because they already know. This is your goto lens. If you haven't figured out your focal lengths yet when going to shoot or your not sure what to bring you can always trust this lens. It can outperform primes when used right and it can eliminate almost all other lenses in your arsenal (with the exception of the 70-200mm 2.8 II) minimizing your load. From 24 to 70 at 2.8 you can do anything with this guy. I have now purchased 3 so i have one for each of my main cameras both video and still and they never disappoint. They have been dropped, kicked, put on wrong and tossed and never miss a beat. It's worth every penny so save your cash now and snag one...or two. You will grow into it and might even snag a 35mm L prime or a 24 prime but only in the rarest moments will you tell the difference.
I have coveted the 24-70mm lens for such a long time and have rented one a couple of times for special events. Finally, I accumulated enough credit card points and bookings (family, newborn and wedding shoots) so that I was able to justify the purchase. I received it on a Saturday, latched it into the camera immediately and shot more than 1,000 images with it in the ensuing week. Focus is super sharp, and the lens locks on to focus quickly with no noticeable motor noise. Coupled with the Canon 5D Mark III in Silent Shooting mode, I can photograph newborns without making a noise that may unsettle them; or I can shoot during the wedding ceremony without disturbing the proceedings. It is definitely a heavy beast, and I was quite tired after shooting with it for >6 hours at a wedding, but I suppose I would have been tired even without this fantastic lens!
It has a 82mm filter size, so unfortunately none of my existing filters will fit on it. I ordered a B&W 82mm UV filter immediately, just to protect the front element. It does come with a nice suede padded bag (which I probably won't use much) and a pinch-type lens cap which is less likely to get knocked off than the caps that have the pinch mechanism on the outer edge. The hood also requires you to push a small button on the side to unlatch it. It's easy to reverse the hood for use indoors. It also has a Lock so that you can latch it in the wide angle position and not worry about the lens accidentally extending. (I wish my 24-105mm L lens had this feature too.)
The combination of Canon 5D Mark III and 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is the professional standard (in the Canon world anyway...), and I can now take on photo shoots knowing that my equipment is not going to interfere with my creative vision.
The f/4 version of this lens is what tends to come with the Mark5d Camera Bundle. I knew there was a F/2.8 and really wanted to start my new collection off right so I took the plunge and bought the body of the Mark 5D Mark IV and this lens. It's truly an amazing lens and the focusing is lightning fast. I did notice that super straight objects have a sharper curve that I was expecting (I'll show upload a picture) but I'm so new at this that I am willing to wager it's my error. You can judge for yourself. The clarity has been stunning and it looks pretty darn great on the body of this cam.
I keep this on all the time and am always glad when I have something I have to shoot -- It's been a great boon to my Photography.
I'm blown away by the quality of photographs this lens helps create. Back in 2011 I purchased the first version of this lens and used it faithfully as my work horse. Now that this version two dropped in price from the original introduction price, I finally decided to make the upgrade and boy if I only knew what I was missing all this time! The image are tack sharp, autofocus is extremely fast, and the bokeh is so smooth. This lens is hands down the best lens I have ever used. If you're looking for a perfect all around lens, this is the one for you!
Feature Product
- 24-70mm focal length, 38.4-112mm equivalent focal length on Canon APS-C cameras
- F2.8 constant maximum aperture; F22 minimum, Ring-type ultrasonic-type AF motor with full-time manual focusing
- 82mm filters, Closest Focusing Distance: 0.38m/1.25 ft.
- Image Stabilization : No. Focus Adjustment- Inner-focusing with USM. Diagonal Angle of View- 84° - 34°. Weight-1.7 pound
- Purchase this product between May 1, 2016 and July 30, 2016 and get 13 months of free damage protection from Canon. The product must be registered within 30 days of the purchase date to be eligible.
Description
Meeting the ever-increasing demands on image quality that digital photography brings, the redesigned EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is the latest update to the acclaimed L-Series of EF optics, re-establishing a new standard for superb optics, high-end durable construction and performance in professional zoom lenses. A standard focal length zoom lens, it features a large aperture throughout its focal length. Filter size: 82 mm, Closest Focusing Distance: 1.25 feet.
I'm always a little nervous to order items like this online for delivery, since I've had a couple of things turn up broken or damaged. Amazon has been great in the past at refunding or discounting those items but there's always a worry that they'll change their attitude.
This item however turned up in top shape, and as anyone who has come near this lens can attest, it's a beast in all the good ways. Sure I wish it were half the size and weight, but the flexibility of having a sharp Canon zoom that works well on a Sony or a Panasonic with an adapter is quite priceless. The zoom covers what standard users want most of the time, and outside of much faster glass for lower light situations or maybe extreme bokeh, the challenge for me is to decide when not use this lens. I find it's a versatile lens for photography and video, where the manual controls are smooth to use, and it does respond quite well to phase detection autofocus in some of the newer cameras.
The previous version of this lens has been my daily driver for walking around photography, stage photography and much portrait and nature work. After nearly to years it has been upgraded and it's a worthy improvement. Chiefly vignetting and distortion have been significantly reduced. Best of all the autofocus is now lightning fast and silent -a real plus for capturing candid still and especially video. To top it off, this version is noticeably lighter. Given the incredible durability and legendary build quality of Canon's "L" Series lenses, I'm giving it a 'predicted' rating of 5/5 Durability. Certainly the prior version, and frankly, ALL my "L" lenses, are just short of indestructible, as long as you're not abusing them.
The previous version is so good that upgrading may be a hard case to make, unless you need the faster, silent autofocus. In any case, f you have this lens, or its predecessor, you won't every be disappointed!
This lens is absolutely phenomenal. The images are incredibly sharp and the bokeh is great. I have used it in many different situations, portraits, landscapes, etc and it has not let me down. It is expensive but it is well worth the cost.
If you are debating on getting a new camera body or this lens, get this lens first, it will make a huge difference.
Holy cow, this lens is good! Admittedly this is my very first "L" glass, so I may be overly enthusiastic. Compared to the (very good) kit lens, I get way more perfectly focused photos -- hardly any rejects for focus problems. Not super wide, or much telephoto, but on my Canon 70D (crop sensor) it is great for the people photo shoots I've done. All other aspects of my photos are just plain better. This makes my camera better, which is my highest complement.
This lens is unbelievably sharp. I took a shot of a bush and cropped it down to a close-up of a bee.
The second photo is the half way cropped. I wish I'd keep the original. The bush filled the frame. Note the texture of the wings.
Just buy it!
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