Canon EF 24-70mm F2.8 L USM II

Lens Test: Canon EF 24-70MM F/2.8L II USM Zoom

The latest in a line of storied lenses going back to the 28–80mm f/2.8–4L of April 1989, this is Canon's fourth high-speed, full-frame, standard-range, L-series autofocus zoom. The previous 24–70mm f/2.8L was introduced in November 2002, and compared with that lens, this version II ($2,299, street)...

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM delivers the best image quality of any Canon standard zoom lens, but it's also an incredibly pricey standard zoom lens too. Although it features a fast maximum aperture of f/2.8 throughout the zoom range and is very usefully weather-proofed, the lack of built-in...

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM ($2,299) is the workhorse lens for many a Canon shooter. With a constant f/2.8 aperture throughout its zoom range, very good optical performance, and a fairly compact design, the lens pairs well with full-frame Canon cameras .

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Review

The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM lens is the company's top-end standard zoom; it's pricey, but a solid performer. The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM ($2,299) is the workhorse lens for many a Canon shooter. With a constant f/2.8 aperture throughout its zoom range, very good optical performance, and a fairly compact design, the lens pairs well with full-frame Canon cameras. Its wide angle to short telephoto zoom range also makes it a good choice for serious hobbyists in search of a walkaround lens. It's on the pricey side, and if you can live with an f/4 lens you might be better served by the less expensive Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM($1,099.00 at Amazon). The lens($1,899.00 at Amazon) measures 4.4 by 3.5 inches (HD), has a large front element that requires 82mm filters, and weighs in at a hefty 1.8 pounds. It's fairly squat when set to 24mm, but it does telescope when zoomed. There's a switch to lock it into the 24mm position for storage, as well as a switch to change between manual and autofocus operation. The zoom ring is at the base of the lens and is covered with ridged rubber; it's comf...

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

I can't say enough good things about this lens. We own two for wedding photography and they replaced a 24L, 35L and 50L after a critical 2.8 shoot-out reveal this zoom was a better performer wide open then the primes were stopped down.

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I suppose the IS is not needed in a wider lens due to the focal length, but I can see it being useful at 70mm.

Best lens ever!

I am a wedding photographer, so I need a really good lens for my photography. If you buy this you won't be disappointed! I can now shoot at higher iso levels without too much sharpness being lost and the image being too noisy. Colours are much better too now!

The primary lens

If you can only have one lens this is the one. I keep it on my camera as primary. The best investment ever made.

Fantastic, worth the money!

I had the same lens from a competitor off brand and had such inconsistent results, I decided to go all in on this lens. So happy I did. Worth all the money. I shoot a lot of low light, action events and have been totally happy with it.

Decided to buy canon 24-70 ii after reading lot of good reviews and I am satisfied so far. It would be great to have image stabilization, but I am ok even without that considering weight and price premium.