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

The EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is a near-flawless lens with optics that come very close to matching a set of top-quality primes. With fast, accurate autofocus and weathersealed construction, it's difficult to find any really serious faults at all.

Professional and serious enthusiast photographers looking for the best possible optics in an 'everyday' standard zoom lens.;

Photographers who shoot a lot at close focus distances;

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

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...

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.

Sharp throughout zoom range; Constant f/2.8 aperture; Fairly compact

Pricey; Not stabilized; Some distortion; Telescoping design