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

by Canon

• Ring USM, high-speed CPU, and image optimized AF algorithms for fast auto focusing.
• Optimized lens coatings for exceptional color balance and minimal ghosting, florine coating on front and rear lens surfaces to reduce smears and fingerprints
• Optical design utilizes 1 Super UD lens element and 2 UD lens elements to minimize chromatic aberration in the outer area at wide- angle
• Combines 2 types of aspherical lenses to reduce spherical aberration, and achieve high image quality across the entire screen area and throughout the full zoom range
• Zoom lock lever locks the zoom position at the wide end for safe transporting

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.5 x 4.4 inches ; 1.8 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0076BNK30
• Item model number: 5175B002
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (44 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • #22 in Camera & Photo > Lenses > Camera Lenses
• Date first available at Amazon.com: February 6, 2012

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

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. Featuring the latest advances in optical lens design, it utilizes 1 Super UD lens element and 2 UD lens elements that help minimize chromatic aberration in the periphery at wide-angle as well as reduced color blurring around the edges of the subject. In addition, 2 types of aspherical lenses are combined to help reduce spherical aberration over the entire image area as well as through the full zoom range. Optimized lens coatings also help ensure exceptional color balance while minimizing ghosting. The lens is also equipped with a circular 9-blade diaphragm for beautiful, soft backgrounds. A ring-type USM and high-speed CPU with optimized AF algorithms enable silent and fast autofocusing. Built for the rigors of professional use as well as to meet the increased number of shots available with digital photography, it's constructed with improved dust sealing and water resistance while fluorine coatings on the front and rear lens surfaces help reduce soiling, smears and fingerprints. A zoom lock lever locks the zoom position at the wide end for safe transporting while attached to an EOS DSLR camera over the shoulder.

Specifications

• Focal Length & Maximum Aperture: 24–70mm, 1:2.8
• Lens Construction: 18 elements in 13 groups
• Diagonal Angle of View: 84°–34°
• Focus Adjustment: Inner-focusing with USM
• Closest Focusing Distance: 0.38m/1.25 ft.
• Zoom System: Rotating Type
• Filter Size: 82mm
• Max. Diameter x Length, Weight: 3.5 x 4.4 in., 28.4 oz. / 88.5 x 113mm, 805g

Sample Image

MTF Charts

Product Description

Ring USM, high-speed CPU, and image ptimized AF algorithms for fast auto focusing. Optimized lens coatings for exceptional color balance and minimal ghosting, florine coating on front and rear lens surfaces to reduce smears and fingerprints. New optical design utilizes 1 Super UD lens element and 2 UD lens elements to minimize chromatic aberration in the outer area at wide- angle; as well as eliminates color blurring around the edges of the subject, for images with high resolution and contrast. Combines 2 types of aspherical lenses to reduce spherical aberration, and achieve high image quality across the entire screen area and throughout the full zoom range. Zoom lock lever locks the zoom position at the wide end for safe transporting

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

50 of 57 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Tack sharp October 17, 2012

By Dr. Stuart Gitlow TOP 500 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

After several years of use of the prior iteration of this lens, I've now had about a month of use with the II. This lens is beautifully sharp - absolutely no question as to it being an improvement of what was already a wonderful lens. Generally speaking, I've found that I do not sharpen images in post to the extent that I used to, if at all, with no changes to camera settings. I've been using this with a full frame (5D III) and this is definitely my standard lens that I walk around with now. While this model is still heavy, it's significantly lighter than the last model. Though I don't particularly notice that around my neck, I find that the camera sits better against my chest with a standard neck strap than it did with the earlier lens, which tended to pull down on the camera body. That said, you may find in a full day of walking that a lighter weight lens is preferable. There are definitely days when I feel like just putting a 50mm prime on the camera and calling it a day.

Controls on the lens body operate smoothly - perhaps not quite so smoothly as on the earlier model, but close enough - the lens barrel itself may be where some of the weight savings come into play, but this is mere speculation on my part. Don't forget that this lens has an 82mm filter diameter, so all your filters for the last model will need to be replaced. The 82mm size is a little large for smaller hands to manipulate as easily, but this won't be a significant issue for most. Neither this nor its predecessor has image stabilization. That is truly a non-issue with Canon's current line of cameras where your shooting ISO can be increased quite reasonably to the point where a handheld shutter speed is attained with almost any aperture. Obviously, your situations may vary from routine daytime exterior shots, but I found that I could obtain quite acceptable HDR shots where the camera shoots three pictures in rapid succession while holding the camera without a tripod inside an old church. I prefer saving the ounces to having IS - in this particular lens.

The II is significantly more expensive than the earlier model. If cost is not an issue, I'd say the decision is clear - Canon has made significant improvements with the new version. If cost is an issue, obtaining the earlier model instead would not be an incorrect decision; the cost differential will buy a lot of other gear. But you may find yourself eventually longing for the improved sharpness and lighter weight.

31 of 34 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Super High Quality Lens October 17, 2012

By MartyF81

I have been waiting for Amazon to have this in stock and it just hasn't happened... so I got it on my own elsewhere. However since there is so much hype around this lens I thought I should post here.

The lens is very solid. Good material fits nice and snug on my camera. Well built. Comes with Lens Hood and Bag. I don't keep the lens in the bag, but it is nice to have for keeping "Other" accessories in. I keep the lens on my 5D MK3 while in my back pack, but I can use this pouch to hold charger, reader, extra batteries and a small flash. It keeps everything together nicely.

It is very sharp and then f/2.8 is exactly what I was missing to have a little more flexibility indoors. Performs much better in low light because of this and is a step up from my 24-105 f/4 IS. I think both lenses have a job so I will keep the 24-105, but this 24-70 is my new walk around lens.

I calibrated the lens first. It was ever so slightly back focused at 70mm. Microadjustment on my 5D made short work of that and now it is in good sharp shape.

I took some casual pictures around the house and they all turned out beautifully. However I will not post them on Amazon because the compression they use just takes the "Wow" out of it and really does it an injustice. If you want sample shots, there are plenty out there. Just google it.

The price is a bit high for this lens... especially without IS. But the quality is worth it. I won't take a star away for price because I think stars is about how good the product is, not its value for the price. I had been debating for weeks about buying this lens and the price was the big debate. It was easy to not have to decide since it was out of stock everywhere. I would have liked paying $1,600 for it better than the current $2300 price point. I just don't think this lens has features warranting that price, but again the quality is solid.

I never had the original, so I cannot compare.... but I would suggest it to anyone who is interested. You won't be disappointed.

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars YOU'RE NOW TUNED INTO THE GREATEST... November 25, 2012

By Pierre Exantus

B.I.W. (BEST IN THE WORLD)
Lets start there. This is probably the greatest lens I've ever used... challenged only by the Canon 70-200mm L IS II. It is unbelievably sharp throughout the zoom range. I've taken shots that would rival the most expensive primes. Focusing is almost instantaneous. You target it, and it focuses... Don't blink. The build is solid and strong. It is not nearly as heavy though as the previous model which seemed to be more of a metal body. In addition to being lighter, this lens is also shorter making it easier to travel with and more fun to shoot with. This EF lens features a zoom lock which prevents the barrel from zooming out while hanging from the neckstrap and also has full-time manual focusing (like most Canon lenses).

SCARLETT JOHANSSON HAS BAD PENMANSHIP
A few things I didn't love... The lens diameter is 82mm which I HATE actually. The previous version of this lens was 77mm. This change forces you to purchase new filters (if you use filters). 82mm filters are a bit more expensive than the smaller ones. I'm going to assume there was a functional reason for this change and not that this was an attempt by Canon to jumpstart the economy. The other thing is the lens hood. The newer lenses seem to come with a hood lock. No fun and uneccesary. I can't remember my hood ever falling off accidentally. Anyway, those are small gripes. Canon has done what some thought impossible...they've improved on the legendary 24-70. It costs an arm and a leg, but definitely worth saving appendages here and there for a big purchase at the end of the year.

QUESTIONABLE GRAPES
To speak to the one reviewer that touts an IS version in the works for 2013, there is an IS version of the 24-70 lens but it is the f4.0 version. I'd rather have extra stops (f2.8) instead of IS any day. IS can only help you if your hands are shaky (does not help with moving subjects). An extra stop can be the make or break factor if you're shooting in low light. It took Canon a decade to replace this famous lens. They won't replace this new one after just one year. The other complaint was quality control. I can confirm this definitely was an issue in the past. I owned the previous version of this lens and it took several iterations to get to one copy that I was satisfied with. With this new version though, the first one I purchased (which was part of the first released batches) was perfect out of the box. From what I understand, Canon has actually made it more of a priority to eliminate quality variation. As a small sample size, I'm 1 for 1. Highly Recommended.

PROS
Super Sharp!!!
Super Quick Focusing!!!
Fast Max Aperture (f2.8)
Solid Build
Lighter and shorter than previous model (1.77 lbs and 4.4 inches vs. 2.1 lbs & 4.9 inches)

CONS
Quite Expensive (though worth every penny)
82mm Lens Diameter
Mildly Annoying Lens Hood Lock