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

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens — image 1
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Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens — image 8
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87%
94%
Image Quality
90%
Autofocus Performance
91%
Build Quality
86%
Usability
89%
Versatility
88%
Low Light Performance
78%
Weight/Portability
92%
Weather Resistance
85%
Value for Money
87%
Zoom Range Flexibility
84%
Ease of Use
80%
Customer Support
More

Overview

The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens is a professional-grade standard zoom lens designed for Canon EF mount cameras. With its versatile focal length, it covers everything from wide-angle to short telephoto, making it a go-to choice for many photographers. This high-performance lens delivers excellent clarity and sharpness, even at full aperture. The constant f/2.8 aperture ensures consistent exposure, regardless of zoom range. Photographers and videographers alike will appreciate its reliable autofocus and solid build, making it ideal for both studio and field work.

Features & Benefits

This lens boasts a 24-70mm focal length, which provides a versatile zoom range, making it perfect for a variety of shooting scenarios. The fast autofocus is powered by Canon's ultrasonic motor (USM), ensuring quick and silent focusing, which is crucial for both stills and video. The lens excels in image quality with minimal distortion, ensuring accurate and vibrant shots. Its weather-sealed design offers durability, which is essential for photographers who work in unpredictable environments, and despite the lack of image stabilization, its overall performance makes it highly reliable.

Best For

The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II lens is best suited for professional photographers and videographers seeking a versatile, high-quality zoom lens. Event, portrait, landscape, and wedding photographers will find its broad focal range and fast aperture ideal for most shooting situations. Its constant f/2.8 aperture also makes it a top choice for low-light conditions, while videographers will appreciate its smooth autofocus and image sharpness. This lens is perfect for anyone looking for a reliable tool that delivers professional results across various disciplines.

User Feedback

Users consistently praise the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II lens for its impressive sharpness and color accuracy. The autofocus is particularly appreciated for its speed and reliability in both still photography and video shooting. However, some users note that the lens can feel a bit heavy during extended use, especially for those not accustomed to larger lenses. Despite the weight, the build quality is frequently highlighted as a strong point, with many finding it sturdy enough to withstand tough conditions, making it an excellent investment for serious professionals.

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Pros

  • Fast and accurate autofocus, making it ideal for both stills and video work.
  • The constant f/2.8 aperture ensures consistent exposure across varying focal lengths.
  • Highly praised for sharpness and color accuracy, even in challenging lighting conditions.
  • Durable, weather-sealed construction makes it a great choice for outdoor shoots.
  • Versatile 24-70mm focal length covers a wide range of shooting situations.
  • Build quality is solid, offering a professional feel and reliability in various environments.

Cons

  • At 1.77 lbs, it may feel heavy for photographers who need to shoot for extended periods.
  • The lack of image stabilization can be a downside for handheld shooting in low-light conditions.
  • Price point may be prohibitive for casual photographers or hobbyists.
  • Some users report that its size and weight make it less convenient for travel or spontaneous shoots.
  • While the autofocus is fast, some videographers find it less smooth during continuous focus transitions.
  • The 24-70mm focal length might not be wide enough for those who require ultra-wide shots.

Ratings

After analyzing verified user reviews worldwide, across multiple languages and platforms, the ratings for this lens reflect the experiences of real photographers and videographers. Spam, incentivized, and exaggerated reviews have been filtered out to ensure only authentic, high-quality feedback was considered. Both the strengths and pain points of the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens are represented in these scores, providing a balanced view of its performance and features from a diverse range of sources.

Image Quality
94%
Users consistently praise the sharpness and color accuracy of this lens. The images produced are vibrant and clear, with excellent detail even in low light. Photographers particularly value the minimal distortion and chromatic aberration, making it ideal for both professional photography and videography.
A few users mentioned that while the image quality is generally excellent, there are occasional issues with softness at the extreme edges, particularly in wide aperture settings. Some feel it’s not the sharpest option at every focal length.
Autofocus Performance
90%
The autofocus system is highly regarded for its speed and accuracy. Many users note that it works seamlessly in both stills and video mode, making it an excellent choice for dynamic subjects or live events. The ultrasonic motor (USM) ensures near-silent focusing, adding to the versatility for video production.
While most find the autofocus impressive, a small group of users have reported occasional hunting in very low light or under challenging conditions. The autofocus system, though fast, can be less reliable in extremely dim environments.
Build Quality
91%
This lens is highly appreciated for its sturdy, professional-grade build. Users often highlight its weather-sealing, making it an excellent option for outdoor shoots in various conditions. The solid construction feels durable, which is a key benefit for frequent travelers or event photographers who need a reliable tool.
The build quality does come with a weight penalty. A number of photographers find it heavier than expected, especially for long shooting sessions, which could be a drawback for those seeking a lighter lens for all-day use.
Usability
86%
Many buyers find this lens easy to use thanks to its intuitive zoom range and smooth controls. The consistent f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range simplifies exposure management, especially in fluctuating lighting. It’s a great choice for photographers who need flexibility without sacrificing image quality.
Some users pointed out that the lens can be a bit bulky for casual or everyday use. For those who prioritize portability or need a smaller lens for tight spaces, this one might feel cumbersome compared to more compact options.
Versatility
89%
The 24-70mm focal length offers excellent flexibility, making this lens suitable for a wide range of photography styles, from landscapes to portraits. It’s a go-to choice for event photographers, wedding photographers, and videographers who need a reliable, all-in-one lens for different scenarios.
Although versatile, some users believe that the lens doesn't perform as well in very specialized scenarios. For example, photographers focusing on extreme wide-angle or telephoto shots may need additional lenses to meet specific needs.
Low Light Performance
88%
The constant f/2.8 aperture delivers strong performance in low light situations, allowing for faster shutter speeds without introducing significant noise. Many users note that this feature makes it ideal for indoor events or evening shoots, providing reliable results even in dim conditions.
Some users feel that despite the wide aperture, the lens struggles a bit in extreme low light, especially when shooting fast-moving subjects. In such cases, the autofocus can be slower, and there might be some compromise in sharpness.
Weight/Portability
78%
22%
For those who prefer a solid, heavy-duty build, the weight of this lens adds to its overall feel of durability. It’s designed to handle challenging shoots and heavy use, which appeals to professionals who prioritize ruggedness.
However, the weight is a major concern for some users. At 1.77 lbs, it can feel cumbersome for photographers who require a lightweight lens for travel or extended shooting sessions, especially compared to other lenses in the same category.
Weather Resistance
92%
The weather-sealing on this lens makes it an excellent choice for outdoor photographers. Many users appreciate its resilience to rain, dust, and moisture, allowing them to shoot in more unpredictable conditions without worrying about damaging their equipment.
While the lens is weather-resistant, some users mentioned that it’s not fully impervious to the elements. In extremely wet conditions, there may still be concerns about long-term durability, especially if the lens is exposed for extended periods.
Value for Money
85%
Given its versatile performance, excellent image quality, and rugged build, this lens is seen as a solid investment for professionals who need a reliable all-in-one option. Many feel that the price is justified by its longevity and ability to handle a variety of shooting situations.
On the downside, some users find the lens to be on the expensive side. While the quality is excellent, there are alternative lenses available that offer similar performance for a lower price, making it less appealing for budget-conscious photographers.
Zoom Range Flexibility
87%
The 24-70mm zoom range is widely regarded as a highly flexible option for many types of photography, offering enough wide-angle reach for landscapes and enough zoom for portraits. This flexibility reduces the need to switch lenses frequently, making it a convenient choice for many professionals.
Some users noted that while the zoom range is versatile, the lens can sometimes feel limited when shooting extreme telephoto shots. In these cases, they recommend a more specialized lens for greater zoom capabilities.
Ease of Use
84%
Most photographers find the lens straightforward to use, with smooth zooming and focusing mechanics. The well-placed control rings and the balance between weight and handling make it a great tool for both beginners and seasoned professionals alike.
However, a few users mention that the lens is a bit large for quick and easy handling, particularly in fast-paced environments like street photography or action shots. Some find it cumbersome to adjust during dynamic shoots.
Customer Support
80%
20%
Canon’s customer support is generally reliable, with many users praising their quick response times and helpful advice when dealing with technical issues. Warranty services are noted to be clear and efficient, providing reassurance for buyers.
A small number of users reported less-than-ideal experiences with Canon’s support, citing delayed responses or difficulty getting replacement parts. Some customers felt that issues with the lens should have been handled more swiftly given the price point.

Suitable for:

The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens is ideal for professional photographers and videographers who require a versatile, high-performance lens for a range of shooting styles. With its 24-70mm zoom range, it’s well-suited for event, portrait, landscape, and wedding photography, providing sharp images and reliable autofocus. Professionals in dynamic environments will appreciate the constant f/2.8 aperture, offering consistent exposure across different focal lengths. Its weather-sealed design also makes it an excellent choice for outdoor shoots, as it can withstand more challenging conditions. Additionally, those who need a rugged, all-in-one lens for both stills and video will find this lens to be an invaluable tool for versatile, high-quality content creation.

Not suitable for:

While this lens excels in professional settings, it may not be the best fit for casual photographers or those seeking lightweight gear for travel. The 1.77 lb weight and relatively bulky design can be cumbersome for users who need a more portable option for long shoots or quick, spontaneous photography. Additionally, those on a tighter budget might find the price of this lens prohibitive, especially given that there are alternative lenses available that offer similar focal lengths and image quality at a lower cost. Moreover, photographers focused on extreme telephoto or wide-angle shots may feel that the 24-70mm range limits their options, requiring additional lenses for specialized needs.

Specifications

  • Focal Length: 24-70mm zoom range offers versatile coverage for wide to medium telephoto shots.
  • Aperture: Constant f/2.8 aperture provides consistent exposure across all focal lengths, ideal for low-light conditions.
  • Mount: Canon EF mount, compatible with full-frame and APS-C Canon DSLRs.
  • Autofocus: Uses an ultrasonic motor (USM) for fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus performance.
  • Minimum Focus Distance: The closest focusing distance is 0.38m (1.25 feet), allowing for detailed close-up shots.
  • Filter Size: The lens requires an 82mm filter size for attaching external filters.
  • Weight: The lens weighs 1.77 lbs (800g), offering a solid, professional build.
  • Dimensions: Measures 4.45 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches (113.5 x 89 x 89mm), a compact size for its performance.
  • Weather Sealing: The lens is weather-sealed, making it more durable for outdoor shooting in challenging conditions.
  • Image Stabilization: Lacks built-in image stabilization, requiring stabilization techniques such as a tripod or gimbal.
  • Build Material: Constructed with high-quality materials for a rugged and professional design.
  • Zoom Mechanism: The zoom mechanism operates smoothly, allowing for easy adjustment between focal lengths.
  • Lens Elements: Contains advanced optical elements designed to minimize distortion, chromatic aberration, and flare.
  • Release Date: Originally released on February 6, 2012, with continuous updates and refinements.
  • Compatibility: Compatible with Canon EF mount cameras, including both full-frame and APS-C sensor models.
  • Construction: Built with 18 lens elements in 13 groups for enhanced optical performance.
  • Diaphragm Blades: Features a 9-blade circular aperture for smooth and attractive background blur (bokeh).
  • Focus Mode: Supports both autofocus and manual focus modes for versatile control over focus adjustments.

FAQ

The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens is a versatile lens ideal for professional photographers and videographers. It's perfect for event, portrait, landscape, and wedding photography due to its flexible zoom range and excellent image quality, especially in low light.

This lens is designed for Canon EF mount cameras, which includes most full-frame and APS-C Canon DSLRs. If you own a Canon EOS camera, it will work well, but be sure to check your camera's compatibility with EF lenses.

No, the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens does not include image stabilization (IS). This means you'll need a steady hand or a tripod for shooting in low light, especially at slower shutter speeds.

The constant f/2.8 aperture allows for consistent exposure throughout the zoom range, meaning you won’t need to adjust settings when zooming in or out. It's especially useful for low-light conditions and provides beautiful background blur (bokeh).

The lens uses an ultrasonic motor (USM), which delivers fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus performance. This makes it excellent for both still photography and video, ensuring quick subject acquisition without distracting noise.

Yes, this lens features a weather-sealed design, making it durable and suitable for shooting in tough conditions, including rain or dusty environments. However, it’s still important to protect it in extreme weather.

The lens weighs 1.77 lbs (800g), which is relatively heavy compared to other lenses. While this offers a solid build, it may feel cumbersome during extended shooting sessions or when carrying it for long periods.

The second generation of this lens offers improved image quality, better sharpness, and reduced chromatic aberration. The build is more robust, and the autofocus system has been enhanced, making it faster and more accurate.

Yes, this lens is great for video work, especially with its smooth and precise autofocus, which helps create clean focus transitions. However, because it lacks image stabilization, you might need a tripod or gimbal for stable shots.

While the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens provides excellent image quality and versatility, its weight may make it less ideal for casual travel photographers who need a lighter, more portable option. It's best for serious photographers who prioritize performance over convenience.