Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsSharp enough to cut ya! UPDATES
Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2013
I'm a career photojournalist and bought the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II lens to fill that yawning gap between my 16-35 f/2.8 and 70-200 f/2.8. I've used this lens to shoot a variety of editorial, business, PR and party assignments. My impressions:
1. Dang, this sucker is expensive! I coughed up about $2200 with tax.
2. As everyone says, too bad it doesn't have IS.
3. Somewhat chunky, but anyone who handles pro gear will hardly notice. One disappointment is that the front section slides forward 1-1/2 inches when zooming from 24mm to 70mm. I'm surprised this Canon upgrade didn't incorporate an internal zooming mechanism like the 16-35 and 70-200. This weather-sealed lens uses a latch to lock at 24mm for travel and running around.
4. The lens analysis in DPreview.com is dead on: you see significant vignetting at f/2.8, but it settles down at f/4.0 and nearly disappears by f/5.6. Some minor barrel distortion.
5. Superb sharpness and contrast even at f/2.8, comparable to the legendary 70-200 f/2.8! Excellent color.
6. Truly superior lens flare control, even when shooting directly into light sources! Locking lens hood (included) is shallower than I prefer for optimal protection of that massive 82mm front element. My lens came with a standard snap-on lens cap; I replaced the Canon cap with a Fotodiox 05CAPT82x1 82mm Inner Pinch Lens Cap and it works nicely.
7. Close focusing is okay. Not macro quality, but close-ups at 70mm are acceptable, even at f/2.8.
Conclusion: this is a real workhorse that will remain attached to one of my full frame bodies from now on. Horribly expensive, Canon is charging all the market will bear. But since I will probably use it for the next decade, I'm not complaining--too much!
LOW LIGHT UPDATE: last week I had an assignment to shoot stills on the slasher/suspense movie set "Killing Mr. Right." I used this lens to shoot handheld existing light at f/2.8 the whole time. I was blown away with the razor sharp images! I was tap dancing right at the edge of usable existing light, but the photos turned out great! Yeah, I wish it had IS, but this lens is sharp enough to cut ya!
UPDATE 2: I've been using this lens for two years now. It is my "go-to" lens that usually remains glued to one of my 5D III bodies. Optically it as good as or superior to almost all fixed focal length lenses.
