Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Autofocus Lens Imported

This lens replaces the previous high quality L-series 28-70mm f/2.8 lens, with a lens of even greater caliber. The range has been extended to cover an ultra-wide angle of 24mm, which makes it ideal for digital as well as film shooters, and the optics are even better than before with two Aspherical elements and a totally new UD glass element. It's now sealed and gasketed against dust and moisture, and a new processing unit makes the AF faster than ever.

Internal Focusing
The internal focusing mechanism allows the front of the lens to remain stationary and to easily accommodate specialty filters, such as polarizing filters.
Two Aspherical Elements
A lens design incorporating elements ground so the curve of the surface does not describe an arc of a circle. Especially useful in reducing distortion in wide angle lenses.
UD Element
UD glass is one of the new technologies to open new possibilities to develop the zoom lenses with low weight and high optical performance. UD elements make it possible to correct chromatic aberrations whilst maintaining low weight.
Performance
Focal Length 24 - 70 mm
Aperture Maximum: f/2.8
Minimum: f/22
Camera Mount Type Canon EF
Format Compatibility 35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor
Canon (APS-C)
Angle of View 84° - 34°
Minimum Focus Distance 1.25' (38 cm)
Magnification 0.29x
Maximum Reproduction Ratio 1:3.44
Groups/Elements 13/16
Diaphragm Blades 8
Features
Image Stabilization No
Autofocus Yes
Tripod Collar No
Physical
Filter Thread 77 mm
Dimensions (DxL) Approx. 3.3 x 4.8" (8.38 x 12.19 cm)
Weight 2.1 lb (953 g)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Autofocus Lens
 
4.8

(based on 1741 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (1467)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (226)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (25)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (13)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (10)

98%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Fast / accurate auto-focus (1619)
  • Strong construction (1282)
  • Durable (1142)
  • Consistent output (1112)
  • Easily interchangeable (771)

Cons

  • Heavy (935)
  • Blurry focus (39)
  • Slow focus (29)
  • Poor in low light (23)
  • Heavy / bulky (11)

Best Uses

  • Weddings (874)
  • Low light (815)
  • Landscape/scenery (704)
  • Night photography (609)
  • Sports/action (474)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Semi-pro photographer (462), Photo enthusiast (382), Pro photographer (262), Enthusiast (173), Semi-professional (156)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (817), Yes (49)

Most Liked Positive Review

 

Fantastic walk around

I purchased this lens to replace a Canon 17-85mm f/4-5.6 EF-S IS USM lens that I could never be happy with, due to barrel distortion, vignetting, and other reasons.
Read complete review

I purchased this lens to replace a Canon 17-85mm f/4-5.6 EF-S IS USM lens that I could never be happy with, due to barrel distortion, vignetting, and other reasons.

On to the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM: FANTASTIC!!! I primarily use this lens as my walk around lens and low light photography needs. 2.8 really helps with lower light/ available light photography. I detest flash with a passion so this lens fit the bill. Now I need a 50mm prime f/1.2...

The cool part of this lens is the "reverse zoom" as I call it. Many times people ask why I am zooming in on there face, when in actuality I am opening it wide. I usually shoot from 50-70 when outside, so having the lens already "zoomed in" during storage means less time from turn on to shutter release. It really came in handy when touring Yellowstone national park when fleeting animals show up for only a few seconds.

The hood for the lens is large and impressive. As others have stated, the reversing zoom adds to the effectiveness of the lens hood itself. And as usual flipping the hood for storage severely hampers the ability to control the zoom ring. As large hands will have trouble. It is doable, but not convenient.

The Lens is/states/shows quality like a L series lens should. The weather sealing worked like it should. I was climbing mountains in the Rockies. Weather was very fast at changing: from 90's to 30's in a mater of minutes, and humidity climbing and falling and even a cloud/fog rolled in. And to top that, rain, hail, and snow. NEVER DID THIS LENS FOG OVER (internally)

I agree with many who say don't put a cheap filter on after spending so much on a quality lens. The filter I went with is the "B+W 77mm UV Haze 010 F-Pro Filter" You must add a filter to seal off the lens from the elements. And yes the rear gasket will leave a smudge, easily cleaned away.

Now onto what everyone dislikes about the lens. The weight. It weighs substantially more than the 17-85. I never carry my camera with the neck strap, it is always on the shoulder, and cradle the lens with my hand as I walk. So the weight was/is never an issue with me. I find the weight also allows for steadier photographs, especially at night.

I currently shoot with a T1i, which is a light camera crop camera body. Consequently the whole camera + lens weight is not balanced. The majority of the weight, with the way I shoot, is held in my left hand. The right hand simply balances and sets and takes the photo. I do not find this a negative, rather a positive. As the weight balances with the way I position myself normally. I should say I prefer the weight imbalance. I rarely shoot tripod so cannot comment on how the weight affects tripod shooting.

Picture Quality:

Above 35mm it is simply fantastic, at 24mm with a lot of straight lines, you may, if you look hard enough and long enough discover very very slight distortion. Most photos I can not find it. Easily eliminated via post processing. If you have this lens then you know you should be shooting in RAW.

Color representation is fantastic, although editing and camera settings makes this point mute.

This was my second L series lens purchase. I own the new canon 100mm f2.8L USM IS Macro lens. As a recent L series owner, I now understand what people mean by the L desire. Once you go L you dislike anything else.

On a last and final note I wish to state I have taken over 6000 photos since purchasing the lens. I have yet to come up with any negatives with the lens. The only downside is now I want a Full Frame camera to really bring out the details this lens has the potential to provide.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

 

24-70 or the 24-105 ??

After owning 2 soft copies of the Canon 24-70 F2.8 in the last 9 months, I without a doubt have confirmed that the 24-105 is a Better Lens!I tested the [*]...Read complete review

After owning 2 soft copies of the Canon 24-70 F2.8 in the last 9 months, I without a doubt have confirmed that the 24-105 is a Better Lens!I tested the [*]out of 2 copies of the 24-70 @ 2.8.. & the 24-105 f4IS kills it in regard to consistency, sharpness, practicality of its focal length, Image stabilization for low light shots & video & just overall usefulness. Unless you are completely stuck on having the 2.8 for low light without the use of a flash & are lucky enough to actually GET A SHARP COPY..go with the 24-105 f4IS

Reviewed by 1741 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-20

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5.0

Love it

By Osiris

from Trinidad

About Me Pro Photographer

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Durable
  • Easily Interchangeable
  • Fast / accurate auto-focus
  • Rugged

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Landscape/Scenery
    • Weddings/Events

    Comments about Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Autofocus Lens:

    i always use to hear about this lens and how sharp and clean the image is look and how easy it is to focus and everything that was said about this lens is for real.

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Share this review

     
    5.0

    Great Zoom Lens

    By Jack the Wedding Photographer

    from Dallas, TX

    About Me Pro Photographer

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Consistent Output
    • Easily Interchangeable
    • Fast / accurate auto-focus
    • Strong Construction

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Indoors/Low Light
      • Night Photography
      • Sports/Action
      • Weddings/Events

      Comments about Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Autofocus Lens:

      I've been renting this lens for a year and was finally able to purchase one through B&H. I am a wedding photographer and this is my #1 lens. The zoom is great and 2.8 aperture makes all the difference! Would recommend to anybody wanting to get into the business.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Share this review

       
      5.0

      A must for any wedding photographer.

      By kajlepere

      from Columbia, MD

      About Me Semi-pro Photographer

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Consistent Output
      • Fast / accurate auto-focus
      • Nice Bokeh
      • Rugged
      • Strong Construction

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Indoors/Low Light
        • Night Photography
        • Weddings/Events

        Comments about Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Autofocus Lens:

        I've read so many reviews and looked at so many videos about this lens. Finally I was able to get one and I am so happy. I am a wedding photographer and I only wish that I could have gotten this way before. I've used some good lens and even have the 70-200 2.8 IS II, but this lens has thus far proven to be the lens that I will be using more often than ever.
        Get it if you can afford it, you will not be sorry.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

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        4.0

        Great lens

        By BenRoberts

        from Boone, NC

        About Me Photography Student

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Amazing color rendition
        • Durable
        • Fast / accurate auto-focus
        • Image quality
        • Rugged
        • Strong Construction

        Cons

        • Blurry Focus
        • Heavy

        Best Uses

        • Landscape/Scenery
        • Macro Photography
        • Video
        • Weddings/Events

        Comments about Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Autofocus Lens:

        I just got my 24-70 and so far its great. The auto-focus is super fast and the overall build is great. It is very heavy as I'm sure you've heard. I didn't think this would be a problem for me, but its hard to get super sharp images in low light because my wrists can't help but shake with the weight. The image quality is slightly lower than the canon 50mm 1.4., but the color rendition is much better. If you are a fan of prime lenses I suggest this one, because it has comparable image quality yet is able to zoom.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

         
        5.0

        Great universal lens

        By monikae

        from San Francisco, CA

        About Me Photo Enthusiast

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Consistent Output
        • Durable
        • Fast / accurate auto-focus
        • Strong Construction

        Cons

        • Heavy

        Best Uses

        • Landscape/Scenery
        • Night Photography
        • Video
        • Weddings/Events

        Comments about Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Autofocus Lens:

        I use it in many situations and I really like it. Although, it seems to be heavy it sits nice in my heand. I bought the lens because I wanted to have one universal L lens that I can use for landscape and portraits. I'm very happy with this lens.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

         
        5.0

        Amazing Lens....

        By bigdog

        from Minneapolis, MN

        About Me Photo Enthusiast

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Consistent Output
        • Fast / accurate auto-focus
        • Nice Bokeh
        • Strong Construction

        Cons

        • Heavy

        Best Uses

          Comments about Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Autofocus Lens:

          I've had other lens like the 50 1.2, 50 1.8 and 50 1.4 and I would say this is my favorite most used lens on my 7d. My copy of the 50 1.2 must have been bad as it wasn't as sharp as the 50 1.8 or 1.4 or this lens. I can see why this is the top rated lens on B&H. Also note that B&H is the BEST place to buy things from. Super customer service and great prices!!!

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

           
          5.0

          Wonderful Zoom

          By Billy

          from Miami, FL

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Durable
          • Fast / accurate auto-focus
          • Nice Bokeh
          • Strong Construction

          Cons

            Best Uses

              Comments about Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Autofocus Lens:

              Filmmaking
              Fast lens and crisp images at all focal lengths
              Nothing.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

               
              4.0

              Quite pleased

              By RVS

              from Austin

              About Me Photo Enthusiast

              Pros

              • Fast / accurate auto-focus
              • Nice Bokeh
              • Rugged

              Cons

              • Heavy

              Best Uses

              • Indoors/Low Light
              • Landscape/Scenery
              • Wildlife Photos

              Comments about Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Autofocus Lens:

              I went back and forth between this and the EFS 17-55 as I have the unenviable position of not owning a full frame sensor. I had borrowed a version of this lens from a friend and found it to be a little "soft", so I was worried about this. I also borrowed the 17-55 from another friend and really liked it. Great clarity, and saturation on both lenses. In the end I decided that the ~$200 difference in the price for this very well built L series lens was worth the investment. The marginally wider viewing angle of the 17-55 would have been nice, but the build quality of this lens and my hope for one day owing a full frame camera won out in the end. The 24-70 lens I received didn't share the softness of the lens I borrowed, so I have to chalk that up to manufacturing variance issues. I REALLY like this lens and am very happy with my decision - especially after loaning it to my friend with the 17-55 and seeing the reluctance on his face when I asked for it back.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

               
              5.0

              Work Horse

              By TDavis

              from Colorado

              About Me Semi-pro Photographer

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Durable
              • Fast / accurate auto-focus
              • Nice Bokeh
              • Rugged
              • Strong Construction

              Cons

              • Heavy

              Best Uses

              • Indoors/Low Light
              • Landscape/Scenery
              • Night Photography
              • Sports/Action
              • Weddings/Events

              Comments about Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Autofocus Lens:

              I use this lens the most. The 24-70mm range is a great range for the type of shooting I do. This is a sharp lens with a fairly fast focus speed. This is a must have lens for any kit.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

               
              5.0

              Best Len's so far! Love the quality!

              By Jason kan focus.

              from Melbourne, Australia.

              About Me Semi-pro Photographer

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • AWESOME
              • Consistent Output
              • Durable
              • Fast / accurate auto-focus
              • Strong Construction

              Cons

              • Heavy

              Best Uses

              • Indoors/Low Light
              • Landscape/Scenery
              • Macro Photography
              • Night Photography
              • Sports/Action
              • Video
              • Weddings/Events
              • Wildlife Photos

              Comments about Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Autofocus Lens:

              I use this 24-70 as a all rounder lens. it replaced my 17mm-55mm Tamron instantly!

              The build quality is AMAZING. Sturdy, slightly heavy, but the weight is not an issue as the weight stabilises and balances the camera body.
              Not only is the build quality amazing, so is the sharp, crisp and colour comes out beautifully!
              You can always rely on Canon "L" Lens series to blow you away with their amazing price to quality ratio.
              This lens has the fastest Auto-Focus i've ever experienced.
              Buy this lens and you will not be disappointed!!

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

               
              5.0

              Excellent All-Around Lens

              By ProCanon

              from Denver, CO

              About Me Pro Photographer

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Consistent Output
              • Durable
              • Easily Interchangeable
              • Fast / accurate auto-focus
              • Strong Construction

              Cons

              • Heavy

              Best Uses

              • Landscape/Scenery
              • Weddings/Events

              Comments about Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Autofocus Lens:

              Used for general portraiture shoots in my professional business. Great all around lens with excellent range of focus. Good depth of field and good in lower light applications.

              Fast and very smooth autofocus. Reasonably quiet focus. Slightly noisier than the same level Nikon lens.

              A little heavy on the already heavy 5D Mark II, but worth the weight.

              As always B&H delivered on time at best available price for this Canon lens with a USA warranty

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

               
              5.0

              Great lens

              By Ivor

              from Dubai UAE

              About Me Pro Photographer

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Fast / accurate auto-focus
              • Fast lens
              • Rugged
              • Sharp at all focal length
              • Strong Construction

              Cons

              • A bit heavy
              • Heavy

              Best Uses

              • Landscape/Scenery
              • Night Photography

              Comments about Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Autofocus Lens:

              Scenic and portrait shots
              Fast lens
              A bit on the heavy side but understandable as it is a 2,8 lens

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

               
              5.0

              Everything is Great except back focus.

              By sscrozz

              from Lafayette, CA

              About Me Semi-pro Photographer

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Durable
              • Fast / accurate auto-focus

              Cons

              • Backfocus
              • Difficult to Clean
              • Heavy

              Best Uses

              • Video
              • Weddings/Events

              Comments about Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Autofocus Lens:

              You've probably hear that this is Canon's most useful lens for everything. It's rather wide but has a nice through to 70mm. A little distortion at the wide end but not too noticeable. I love every aspect about this lens except two things. It does not do well when it comes to back focusing and it's hard to clean. When I'm shooting video, I tend to zoom in all the way, set focus and back out to compose the shot. This doesn't work on this lens as the focus is different as you zoom in and out. Fortunately, I have a 7D so I compose the shot and then zoom in digitally to set focus but it takes longer to do this. Because the lens barrel moves back and forth, stuff tends to accumulate in-between where it moves in and out so I have to send it in to get cleaned more than a lens like a 70-200mm. Overall, I use this lens everyday and never leave home without it. I swear by it and it's worth the dough.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

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              (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

               
              5.0

              was worried, but now relieved!

              By Antosia

              from Canada

              About Me Photo Enthusiast

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Durable
              • Nice Bokeh

              Cons

                Best Uses

                  Comments about Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Autofocus Lens:

                  I was scared to buy this lens because there were so many bad reviews talking about bad copies out there. Fortunately I did my research and found that people who tried 4 lenses before they found a good one were not getting bad copies, but simply lenses that were not calibrated to their camera. I did calibrate mine by one point and am very happy with the quality. No focusing problems, happpy as a clam! Also, this is my first lens, and I really don't think it's heavy, and I've been taking pictures of a hyper shih tzu puppy all day.

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  Share this review

                   
                  4.0

                  Great Lens

                  By Meghan

                  from Aiken, SC

                  About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                  • Nice Bokeh

                  Cons

                  • Heavy

                  Best Uses

                  • Landscape/Scenery

                  Comments about Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Autofocus Lens:

                  Just got this lens and it seems great so far, very versatile.

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  Share this review

                   
                  5.0

                  Perfect ZOOM Lens From Canon

                  By Tony

                  from Plattsburgh, NY

                  About Me Photo Enthusiast

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                  • Nice Bokeh
                  • Strong Construction

                  Cons

                  • Heavy

                  Best Uses

                  • Indoors/Low Light
                  • Landscape/Scenery
                  • Night Photography
                  • Weddings/Events
                  • Wildlife Photos

                  Comments about Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Autofocus Lens:

                  Very smooth when you use it and the picture is very sharp.
                  Perfect size and this is the best zoom lens from canon.
                  Good performance in low light .
                  24-70 is the most useful part of a camera.
                  Best zoom lens!!! I like it very much.

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  Share this review

                   
                  5.0

                  Quality versatile lens

                  By Barry

                  from Dallas, TX

                  About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Consistent Output
                  • Durable
                  • Easily Interchangeable
                  • Nice Bokeh
                  • Rugged
                  • Strong Construction

                  Cons

                  • Slow Focus

                  Best Uses

                  • Indoors/Low Light
                  • Landscape/Scenery
                  • Night Photography
                  • Weddings/Events
                  • Wildlife Photos

                  Comments about Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Autofocus Lens:

                  I did quite a bit of research before purchasing this lens for my Canon 7D. I needed something to replace the 15-55mm lens that came with my Canon Rebel XT 7 years ago. I wanted something of better quality and this lens certainly lives up to my expectations. I do quite a bit of landscape and nature photography. I also travel quite a bit and plan to take this lens with me on an upcoming Caribbean cruise.

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  Share this review

                   
                  5.0

                  Great Lens!

                  By Brandon

                  from Michigan

                  About Me Photo Enthusiast

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Consistent Output
                  • Durable
                  • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                  • Rugged
                  • Strong Construction

                  Cons

                  • Heavy

                  Best Uses

                  • Indoors/Low Light
                  • Landscape/Scenery
                  • Macro Photography
                  • Night Photography
                  • Sports/Action
                  • Video
                  • Weddings/Events

                  Comments about Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Autofocus Lens:

                  Super fast auto focus, incredibly sharp images.

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  Share this review

                   
                  5.0

                  Great Lens

                  By 317Photo

                  from NC

                  About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Consistent Output
                  • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                  • Nice Bokeh
                  • Strong Construction

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                    • Indoors/Low Light
                    • Macro Photography
                    • Weddings/Events

                    Comments about Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Autofocus Lens:

                    Ultra sharp lens...haven't had a session since that I haven't used it. I couldn't be happier with this lens!

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Share this review

                     
                    5.0

                    Fantastic Lens

                    By RS

                    from Miami, FL

                    About Me Pro Photographer

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Easily Interchangeable
                    • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                    • Nice Bokeh
                    • Strong Construction

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                      • Indoors/Low Light
                      • Landscape/Scenery
                      • Macro Photography
                      • Sports/Action
                      • Video

                      Comments about Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Autofocus Lens:

                      This is a superb lens, very sharp, very fast. Highly recommended.

                      I am using for photgraphy and also for video.

                      Share this review

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                      Filters & Filter Kits

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                      Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Autofocus Lens
                       
                       
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