EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Standard Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras

I primarily shoot portraits, and this lens has been with me for several years now. Over time, it has proven itself to be one of the most reliable and versatile pieces of gear in my kit—and easily my go-to all-around lens. What I Like The sharpness and clarity are outstanding. Images come out crisp with excellent detail, making it ideal not only for portraits but also for everyday shooting. The constant f/2.8 aperture performs beautifully, especially for subject separation and low-light situations. Its versatility is the biggest reason this lens replaced almost all my other lenses. From wide to mid-telephoto, it covers an incredibly useful focal range without compromising image quality. Build quality is another major highlight—this is not plastic junk. It feels solid, professional, and durable, exactly what you expect from Canon’s L-series. After years of use, it still feels dependable and well-made. What Could Be Better The weight is noticeable, especially during long shooting sessions. While the sturdiness is a plus, it does make the lens a bit heavy for extended handheld use. Image stabilization would also be a welcome addition, particularly for slower shutter speeds, though this is understandable given the lens’s generation and design. Overall Verdict The Canon EF 24–70mm f/2.8L USM is a true workhorse lens. Exceptionally sharp, versatile, and built to last, it has earned its place as my primary lens for portraits and general photography. While it’s a bit heavy and lacks image stabilization, its performance and durability more than make up for it. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a dependable, professional-grade standard zoom.

Let me first state that I am a very inexperienced photographer, so everything I say has to be taken with a grain of salt. I got the 24-70 lens as a present and this is my first lens attached to my first DSLR. I was and still is very eager to learn photography, but I was quite discouraged with my results from the very beginning -- I made not a single sharp photo. Few months later, after extensive reading on the subject and after thousands photos shot, my image quality did not improve. This is when I read other reviewers on Amazon, saying that this particular lens occasionaly comes with a factory defect, which causes blurred images. I called Canon and a very polite representative suggested that the lens may require a recalibration and that I should send it for a warranty check-up and reparir. It cost me more than $40 of postage and insurance to send the lens to the repair center in Irivne, CA. In 5 business days I had the lens delivered back to my front door with a letter, stating that some of the internal parts were misaligned, and that caused blurred images. The letter also claimed that the problem was taken care of. After a few more months of unsuccessful shooting, I concluded that I am not capable of holding a camera still even during the shortest exposure times, and I purchased a tripod and a remote. Well, that did not help either... I wrote a letter to Canon describing the problem and asking to replace the defective lens. A prompt reply from the representative said, and I quote "I'm sorry to hear that your lens is not producing clear images for you. Regrettably, since Canon does not sell lenses directly to the public we are unable to offer any type of refund or exchange for your lens, nor are we able to reimburse you for shipping charges. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. However, if the lens is not operating as it should you can send it to our Factory Service Center for repair." Along with that email came a UPS shipping label, so at least I did not have to pay for shipping again. 5 business days after I mailed the lens to Irvine, CA, I received the lens back with a loose focus ring and the accompanying letter said "Your product has been examined and it was found that the internal component was broken and therefore the image was blurred. The collars were replaced and product functions were confirmed." This immediately made me wonder as to why the broken parts were not discovered the first time Canon serviced, and why did the focus ring become loose. I sure did not drop my camera since then... Well, I mounted the lens that was serviced by Canon for the second time, and, surprise-surprise -- same blurred image. The experiment was clean enough -- a very sturdy tripod, locked mirror, a remote, no earthquakes in the neighborhood and a good light. Maybe this is about the time to send my Rebel XSi for a service check-up as well, or maybe I should give up on photography all together -- I don't know... But I do know for sure that in 8 months my lens was serviced twice, and each time a factory defect was discovered (and supposedly fixed.) I am sure that 24-70 is a great lens, but I was given no chance to recognize it, since the particular one that I have is not worth the money I spent mailing it to the service center, let alone $1300. Buy it at your own risk.

This is my second L series lens (my other one is the 70-200 4L IS). I use both lenses on an XTi. I love both of them, even though they are big investments. I keep the 24-70 f/2.8 L mounted on my XTi most of the time. When I need the extra reach, I mount the 70-200 (and sometimes I use the 1.4 extender with it, successfully!). When I mounted the 24-70 f/2.8 L lens on my XTi and began taking pictures I was amazed at the high quality this lens produces, very sharp. I am completely impressed and satisfied with this lens. The 24-70 f/2.8 L lens really surprised me at first, because it is a heavy and big lens, but when I got used to that I found it is not overwhelmingly big or heavy (but I notice that it does attract attention that you may not expect!). The pictures are simply the best I have ever taken, even hand held without IS (IS would be nice though)! I was astonished at the pictures from this lens mounted on my XTi, even the ones I half-heartily took. I highly recommend this lens. It is excellent! My two L series lens' do produce excellent quality exposures on the XTi. The XTi APS-C 1.6 form factor is great on the long end but of course limiting on the wide end, which can affect the desired exposure. But this is true for any lens used with the APS-C size CMOS sensor. One can easily deal with that, especially given the great exposures of the L series lens on the XTi, though the Canon 5D may be more appropriate to avoid this problem. Note: There are some very good lenses specifically designed for APS-C sensor, but they are not L build quality lenses, even though at least one of them (EFS 17-55 2.8 IS) produces L series sharpness, they do not have the build quality of the L series lens. The XTi works very well with the 24-70 f/2.8 L series lens, producing excellent quality photos that are very sharp. Yes, one can get by nicely using the XTi with the 70-300 and the 28-135 or similar lenses, but the build quality of the L series lens and the exceedingly high quality output of the L series lens is worth the extra investment for me (even though a big investment!) on my XTi. I say, if you have the money then go for the L series lens, even to use with the XTi. The XTi is a very good camera that works well with these lenses. Yes, canon makes higher quality DSLR cameras that work even better with the L series lens (and I am buying the new version of the 5D when and if it arrives). But, the XTi is a great camera that works very well with the L series lens.

Normally I write reviews almost immediately after getting the item. The lens came REALLY fast, three days BEFORE it was supposed to arrive. However, it was gloomy, dark and raining! After work I donned raincoat and boots and went out shooting my dogs playing in the field. The photos were very good, but I couldn't call them great. I was certainly hoping it was the weather so I decided to do some testing the second evening, still rainy, dark and gloomy. I used this lens as well as a "decent" zoom with the same range. When I looked at these photos, I was feeling better. Today it finally stopped raining and got much brighter. Again, I took an assortment of lenses with me, tried them all and I can now say I LOVE this lens!!! I already have the 70mm - 300mm 1:4-5.6 L lens and BOTH lenses gave me super photos... clarity, sharpness, great action shots, and the DOF is fantastic! I did have to play with the lighting post shooting, but it was hard to tell if the greenery was off because of the lens OR because we have had more than a week of rain and gloom during the Spring growth! I have a Canon Rebel T2i, and I NEVER use the video because I hate the results... I tried it with this lens and it was really great! Later the sun actually came out and I went flower shooting in my garden. Even with a breeze and handheld, I got the most amazing shots! Colors and sharpness are right on. I am a hobby photographer, shooting mostly action shots of my dogs playing, some macro shots of my gardens, and nature shots while camping and kayaking. I absolutely HATE to get home and look at my photos and find they are just missing something. After getting the 200 L lens, I had to move up with my zooms as well and I am not sorry at all!!! Once you use these L lenses you cannot go back!!! This lens IS heavy, but not a problem to handhold and carry for any length of time. It is quiet, quick to focus and even with the poor lighting, was not hunting all over the place trying to focus. It is a perfect range to keep on the camera most of the time. I guess I now have some "regular" zoom lenses for sale, LOL!

UPDATE: So today is January 8th, 2011. I've been using this lens for quite some time already. I must say the lens is still sharp as ever. Since my review in August this lens has been with me on several trips around California. This lens is not only a good all around lens, but it is also a good portrait lens as I have shot portrait shots with this lens. Still no lens creep (which is good). A couple months ago I decided to buy a DSLR camera after tinkering with a Canon XTi. Since then, I have bought a Canon XSi coupled with the 18-55mm kit lens. Eventually after 4-5 months I grew tired of using the 18-55mm and started seeking out a all around lens that boasted in sharpness and contrast. When I was looking at the lens I looked at 24-105mm f/4 L and the 24-70mm f/2.8 L I had a hard time deciding whether I wanted a bigger f/stop or longer range. I decided to go with the 24-70mm f/2.8 L since I figured the f/2.8 would help me out alot more. Why you may ask did I go with the 24-70mm as opposed to 24 - 105mm? Simple. Although the 24-105mm featured a longer focal range than the 24-70mm and had image stabilization, it wouldn't perform well in low light. Also take into consideration if you're taking pictures of moving objects like children. The 2.8 might not have IS, but in reality it doesn't really need one since the 2.8 can capture objects and stop them without blur. Something the 24-105mm can't do. I got it the day before I went to Reno, NV and man! The images were amazing, sharp, and clear! I was able to shoot indoors without fail, something my 18-55mm couldn't do. When they say its the L glass that makes it expensive you better believe it. You get what you pay for. The lens is sturdy and not made of a plastic feel. I haven't experienced lens creep yet. Overall, this lens is a great all around walking lens. I won't lie, but this lens intimidates people. I walked into In - N - Out one day and people started asking me about photography equipment and etc. I can't stress how much I love this lens. I use this lens more than my 18-55mm. I know that my camera sees the lens as 1.6x crop sensor, but if you plan on upgrading your camera body to a full frame body in the future then this is a good investment.

I purchased the 24-70mm f/2.8L in early December 2011. I wanted to buy the perfect portraiture and fashion lens for a 24 to 35 focal length to suit my home studio. Though I am relatively new with photography, I have owned 3 L series lenses. The standard I use to judge all lenses is Canon's EF 100mm f/2.8 macro. Tack sharp. I bought the ultra wide 17-40mm L and it was blurry. I returned it. I bought the 24-70mm f/2.8 L and it too was blurry (and not the good bokeh blurry). I am returning it today. At all times I used a tripod and a remote shutter release. The 18-55mm kit lens with IS turned off was WAY sharper in my test with the same lighting conditions. All variables were the same except the lens. I used a Canon 60D. I have sent Canon an inquiry today but I cannot imagine an explanation that would resolve the issue of how a $1400 lens is outperformed by a $150 kit lens.

I think it very well could be so I'm not going to differ with those who say it is.I bought this to use with a new 5D and itt's simply outstanding in every regard. So far, I've kept it on the 5D and can't bring myself to take it off. I considered a couple of lenses, including the IS 24-105 f/4 which has a lot of appeal and the price is about the same. But this was the lens I chose in part because I already have a the 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS Lens and the overlap seemed a waste while the extra stop helps. I have no regrets about it. sharp as a tack and quick. I note that this is not compact lens, especially with the hood on and it can stretch out a lot when you widen the field. It is also not light. This lens and the 5D will give your neck and back a pain, assuming you work with more than one camera. But the focal lengths covered are just about ideal and require none of the compromises that a longer zoom range require. For that, I've got an 18-200 on a 20D. The 70-300 DO, while not an L, specs out in that range and has the virtue of real compactness, but it' not a lightweight. These two lenses cover just about everything for me. And I can keep the 10-22mm on the 20D for the extra-wide shots. Since writing the initial review, I've since traveled for several weeks with this lens and it fully lived up to expectations. Given the difficulties of travel these days, I am concerned about the problem of not being able to carry it with me -- not a problem to date except for Britain. But always possible. And, despite the weight, I might favor the 70-200 F/2.8L IS USM as a second travel lens- I like the brightness of the focus. One suggestion. There's a temptation to use this lens wide open a lot of the time. It's very good and sometimes that's the best thing. But I've also found this lens makes beautiful images stopped down a good deal for short night time exposures on a tripod and a remote release. The effect with lights, etc. is considerably different along with the extended depth of field.

Ok, this review may be a little misleading only because I upgraded both Camera and Lens from a 10D with a 28-200mm 3.5-5.6 Lens (no longer in canon's lineup) to a 5D Mark II and this 24-70mm f/2.8L at the same time. My photography hobby ranges from Railroad and Industrial to Landscapes and Waterfalls. I chose this lens first over the 70-200mm f/2.8 because of a planned Wedding event, so have been taking advantage of all the waterfalls I have near me (the telephoto is more suited to my railroad hobby). Many shots are very tight and in dark places, and this Lens has performed beautifully. I have turned gloomy damp visuals into beautiful, bright and contrasty settings. When shooting my time exposure waterfalls at f/16, as long as my tripod is secure, I get sharp images corner to corner. Even at 100% on Photoshop you can see the detail in twigs and small branches on trees well out of the prime focal plane. I have had no focal or blur issues without knowing why it happened (ie shooting 1/3 Sec with tripod shake, I need to upgrade from my walmart one). A few test portraits turned out very well, sharp subject, blurred background at f/2.8. I think the wedding pictures will turn out great when it comes around. I even tried my hand at the basic macro focus range on this lens and was rather amused as I have never been able to focus on an object like this before. I have uploaded a Waterfall Scene, and a Macro shot to the images section of this lens page. for reference, on a 5D body, 70mm is about what your eye sees for range without the camera there. Considering the huge leap in my upgrade, my review may be very biased, but the quality is superb, and the weight of the lens is not too much at all. I love the hood this one ships with. On the 5D Mark II it is superb for 'Half' of my hobby, shots that a 1.6x body would still be too tight for. I will invest in a good Telephoto Zoom or Prime Telephoto next to re-pursue my railroad and crazy telephoto setup shots. Tom Carello

Wow! What a lens..... just going through my amazon orders and I purchased this over 8 years ago back in Feb 2012. This lens is the work horse for my photography business. I’ve had a uv filter on it from day one....have had it calibrated a couple of times and it takes tack sharp photos. Definitely the lens that stays on my Canon 5D Mark III.

Very nice

This is mark I, a little heavy, but for the price, this is a wonderful lens.

Don't buy this, not sharp at all especially at 70mm wife open