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

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

Wide Angle | 1/320 sec | f/6.3 | 24.0 mm | ISO 100 High-Res	Autofocus is accurate, even at close distances | 1/640 sec | f/6.3 | 70.0 mm | ISO 100 High-Res
Sharpness in the centre is very good to excellent throughout the zoom range at f/2.8 | 1/80 sec | f/2.8 | 70.0 mm | ISO 320 High-Res	Falloff of illumination towards the corners isn't eliminated until the lens is stopped down to f/8 at 24mm | 1/100 sec | f/8.0 | 24.0 mm | ISO 100 High-Res
1/80 sec | f/7.1 | 70.0 mm | ISO 800 High-Res	1/640 sec | f/2.8 | 70.0 mm | ISO 100 High-Res
1/60 sec | f/4.0 | 70.0 mm | ISO 1000 High-Res	1/60 sec | f/5.6 | 70.0 mm | ISO 640 High-Res

Value for Money

There is no way that the performance of this lens can be disputed however, the value for money aspect may be this lens' Achilles heel. Currently priced at around £2300, this lens is more than double the price of the optic it replaces, which retailed for around £1000 before it was discontinued. Even when comparing the price of this lens to Nikon's 24-70mm f/2.8, which has an excellent reputation for the performance it delivers, there is a gulf of around £1000 in price, as the Nikon optic retails for around £1250. This makes the Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 II USM look very expensive, or even overpriced.

Photographers on a budget, who require a lens covering this range, with a fast f/2.8 maximum aperture may also consider Sigma's 24-70mm f/2.8, which can be picked up for around £600. This lens lacks the weather sealing found on the Canon lens but sports a similar silent focusing motor.

Tamron's image stabilised 24-70mm f/2.8 VC USD may also be considered. This lens can be picked up for around £860 and sports optical stabilisation, a similar silent focusing motor and weather sealing.

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