This lens does what many pros thought couldn't be done - replace the previous L-series 28-70 f/2.8 lens with something even better. Extended coverage to an ultra-wide-angle 24mm 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.
This lens is sharp quick to use in both manual and AF mode and has become my standard lens on the new 5D I bought at the same time.
I use this lens for walking about and for landscape photography. The images are always pin sharp from 24-70mm range and the contrast is excellent. Complements the sensor on the 5D brilliantly.
Weight is not an issue for me and the balance with the 5D is perfect.
Hand held shots only so far and used it in light that surprised me, I thought I would have needed a tripod.
Strength
Sharpness
Contrast
AF speed
Balance with the 5D
Lens hood in cost
Zoom length for landscapes
Ideal walkabout lens with the 5D
Weakness
Cost of filters 77mm diameter.
Visitors rate this review
4.00 out of 5
after 4 votes
This is a high quality lens and it shows in build, samples, and other user opinion.
I've used the lens so far at a formal birthday and at Disney's California Adventure.
As an event lens, in a typical hotel banquet hall with loads of tungsten lighting, the lens was too slow for low light photography at f2.8. For no flash shots, I used 800ISO which had a lot of noticeable noise on the Canon 30D. My shutter would wander between 1/20 and 1/40 @ f/2.8. With my 580EX on, the shots came out fine.
As a walk around lens, you have to be mindful of those around you. The lens hood makes the lens pretty long and may hit people passing you. I bought a neoprene neck strap by to help with the weight. I believe it works.
So as an event lens in low light situations, use your flash always. As a walk around lens, size and weight maybe an issue to some.
You'll read this everywhere but the lens is fast, sharp, and has great contrast and saturation. I tell people it makes things better looking that actually seeing it in person.
Strength
"L" Glass
Contrast
Saturation
Fast Focus
Sharp
f/2.8
Build Quality
Hood included
Black finish
70mm nice on x1.6 crop
Case included
High resale value
Weakness
Expensive
Weight
Size
24mm not very wide on x1.6 crop
Costly 77mm filter size
Visitors rate this review
3.00 out of 5
after 3 votes
Just a follow-up on my last review, which was actually written before I owned this lens. I finally bought it toward the end of this past summer, and I have used it almost every day since.
The first thing you notice about this lens is how it feels. It really has a presence that no other lens does. On my 20D it felt unbalanced and bulky, but on my new 1D Mark II N (see my review) it feels right at home. It is HEAVY. Heavier than you would expect for a 24-70mm lens. At 2.1 pounds, it is 1.4 pounds ligher than the 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM, but it feels almost as weighty. This is NOT a bad thing, at least for me. I personally really like the weight; it feels comfortable and adds stability when hand-holding my camera, especially when shooting indoor basketball, or other low-light situations.
Performace is as you would expect from any high-end Canon lens. This thing provides super-sharp images, and of course proves itself when it comes to durability.
I love this lens!
Strength
Fast, Sharp, Weatherproof, Comfortable weight
Weakness
none that i can think of
Visitors rate this review
3.17 out of 5
after 12 votes
This is a love or hate lens.Yes its super sharp with little distortion and a fast contant aperture, yes the AF is superb and the controls silky smooth so you might think its the perfect standard lens.The issues i have are its so big and heavy compared to my 17-40L F4 and 70-200L F4, and that it did not get much use on my 10D as with the 2 lighter lenses covering most of my shots. the 24 to 70 range just didnt realy fit with a crop of 1.6.
Now ive upgraded to a 5D its become my lens of choice again. 24mm covers most of my landscape work, if i go any wider the images look a bit too wide angle and at the tele end 70mm well its usable for portraits but not ideal. as this lens is for out and out performance i guess it had to stop at 70mm but you always want a bit more.
i strongly advise you consider these issues before you buy as it could be a burden around your shoulders or it could be the best lens you will ever own
Strength
As sharp as Billy crystal.
A good only 1 lens.
Very good lens hood-front element moves forward at 24 and back At 70.
77mm Filter ring is common with a lot of L lenses.
Quick and quiet AF.
close focus.
Weakness
As big and heavy as John Candy.
Not a good range with a 1.6 crop.
24-105 F4L is out with IS
If you own a 17-40 and 70-200 is a 50mm 1.8 at a 12th the price a better buy?
Visitors rate this review
4.00 out of 5
after 6 votes
Great Lens. This lens lives on my camera. It is sharp and fast. Yes this lens does cost money, but it is the BEST (hands down). You will never feel the need to replace it. Yes it is sharp, so sharp that you might cut your finger on it! The colors are great. It does come with a great big hood that does the job. It is a big lens but managable.
Strength
Fast focus
Sharp
Great range
F2.8!
Weakness
Only One Price!!!
Visitors rate this review
3.40 out of 5
after 5 votes
4.75 of 5
