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.
Absolutely a superb lens. I use it for everything from Portrait to Fine Art. This one never sits on the shelf for more than a day. I can't imagine anyone being more pleased with an off brand unless they were a sales rep or something! This lens performs better than my Contax.
Can one person, against the universe, be right? I know I'm in the extreme minority here, but I'm disappointed in this lens for the simple reason that I found it markedly inferior (at least in the center) to the much cheaper Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di. See test at: http://lubowphotography.com/tamron-canon-test.htm
Perhaps I simply bought a lemon, or perhaps the 24-70 isn't as good with a digital camera. To clear up the mystery, I'd sure be curious to see the results of another comparison test. In the meantime, my 28-75 is on my 1Ds and my 24-70 is sitting on a shelf.
Strength
Weakness
three times the price of the Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di, which is smaller and sharper in the center.
Visitors rate this review
4.17 out of 5
after 41 votes
The lens I use the most. The results still amaze me, every time I see the results. Wide open gives you great results, why buy a 2.8 lens when you can not use it because it is soft? I like the 24 mm, the 70 mm is a little short on a EOS 1 Mark II. In that matter the new 24-105 4.0 has a dream reach. But like I said, the results od this lens are so stunning, we have to see and wait if the 24-105 4.0 can match this. I have my doubts. IS is something I never ever miss on this baby. Visit a museum, put your iso at 800 and you can take razorsharp pictures.
Strength
Stunning results
Natural colars, the best of all my Canon lenses
Built quality
Weakness
Very big for a standaard lens, especially with the hood on.
Attracks a lot of attention.
Visitors rate this review
2.00 out of 5
after 3 votes
hi guy,
well i waited a long time to buy this lens, for me the last piece in the puzzle, having used canon for 12 years, i have come to respect the quality of the system, although this lens is very expensive, when i did the numbers and related it to the years i have owned my other canon lens it was actually the cheapest,
having only had the lens for a 2 months i can say it is up to the quality of all the other lens in my bag,
i havent taken it of the camera unless stooting sports, is it heavy? too me no as i feel it add a great feel to the 1d camera, i tried it on the d60 and felt it made the camera feel alittle of balance,
the sharpness and contrast are spot on and i use the lens for my press, studio and wedding work.
in the past i have used other makes of lens for my canon system and found they fell apart after a short time, since using my L series of lens (all of which are 10 + years old) i have to say they are built to last and have never let me down. my new 24-70 looks and feels as well made and i hope it will give as many years service as its stable mates have,
my advice is
If you can afford it buy it and it will last forever, if you can't afford it, keep saving as nothing comes close to build, sharpness, speed of focus and reliability. well thats my opinion
Strength
sharp, fast focus,
great contrast
24-70 zoom range and f2.8
great build quality
Weakness
ain't found any yet so i'll let you know
Visitors rate this review
1.00 out of 5
after 1 votes
I have been putting off moving up to "L" lenses simply due to the cost. But after I looked closely at recent photos I took in Africa, I was disappointed with my results. My lenses, although top quality consumer lenses, were not holding up to the standards I was looking for. My first move was to buy this lens as my keep-on-the-camera lens.
It is all that everyone says it is. It is exceptionally bright and incredibly sharp. It is also not cheap - and not light weight.
The sharpness, contrast, and color rendition is about as perfect as can be found.
The build of the lens is beyond solid. It is a pleasure to hold and to use. The full-time manual focus is smooth to use - and such a sweet feature.
The lens focuses with a lightening fast whisper. Amazing.
I like my camera and lenses to have decent heft to them. I don't like light-weight equipment. This lens is just on the upper edge of what I find comfortable to use. I think the drawback of the weight is far surpassed by all the positives offered by this lens.
Strength
Solid build.
Fast minimum aperture.
Fast and reliable autofocus.
Full-time manual focus override.
Sharp - contrasty - great results.
Weakness
Pushes the limit on the wallet for the general serious amateur - and pushes the limit on comfort vis-a-vis weight.
Visitors rate this review
1.19 out of 5
after 36 votes
4.75 of 5
