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

Spanning a popular and versatile range of focal lengths, the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is a Canon L-series zoom commonly thought of as the workhorse of lenses. Ranging from wide-angle to portrait length, this lens is also distinguished by its constant f/2.8 maximum aperture to benefit working in difficult lighting conditions and to afford greater control over depth of field. The lens is also characterized by its sophisticated optical design, which includes one Super UD element and two UD elements, which reduce color fringing and chromatic aberrations in order to realize a high degree of color accuracy and clarity. Three aspherical elements are also featured, and minimize distortion and spherical aberrations for improved sharpness. Additionally, a Super Spectra coating has been applied to individual elements to control flare and ghosting for high contrast and neutral color fidelity.

Balancing the refined optics, this 24-70mm f/2.8 also sports a ring-type USM and internal focusing mechanism to enable quick, quiet, and accurate autofocus performance, as well as full-time manual focus override. Additionally, this lens is weather-sealed and has a protective fluorine coating on the exposed elements for use in trying environmental conditions.

INDUSTRY LEADING LENS

• Standard zoom is designed for full-frame Canon EF-mount DSLRs, however can also be used with APS-C models where it provides a 38.4-112mm equivalent focal length range.
• Bright constant f/2.8 maximum aperture affords consistent illumination throughout the zoom range and also affords greater control over depth of field for working with selective focus techniques.
• One Super Ultra-Low Dispersion element and two ultra-low dispersion glass elements noticeably reduce color fringing and chromatic aberrations for high clarity and color fidelity. 
• Three aspherical elements minimize spherical aberrations and distortions for improved sharpness and accurate rendering. 
• Super Spectra coating has been applied to individual elements to minimize ghosting and flare for greater contrast and color neutrality when working in strong lighting conditions. 
• A ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM), along with an internal focusing design, optimized focusing algorithms, and a high-speed CPU, is employed to deliver fast, precise, and quiet autofocus performance as well as full-time manual focus override. 
• Rounded nine-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing out of focus quality that benefits the use of shallow depth of field and selective focus techniques. 
• Protective fluorine coating has been applied to the front and rear element to resist fingerprints and smudges and to make cleaning these elements significantly easier. 
• As a member of the esteemed L-series, this lens is sealed against dust and moisture for working in inclement environmental conditions. 
• Zoom lock lever secures the zoom position at the wide end to maintain a compact form factor and protect the lens when not in use. 
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TOP END LES COMPONENTS

Personally, I’d argue that the reversed zoom design of the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM is the best design for lenses in this range, and am rather disappointed that Canon abandoned that design with the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM. While the 3x zoom range is relatively small in terms of mm covered, the angle of view differences between 24mm and 70mm are considerable, and the design makes sure the hood isn’t totally useless at all but the widest setting. 

Focal Length & Maximum Aperture

24-70mm, 1:2.8

Lens Construction

18 elements in 13 groups

Diagonal Angle of View

84° - 34°

Focus Adjustment

Inner-focusing with USM

Closest Focusing Distance

0.38m/1.25 ft.

Zoom System

Rotating Type

Filter Size

82mm

Max. Diameter x Length, Weight

3.5 x 4.4 in., 28.4 oz. / 88.5 x 113mm, 805g 

On the other hand, when reversed the large hood does cover up all of the lens’s controls making it more difficult to fire off a quick shot without first removing the hood.

Unfortunately the 24-70mm f/2.8L USM has since been replaced by the ever-forward march of progress. The new EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM provides similar, if not slightly better image quality in a smaller lighter package. However, the new lens design does away with the reverse zoom design and as large hood for a normal zoom design and a hood that’s only useful when shooting at the widest position. Unfortunately, while I don’t care at all for the loss of the reverse zoom, proper hood shading, or increased price tag, the slightly better image quality and a 15% weight savings is as good of a reason as any to not seek out a used 24-70 if you’re using this professionally.