review: Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II
It was with great excitement that I received a review copy of the new Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II (B&H / Amazon) lens. There were several reasons that this highly-anticipated lens interested me. My experience with Canon gear has been … let’s just say it’s been an uneven experience at times. There are specifically two lenses that got my ire – the Canon 16-35mm f/2.8 II and the (original) Canon 24-70mm f/2.8
The older Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 has a bit of a reputation. While some people love it, others hate it for being an inconsistent lens. It has a tendency to go out of calibration. Also, in my experience it tends towards softness when you zoom to 24mm, focusing at infinity. I dread it when a second shooter uses this lens, and by now I insist they use the much more reliable Canon 24-105mm f/4L zoom (affiliate), instead. Then I know the images will be sharp, with much less chance of being back-focused. Yup, I’m not a fan of the older lens at all.
In contrast, I absolutely love the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L II IS (affiliate). It is sharp, even wide open. Along with the aggressive stabilization, this makes it a wonderful lens to use in low light. Highly recommended. Every Canon shooter should own one.
But for me, there really was a gap with Canon in a bread-and-butter pro-spec top-notch reliable and crisply-sharp mid-range f/2.8 zoom. (It has to be all of those things!) Especially if you look at the superb Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 AF-S (affiliate) in comparison. But now the new Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II has entered the scene.
Now, before I go any further, I need to explain how the reviews on my site work. Most often, the reviews are based on equipment that I actually own and use. But I also get equipment on loan from various suppliers. It is important to me that my reviews and the descriptions of my experiences with the gear, are real. Unlike another reviewer-of-every-lens-that-has-ever-existed, I can’t (and don’t want to) write reviews of equipment that I haven’t actually used. It is very important to me that there’s integrity to the articles and reviews on my website.
The counterpoint here is that the Amazon and B&H links on my site are affiliate links. I get a small percentage when someone buys equipment through me. It helps maintain this website. The Tangents blog is a labor of love, but there is also the need to have it generate some income for me to off-set the hours and hours that I spend maintaining it. I take real pride in this website and what has been achieved with it, and the trust that people have shown in me. And that means that I don’t want to be that blogger that post endless announcements of new equipment and fake reviews that are nothing more than a listing of the specs.
Even with the reviews that I have written, I try to make it as interesting and generally informative even for someone who is using another brand. So that’s a bit of a balancing act there with all this.
How well does the Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 II perform?
So now that everyone has a sense of trepidation about this …
Just how awesome is the new Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II ?
- It is more compact than the previous version.
- The auto-focus was noticably faster, and seemed smoother and more sure.
- The build quality appears to be better as well.
- It just feels like a lens that inspires confidence. It feels solid
So how does it perform optically?
I had two copies. The first copy – the review copy – was inconsistent. The second copy – one that I bought for myself – was spectacular.
My first copy of the lens = meh
This first copy of the lens (that I received for review purposes), was used this lens on several photo shoots with models, and the results that I got varied from holy crap, it’s sharp! all the way to WTF?
I couldn’t get it to be consistently sharp. Most images taken with this lens were razor-sharp … but others are mis-focused or just soft. It was inconsistent. I couldn’t get a handle on it to predict what was happening. So I returned this lens as a faulty example.
So as much as I would love to post a blanket glowing review of this lens … I simply can’t. Sure, I could ask for another copy, and that would most likely work flawlessly. But I’d still have to remark that I had a sample that was faulty, out of the box. And we’d still be here at this point.
The lens seemed to be more soft when I was working at the wider angles. I also did a comparative test (on a tripod) of a warehouse facade to see the edge-to-edge sharpnesss. I compared it to the Canon 24-105mm f/4 and the older Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 which had just been calibrated by CPS. The results weren’t good. The Canon 24-105mm f/4 showed a lot of barrel distortion, but was sharper wide open at f/4 than the new Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 II was at f/4
So there was definitely something wrong with this lens. Unfortunately.
- In speaking to a friend of mine, his copy was soft at 70mm and he took it in to CPS. They calibrated the lens for him, and he is one very happy owner of this lens now.
- The Digital Picture mentions two of the three test lenses had issues with sharpness.
- Lens Rentals has a discussion on sample variation with the Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 II
Re-appraising the Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II = it is stellar!
Despite my initial experience with this lens, I did end up buying the the Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II (B&H / Amazon) for myself after all. My daughter developed an interest in photography, and fell in love with my 5D mark II (and Canon 24-105mm f/4) that I lent to her. So I ended up giving her the camera and lens to keep as her own. However, this left me with just the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 II, and no camera body. And no mid-range zoom.
Even though I use Nikon as my primary system, I do feel it is important that I remain au fait with the Canon system – specifically their flash system. This is necessary for the various articles on the Tangents blog, and for the workshops that I teach. It looks less convincing if I ramble on about the Canon flash system and have a Nikon in my hands. That’s how I rationalize reasons to have a lot of toys!
So I bought my own copy of this lens, and tested it immediately on purchase … and I’m very happy with it. The sharpness wide open is stunning. Even better, that mushiness that I see in other Canon wide-angle zooms when used at widest aperture, isn’t there. This lens has remarkable sharpness and contrast at wide aperture when looking at the edges. Photos taken at f/2.8 were crisply sharp even at that aperture. I can happily live with this lens.
Summary
I tried and used various Canon lenses over the years, and in the Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II (B&H / Amazon), really is the best in this range. It even trumps the prime lenses in the range.
Finally … my opinion of this lens is slightly clouded. I had wanted it to be stellar, right out of the box. That first copy I tried, kinda was. But often enough, it also wasn’t. Chalk this down to Canon’s quality control that isn’t as tight as it should be.
My recommendation is that if you’re interested in this lens, that you do test it thoroughly before committing those hard-earned $$$; or that if you buy it, you buy it from a reputable dealer who would allow you to return equipment without hesitation.
As far as the copy of the lens that I own now, it’s going to see a lot of use.
I agree! I just cannot do without this lens!! I am also in the process of converting my Canon 5D MKI to infra-red, still waiting, and also very excited to try it out. Please post some of the infra-red photos taken.
I’ve had issues with my 24-70 (I) lens too. According to lensrentals, the plastic collars in the lens wear and fall apart, and this was confirmed when I sent my lens into Canon for repairs.
However a couple of months later, it was mis-behaving again, and had to go to Canon yet again for more repairs.
I’ve been keeping an eye out for more reviews of the 24-70 II, but it doesn’t look like it’s going to be a worthwhile replacement.
I’m considering getting a 24-105 instead.
That’s really too bad with the experience Neil had, I had 2 copies of the older 24-70 previously and had same troubles, and like many others, I had the 24-105 and at least the images were consistently sharp and of course the superb Canon f2.8 IS 70-200 MkII lens is a stellar performer.
Knowing you can return items if faulty though is tantamount to buying a new car and sales person tells you on the way out, don’t forget when the computer fails just bring it back and re will calibrate it again for you.
A real shame actually as I still have Canon bodies and would have considered getting the MkII version but probably will hold off until I see more reviews [genuine ones, I mean like Neil’s] but already in the back of one’s mind would be the thought it’s ‘going to not live up to expectation’.
“The build quality appears to be better as well.” You feel this way despite the new plastic barrel?
Just to be different; my EF24-70mm F2.8L USM & EF16-35mm F2.8L USM II have both been flawless … I am however on my 3rd copy of the EF70-200 F2.8L IS USM II!
That has to be one of the most annoying things about shooting–not being able to predict exactly what your gear is going to do, not being able to trust it. Thanks for the review.
I was dreading reading your review, expecting yet another glowing report as my 2 day old lens sits at Canon service waiting to be “confirmed as not to spec” before the retailer will take it back – i’m actually relieved you had a problem.
Hi Niel,
I just started follow your site and bought your books and have been learning a lot as I’m not a professional photographer. I also purchased quite few items via your affiliate links. I’m thinking about buying the soft box below to be used with Lastolite EZYBOX 24×24 but don’t see you mention anywhere on your site or your books about it. I’m wondering if you have experience with it “Lastolite Hotrod Octa Softbox (36″)”
Thanks,
Dustin
Hi Neil,
I’ve had this lens for a few weeks and absolutely love it. I never loved the original lens for the same reasons.
I briefly switched to Nikon and LOVED the nikkor 24-70. I was scared to return to Canon this spring, but waited until the Fall to get my hands on this new version. I’m glad I waited and love it. I haven’t found any problems at all. Fingers crossed.
Nat
I don’ think one (or several) negative reviews of this lens means there are issues. (yet)Just like several positive reviews would not mean it is great. How many “bad” copies are out there? One out of 10? One out of 100? one out of 10,000?
Perhaps you need to get a second copy and test it…you owe it to your readers, maybe to yourself. If this was a Nikon lens, would you not get a new one since you never had a problem with one before and would assume its a fluke? You have had a lot of problems with Canon and this experience then would seem to be consistent with your previous results and fits that pattern, hence the reluctance to get that second copy.(?)
I have only rented the 24-70II and it delivered as promised and the majority of reports form users, thus far, have been positive.
Go on Neil…get that second copy and let us know :)
rc
Rudy .. my hesitation in even testing this further, is that this wouldn’t be the first, or second, or third time that I’ve had a faulty Canon lens right out of the box.
After my experience as a Canon user, it’s difficult for me to shake the notion that Canon is purposely somewhat slack on their QC.
Testing another lens and getting a good copy won’t do much to ameliorate the experience of this, a single bad copy. It would need 10 or 100 or 1,000 good copies. I don’t have the time for that.
Well, that’s just ruined my day – ho-hum…..
Am a 7D user…and love the 24-105mm lens for its consistency, reliability and the flexibility that it offers. In seeking a wider angle for my crop sensors I recently acquired a EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 (pretty much equivalent to the 24-70mm on full frame) and am astounded at the sharpness, lack of distortion etc. Not an L-series lens, and not cheap, but well worth getting!
Not good news about the 24-70 11 it seems. But with all the other good glass out there for Canon shooters, I wonder at Canon’s pricing structure on this one. I wouldn’t consider it as a worthwhile investment for our studio use or even on our walk-arounds at events. We never have to produce huge prints for billboards so our primes 28, 50 and 85 give us results which satisfy our clients. Our workhorse, the 70/200 2.8 does everything we need in the studio. What the new 24-70 has made me do, is to look at the other offerings from Sigma/Tamron in the same focal length range but which are an awful lot easier on the wallet. BTW, I’ve never had a client say I don’t like the photo because you didn’t use the most expensive lens available.
Hi Neil. You use flash lighting a lot in your work, so I’m sure an F4 lens like the 24-105 does the job well enough, as you don’t rely on DOF to isolate the subject. For the shallow DOF whores among us, me included, 2.8 or faster is a requirement and I love the flexibility of a zoom in many situations, so my hunger for the new 24-70 will continue. The only question is how to ensure I get a good one. It’s not cheap, so the grey market is tempting, but doesn’t offer the returns policy of your preferred retailers. The sample variance is really worrying.
Neil,
I understand completely…once bitten, twice shy :)
Rudy
I spent over £2000 on this lens a month ago. I find it quite soft at 70mm on my 1DX but on my 5DMK3 it is perfect. ?????
It is now on its way to CPS for re calibration. Rather dissapointed to say the least
Neil, you say the Nikon 24-70 is superb. Is it sharp? My copy which has been checked by Nikon twice is tack sharp in the middle. But a bit off to the side it feels very soft to me, at f2.8. Now that’s where faces are for portrait shots. It just feels strange.
Hi all,
I just received this lens couple weeks ago and did a series of test against my Zeiss prime lens and Canon 70-200 IS II. This Canon 24-70 L II lens is so inconsistency in either wide open and close down aperture and in either at wide-zoom at 24 or mid-zoom at 35 or 50 or at 70mm. It’s unpredictable. However, when it performs well, it’s sharp as the Canon 70-200 IS II or as my Zeiss 105 Mackro. I can see the subject’s eyebrow and pore and such but the color retention isn’t up to the lenses I have tested against… However, when it’s backfocus or out of focus, pictures show like someone was shooting with manual focus lens but didn’t know how to focus the subject even though the focus point is right in the eyes of the subject. I’m not sure about other owners out there whether they did thorough tested with this lens or not. But for me it’s a very big disappointed with this price range for this class of lens even B&H dropped it down to $2049.00. The works produced by this lens are unpredictable and I don’t want to take my chances. I got RMA from B&H and will ship it back this week.
Amen Neil, I love my copy of the lens! I don’t really miss not having the IS on it either.
Hey Neil, don’t forget to add the lens to your gear list now. :)
https://neilvn.com/tangents/photo-gear/lenses-canon/
Hi, Neil, what is an infra-red converted 5D mark II?
Thanks!
Artur .. here it is, check the photos from that infra-red B&W camera, as well as the link to the people who did the conversion – lifepixel – there is a lot of information on their site.
I have this lens. Its a fantastic performer…mega sharp
Hi Neil
Thanks for the review. When I use my canon 24-70 2.8ii I have a lot of blurred photos. I don’t know if it’s me or the lens, but I’m thinking of trading it for the 24-105. (Or a nice prime). Any suggestions would be appreciated.
The Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 II (when working properly) is a superior lens to the 24-105mm. It has less barrel distortion and less vignetting. It is also a faster lens. More than a stop, since the 24-105mm is closer to being an f/4.5 optic than an f/4 lens, if you compare the light transmission with other lenses, such as a prime.
Is the lens still under warranty? Then definitely send it in to be checked immediately.
Before you trade it for the 24-105mm lens, let’s see if we can find a common problem here.
It can either be your camera, or your lens … or sloppy technique.
The main cause of unsharp photos is a shutter speed that is too slow. Be careful with that.
Also change your focusing points to the center point, (or the AF points close to the center), instead of a mode where the camera selects the group of AF points for you. This is also critical.
Next up – your camera or your lens? This is where you’d have to compare notes with a photographer friend who has similar gear. See if the problem follows the lens or the camera.
Still, I would immediately send the lens in to be checked out, if it is still under warranty.
Thanks! I’ll try your suggestions. My lens is a few months past warranty, but I’ll probably send it in to be checked. My other option is to trade for the Tamron 24-70 2.8IS, but that gets some mixed reviews.
Interesting; thanks.
I think this review article may well be the final bit of information I need to persuade myself to stay with my reliable EF 24-105L and Nikkor 24-70/2.8G. I generally avoid lens duplication, across my two systems, but had thought I might make an exception in the case of the EF 24-70/2.8L II.