
09-09-2011, 04:37 AM
|
|
|
2,186 posts, read 7,868,923 times
|
|
Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 USM L Lens
Rating: 5 out of 5
Having been usurped by the Canon 24-105mm IS USM L lens as the most popular, general-purpose lens for professional Canon photographers, the 24-70mm is still an excellent lens. Indeed, it is a better lens, in several ways, than its longer focal-ranged sibling. It shares the solid weather sealing of all Canon L series lenses, and is built very well. The lens extends through its zoom range with ease, while still resisting "lens creep" very well when pointed downwards.
While a weightier lens than the 24-105mm, the 24-70mm functions better at f/4 (the widest aperture on the 24-105mm). Images are sharper, and when stopped down to f/2.8, the background blur is simply stunning. Taking that to the next level, background contrast is translated into beautiful bokeh when shooting wide open. Contrast and saturation is excellent, and images are consistently tack-sharp.
This lens is ideal for indoor photographers who don't need a long range of zoom to work with. Events are easily shot with only the slightest of fill light, though wedding photographers will want something a bit longer in their bag to supplement this lens. I have found it ideal for indoor portraits, and when pairing it with Canon's excellent 580exII hot shoe flash, event and wedding photography is a breeze. I would, however, be hesitant to use this as my only lens, simply because of the restrictive focal range, though other photographers might feel otherwise, especially when shooting landscapes. Sports is almost out of the question given its longest range of 70mm, though it would work well if you could be up near the action, such as during wrestling or martial arts.
The beautiful images that this lens captures make it worth every penny of the MSRP of $1,289.
Review by professional reviewer, Aug. 25, 2011
|