Canon Zoom Lens EF 24-70 1: 2.8 L II USM. Review from reader Radozhiva

Review of the lens Canon Zoom Lens EF 24-70 1: 2.8 L II USM specially for Radozhiva prepared Alexey Egorov.

Canon Zoom Lens EF 24-70 1: 2.8 L II USM

The Canon Zoom Lens EF 24-70mm 1: 2.8 L II USM is a versatile, medium focal (standard), fast, professional lens for canon SLR cameras. It is the successor / improved version of the legendary Canon Zoom Lens EF 24-70mm 1: 2.8 L USM. The lens was released in February 2012 and is manufactured in Japan.

Canon Zoom Lens EF 24-70mm 1: 2.8 L II USM is a fairly large (88,5 x 113 mm) and weighty lens, however, compared to the first version, it has become noticeably lighter - 805 grams. (against 950 gr. from its predecessor). This lens looks pretty solid and outweighs the entry-level full-frame camera slightly. 6D canon, which I took test shots for the review. Thus, the bundle of this camera and lens weighs about 1560 grams, which, in my opinion, is neither more nor less. In any case, I did not experience the slightest discomfort during filming. Externally, the new 24-70 is expectedly a classic L-lens of recent years. A tightly assembled black body, the usual rubber rings for focusing and zooming with different ribbing steps, an autofocus switch in a standard place, a rubber skirt around the mount. As with most new lenses, plastic is used in much larger quantities - the outside of the housing and the leading edge of the threaded filter barrel are made of plastic. Obviously, replacement of plastic parts during repairs can be cheaper due to the lower cost price. I think that modern plastic is strong enough to withstand a number of abnormal situations, which is especially important for an L-class lens. Most likely, it was due to the plastic that it was possible to reduce the mass of the lens relative to the previous version.

The Canon 24-70 / 2.8L II uses a very large 'professional' 82mm filter. At the same time, the first version of the lens required slightly smaller filters (77mm). Of course, a filter, at least an ordinary protective one, is a necessary accessory for the lens, especially for such an expensive L-ki. Of course, polarizing, neutral, gradient and other types of light filters will be an excellent addition to expand the creative possibilities of the photographer. The only drawback here is the rather high price of filters with a diameter of 82 mm. But, as you know, good, high-quality images require a significant investment.

Canon 24-70 / 2.8L II focuses quickly and accurately, even on camera canon 6d with its simple focusing system. I am more than sure that on cameras with more advanced autofocus systems, such as 6d mark ll, 5d mark III and IV, as well as 1dx (II, III), autofocus will work even faster and more accurately. Of course, I have never used or held the first version of the 24-70 f / 2.8 “glass”, but according to numerous reviews and tests, the current “revision” of the lens outperforms its predecessor in focusing speed. On the lens barrel there is a window with a focusing distance scale in meters and feet and a mode switch - 'AF / MF'. The MDF is 38cm and the maximum magnification ratio is 1:3.5. When changing the focal length, the trunk of the lens does not rotate, but the rear lens moves deeper into the body with increasing focal length, which can create a 'vacuum cleaner effect'. The focusing ring, like the zoom ring, is rubberized and rotates about 120 degrees, which is slightly worse than in the first version, where the ring travel was 135 degrees. However, manually hovering is not a big deal. When extreme values ​​are reached, the focus ring continues to slide without affecting the focusing distance. The lens cap on the "new" version is made like Nikon lenses.

I was very pleased with another correction compared to the first version, which had one not very pleasant feature - the lens trunk lengthened with decreasing focal length. The current “revision” works logically: the lens trunk will lengthen with increasing focal length. Thus, with the minimum focal length, this lens has the minimum size. Another nice feature of this lens is the presence of a “LOCK” lock on the lens barrel, which can be activated at minimum zoom (in the most folded state), which avoids spontaneous focal length changes, for example, during transportation. The lens uses a small EW-88C hood that is attached to the end of the trunk, unlike the first version. The hood can be worn backwards to transport the lens; this will partially lose access to the focusing ring.

EGF lens on Canon APS-H cameras is 31-91 mm, and on Canon APS-C 38-112 mm. Of course, this lens is best used on full-frame cameras, for which it was designed. When using 24-70 f/2.8 II on cropped cameras, the versatility of the lens will decrease due to the loss of wide angle. The maximum aperture of f/2.8 and the minimum aperture of f/22 are available across the entire range of focal lengths.

Optical design Canon Zoom Lens EF 24-70mm 1: 2.8 L II USM

The optical design has 18 elements in 13 groups. Three aspherical elements, two ultra-low dispersion UD elements and one super-UD element. The lens aperture consists of nine rounded blades, while the previous version had only 8 blades, which is another improvement to the lens design.

And, of course, most importantly, I was very pleased with the image quality! The lens is sharp starting from the open aperture. According to numerous reviews, this "glass" has become much sharper than its predecessor. On camera canon 6d with its relatively modest resolution, the lens resolution is, in my opinion, more than enough.

Obviously the 24-70 2.8 II will do a great job of unlocking the potential of larger megapixel cameras such as the 6d mark II, 5d mark IV and even the 5ds(r). Vignetting at the open hole and distortion at the edges of the frame also decreased. Of course, there is a slight drop in quality at the corners, which is present on all focal lengths, but the processor of modern cameras that have this function easily copes with this. The lens perfectly holds the backlight. At the maximum focal length with an open aperture, the lens “draws” beautiful bokeh.

Many examples of photographs from experienced photographers and amateur photographers for this lens can be look at 500px from this link.

Results

The Canon Zoom Lens EF 24-70mm 1: 2.8 L II USM is simply an excellent 'L-class' mid-range lens, an improved version of the first revision 24-70 / 2.8. It can be seen that Canon has done a good job “fixing the bugs”. The only thing that disappointed was the possible "vacuum cleaner effect", as well as a slightly smaller focusing ring travel compared to its predecessor. Otherwise, the current version of the lens is significantly better than the first. If funds allow, you should buy for a full frame camera without hesitation. The lens is perfect for professional photography, reportage, weddings, shooting details, objects, medium-sized portraits, landscapes, travel.

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