Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
Announced February 7, 2012
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is a versatile, high-performing standard zoom that delivers exceptional sharpness and fast, silent autofocus. That said, the lens commands a premium price and lacks image stabilization, which may be a drawback for some photographers.
Weighted from 20 reviewer scores
Pros
- Exceptional image quality and sharpness across the zoom range
- Fast, accurate, and silent autofocus performance
- Durable, weather-sealed build quality
- Versatile focal range suitable for diverse shooting scenarios
- Improved portability compared to the previous model
Cons
- Optical issues including distortion, vignetting, and flare
- High retail price point
- Absence of built-in image stabilization
- Physical design drawbacks like telescoping barrel and 82mm filter size
- Launch price $2,299 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 24-70mm f/2.8
- Mount & coverage Canon EF Full-Frame
- Stabilization None
- Close focus 38 cm (0.21x)
- Filter thread 82mm
- Autofocus motor Ring-type ultrasonic
- Weight & size 805g · 88.5 x 113 mm (3.48 x 4.45 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 20 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- DPReview 87/100
The EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is a near-flawless lens with optics that come very close to matching a set of top-quality primes.
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The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 USM L II is certainly one of the more mainstream professional grade lenses in the Canon line up and it surely continues the sales success story of its predecessor.
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The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens is clearly the best performing Canon full-frame-compatible general purpose zoom lens available. It is the best from both an image quality perspective and from an AF speed/accuracy perspective.
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[I]t's truly a fantastic camera lens, even if it's wildly overpriced.
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I admit that, while writing a summary of this test, my feelings are mixed. On the one hand I am pleased that the new lens is much better than its predecessor in almost all categories.
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You have the money then it’s worth it but don’t go dipping into your life’s savings for it when there are other.
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The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM L lens offers good build quality and excellent sharpness.
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The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM delivers the best image quality of any Canon standard zoom lens, but it's also an incredibly pricey standard zoom lens too.
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Canon’s new 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is a superb lens. Yes, there was some chromatic aberration detected but this showed-up only during technical testing and could not be spotted in real-world pictures unless it was actively sought.
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The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM really is an excellent lens – there’s no quibbling with that.
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The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM lens is the company's top-end standard zoom; it's pricey, but a solid performer.
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[T]he new one, in my casual testing, is at least as good, potentially even a little bit quicker.
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If the price doesn't bother you, then by all means get yourselves one of these fantastic standard zooms.
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It performs really excellently and that, along with it’s impressive zoom capabilities makes this a great staple for any professional kit.
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It’s not really about what the lens does differently, as we all know the original works great. It’s more about how this lens feels, and its ability to instill a confidence in you that will make a difference in the quality of your work.
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If you want the best 24-70 on the market and don’t mind paying for the privilege, you won’t be disappointed with the EF 24-70 f/2.8L II.
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[T]he Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II really is the best in this range.
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This Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is a recommended lens to have in your camera bag with really good build quality and image quality.
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Weddings, portraits, landscapes, food, events, travel. This lens brings professionality to every type of photo shoot or possible photography scenario. It’s incredibly versatile.
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If you are looking for really sharp photos, you want to get the background and the scenery in there, definitely would recommend this lens. Are there any cons to this lens?
