Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM
Announced September 1, 2002
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
Good
The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM remains a highly capable and durable standard zoom lens that offers professional-grade image quality and reliable autofocus performance. Although it lacks modern features like image stabilization and is physically heavy, it provides significant value for photographers seeking a robust, high-performing optic.
Weighted from 10 reviewer scores
Pros
- Sturdy, weather-sealed construction with heavy use of metal
- High sharpness and overall optical consistency
- Fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus system
- Well-controlled aberrations, distortion, and vignetting
- Versatile focal range and wide f/2.8 aperture
Cons
- Significant size and weight
- Corner softness and distortion at specific focal lengths
- Flare and contrast issues in backlit conditions
- Inconsistent sample quality and aging optical design
- Lacks image stabilization
- 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 (0.2857x)
- Filter thread 77mm
- Autofocus motor Ring USM
- Weight & size 950g (2 lb 1.5 oz) · 84 x 4.9 mm (3.31 x 0.19 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 10 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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If you´re lucky enough to get a decent sample you can expect a very high performance level, especially when stopped down a bit. Distortions, vignetting and CAs are well controlled.
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All said, I think the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Lens is one of the best Canon walk-around/all-purpose lenses made.
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If it does what you need as a good quality full-frame fast standard zoom lens and you find it for a reasonable price, then I'm sure you'll get tons of good usage and great pictures out of it.
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The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM lens is a solid all round performer.
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Overall, there is little to fault about Canon’s EF 24-70mm in isolation but when compared against the brand-new Nikkor design it perhaps falls slightly behind in terms of both focusing speed and image quality.
- Photo Review 8.5/10
This professional grade lens has been popular since its release in 2002 and, with the release of the significantly higher-priced Mark II model, represents good value for money.
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I was really impressed with the sharpness of this lens. I'm quite used to the sharpness of prime lenses, but the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM definitely keeps up in that regard.
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Unlike the music of 2002, this lens is as relevant today as it was back then. It is a well-built unit that can withstand years of use without worry. As a professional photographer, I value reliability over sharpness and vignetting which are fixable.
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The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L is one of Canon's best lenses ever. A Canon 24-70/2.8 L has been in just about every pro's bag ever since it was introduced in 2002. This is because it's great optically, ergonomically and mechanically.
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The EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM is a solid lens, both optically and build wise. The image quality is still competitive with the latest offering from Canon and the lens is a solid alternative for those seeking an f/2.8 normal zoom [...]
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