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Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8L II USM EF Mount Review

Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8L II USM

Main Features

  • 24-70mm Focal Range
  • F2.8 Max Aperture
  • Weather-sealed
  • Filter Thread: 82mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Canon EF Mount
  • Weight: 805g / 1.77 lb
  • Dimensions(øxL): 89mm x 113mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 0.38m
  • Max Magnification: 0.21x
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Canon 24-70mm f2.8L II USM Overview


Canon 24-70mm f2.8L II USM is a Fixed aperture Auto Focus (AF) Standard Zoom lens with 35mm FF max sensor coverage, and it is designed to be used with EF Mount cameras.

Canon replaced the older Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8L USM with this model. Follow the link to read our detailed comparison of these models:
Compare Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8L II USM vs Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8L USM


What type of photography is the Canon 24-70mm f2.8L II USM lens good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use the Canon 24-70mm f2.8L II USM is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated its suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Suitability
Bird/WildlifeFair
SportsAverage
PortraitVery Good
TravelVery Good
StreetVery Good
WeddingVery Good
Walk AroundVery Good
VloggingVery Good
LandscapeVery Good
MacroFair

Lenses in Canon EF Mount with Same Focal and Aperture Range
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8L USM Lens Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8L USM
Compare
35mm FF 950gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Art Lens Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Art
Compare
35mm FF 1020gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP 24-70mm F2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens Tamron SP 24-70mm F2.8 Di VC USD G2
Compare
35mm FF 905gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG HSM Lens Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG HSM
Compare
35mm FF 790gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro Lens Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro
Compare
35mm FF 715gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP 24-70mm F2.8 Di VC USD Lens Tamron SP 24-70mm F2.8 Di VC USD
Compare
35mm FF 825gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

Canon 24-70mm f2.8L II USM is a member of Canon's EF L series of lenses. Below you can see the latest lenses in this series.

EF L Series Lenses in Canon EF Mount
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM Lens Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM
Compare
35mm FF 2840gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 600mm F4L IS III USM Lens Canon EF 600mm F4L IS III USM
Compare
35mm FF 3050gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS III USM Lens Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS III USM
Compare
35mm FF 1440gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM Lens Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM
Compare
35mm FF 780gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon TS-E 90mm F2.8L Macro Lens Canon TS-E 90mm F2.8L Macro
Compare
35mm FF 915gr MF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 85mm F1.4L IS USM Lens Canon EF 85mm F1.4L IS USM
Compare
35mm FF 950gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 16-35mm F2.8L III USM Lens Canon EF 16-35mm F2.8L III USM
Compare
35mm FF 790gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 24-105mm F4L IS II USM Lens Canon EF 24-105mm F4L IS II USM
Compare
35mm FF 795gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

Reasons to Buy Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8L II USM Lens

Here we've included a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of the Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8L II USM lens in a list form to help you determine whether it offers the features you need.

PROs
Weather-sealed
Autofocus
Distance Scale
DoF(Depth of Field) Scale
Hood supplied
Full-time Manual Focusing
Zoom Lock
Fast Aperture at Wide end
Fast Aperture at Tele end
Constant f2.8 aperture throughout the range
Covers Full-Frame Sensor
9 Diaphragm Blades for Smooth Bokeh
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Buy Canon 24-70mm f2.8L II USM from Amazon or B&H PHOTO


CONs
Lens Extents while zooming
Pricey


Lens Mount

Canon 24-70mm f2.8L II USM is compatible with cameras that have a Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Canon EF lenses are Canon 1D X III, Canon 6D MII and Canon 5D MIV.

Size, Weight and Filter Thread

Size and weight is a very important decision factor when searching for your next lens. Canon 24-70mm f2.8L II USM has a maximum diameter of 89mm and total length of 113mm when not extended. It weighs 805g / 28.4 oz.

Canon 24-70mm f2.8L II USM has a filter thread of 82mm. Below are links to the filters that we recommend you to consider for your Canon 24-70mm f2.8L II USM:

  • 82mm Variable ND Lens Filters
  • 82mm Circular Polarizer Lens Filters
  • 82mm Clear Protection Lens Filters




Focal Range

Canon 24-70mm f2.8L II USM has a focal range of 24-70mm and 2.9X zoom ratio. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 38.4 - 112mm.



Weather Sealings

The Canon 24-70mm f2.8L II USM is a weather-sealed lens, which provides extra protection to prevent water and dust get inside the lens and camera body under light rain, snow and wind. In order to have effective protection, you have to pair the Canon 24-70mm f2.8L II USM with a weather-sealed camera body such as the Canon 1D X III, Canon 6D MII and Canon 5D MIV.

Optical Image Stabilization

Canon 24-70mm f2.8L II USM doesn't have an optical image stabilization system so the only option to stabilize the image taken with this lens is to mount on a camera body with IBIS (sensor based In-body image stabilization).

Alternatively, you can check the Canon 24-70mm f4L IS USM in Canon EF mount that have similar focal range but features Optical Image Stabilization.

Lenses Similar to Canon 24-70mm f2.8L II USM With Optical Image Stabilization
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Canon EF 24-70mm f4L IS USM Lens Canon EF 24-70mm f4L IS USM
Compare
35mm FF 600gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Art Lens Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Art
Compare
35mm FF 1020gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP 24-70mm F2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens Tamron SP 24-70mm F2.8 Di VC USD G2
Compare
35mm FF 905gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP 24-70mm F2.8 Di VC USD Lens Tamron SP 24-70mm F2.8 Di VC USD
Compare
35mm FF 825gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

Zoom Method

Canon 24-70mm f2.8L II USM features Rotary (extending) zoom method where the length of the lens changes as you zoom in or out. This makes it possible to design the lens with a smaller minimum length ( generally when it is zoomed out) compared to internal zoom lenses. The disadvantages of this design are being harder to seal against dust and moisture, weight balance shifting while zooming and zoom creep in certain lenses.

Zoom Lock

Canon 24-70mm f2.8L II USM has a Zoom lock feature which eliminates Zoom creep where focal length of the lens changes with gravity when it's held downwards or upwards.

Maximum Magnification Ratio

Canon 24-70mm f2.8L II USM has a Max Magnification Ratio of 0.21x and has a minimum focusing distance of 0.38m.

Below are the 3 Standard Zoom type Canon12 mount lens alternatives with highest max magnification ratios:

  • Canon 24-70mm f4L IS USM: 0.7x - (Compare)
  • Canon 28-90mm f4.0-5.6 II: 0.3x - (Compare)
  • Canon 24-105mm F3.5-5.6 IS STM: 0.3x - (Compare)

Aperture

Canon 24-70mm f2.8L II USM is a fixed aperture lens with a constant max aperture of f2.8 from 24mm all the way to the 70mm .

Focal Length Max Aperture Min Aperture
24mm F2.8 F22
70mm F2.8 F22

Optical Formula

Canon 24-70mm f2.8L II USM's optical formula consists of 18 elements in 13 groups .

Lens Hood

Canon 24-70mm f2.8L II USM comes with a removable lens hood which is handy to reduce lens flare and glare in your photos. The model number of the hood is EW-88C.

Body Colour

Canon 24-70mm f2.8L II USM is available in Black color.

Popular Comparisons of Canon 24-70mm f2.8L II USM

Here are the eight most popular comparisons of the Canon 24-70mm f2.8L II USM amongst Camera Decision readers.

Top Alternatives of Canon 24-70mm f2.8L II USM Lens
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Canon EF 24-70mm f4L IS USM Lens Canon EF 24-70mm f4L IS USM
Compare
35mm FF 600 g / 1.32 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Art Lens Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Art
Compare
35mm FF 1,020 g / 2.24 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8L USM Lens Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8L USM
Compare
35mm FF 950 g / 2.09 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP 24-70mm F2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens Tamron SP 24-70mm F2.8 Di VC USD G2
Compare
35mm FF 905 g / 1.99 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM Lens Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
Compare
35mm FF 900 g / 1.98 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 24-105mm f4L IS USM Lens Canon EF 24-105mm f4L IS USM
Compare
35mm FF 670 g / 1.47 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG HSM Lens Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG HSM
Compare
35mm FF 790 g / 1.74 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 24-105mm F4L IS II USM Lens Canon EF 24-105mm F4L IS II USM
Compare
35mm FF 795 g / 1.75 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8L II USM Alternatives in Canon EF Mount
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8L USM Lens Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8L USM
Compare
35mm FF 950 g / 2.09 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 24-70mm f4L IS USM Lens Canon EF 24-70mm f4L IS USM
Compare
35mm FF 600 g / 1.32 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 24-85mm f3.5-4.5 USM Lens Canon EF 24-85mm f3.5-4.5 USM
Compare
35mm FF 380 g / 0.84 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 28-80mm f3.5-5.6 II Lens Canon EF 28-80mm f3.5-5.6 II
Compare
35mm FF 220 g / 0.48 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 28-80mm f3.5-5.6 V USM Lens Canon EF 28-80mm f3.5-5.6 V USM
Compare
35mm FF 220 g / 0.48 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 28-90mm f4.0-5.6 II Lens Canon EF 28-90mm f4.0-5.6 II
Compare
35mm FF 180 g / 0.40 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Art Lens Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Art
Compare
35mm FF 1020 g / 2.24 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP 24-70mm F2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens Tamron SP 24-70mm F2.8 Di VC USD G2
Compare
35mm FF 905 g / 1.99 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron AF 28-75mm F2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical IF Lens Tamron AF 28-75mm F2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical IF
Compare
35mm FF 510 g / 1.12 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron AF 28-80mm F3.5-5.6 Aspherical Lens Tamron AF 28-80mm F3.5-5.6 Aspherical
Compare
35mm FF 237 g / 0.52 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG HSM Lens Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG HSM
Compare
35mm FF 790 g / 1.74 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro Lens Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro
Compare
35mm FF 715 g / 1.57 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP 24-70mm F2.8 Di VC USD Lens Tamron SP 24-70mm F2.8 Di VC USD
Compare
35mm FF 825 g / 1.82 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo

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Canon 24-70mm f2.8L II USM Detailed Specifications


General
Brand Canon
Lens Type Zoom
Lens Type Standard Zoom
Lens Mount Canon EF
Max Format 35mm FF
Focal Range 24-70mm
Image Stabilization No
Colour Black
Zoom Method Rotary (extending)
Power Zoom No
Zoom Lock Yes
Zoom Ratio 2.9X
APERTURE
Max Aperture F2.8
Min Aperture F22.0
Aperture Ring No
Diaphragm Blades 9
Optics
Optical Elements 18
Optical Groups 13

FOCUSING
Min Focus Distance 0.38m
Max Magnification 0.21X
Autofocus Yes
AF Motor Type Ring-type ultrasonic
Full Time Manual Yes
Focus Method Internal
Distance Scale Yes
DoF Scale Yes
PHYSICAL SPECS
Weight 805g
Diameter 89mm
Length 113mm
Materials Metal barrel, metal mount
Weather Sealing Yes
Filter Thread 82mm
Filter Notes -
Hood Supplied Yes
Hood Code EW-88C
Tripod Collar No
Optional Accessories Soft Case LP1219
Report a Correction
Frequently Asked Questions about Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8L II USM
is the Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8L II USM a Weather-sealed lens?
What is the Minimum Focusing Distance of Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8L II USM
is the Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8L II USM an Autofocus (AF) lens?
What is the Filter Thread Size of Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8L II USM
Does Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8L II USM have Image Stabilization?
Does Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8L II USM have Aperture Ring?
What is the Maximum Magnification Ratio of Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8L II USM


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