Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM, reviewed by jay125

Myboostedgst wrote in post #17892416
I find the "value for money" being rated that high slightly askew for this lens considering its price. Great lens sure, but can go wider than F2.8, no IS, and a seriously high price really bring down the "value" in my opinion. Something like the 70-200 F4 I find a serious good value, along with the 135L and a few other lenses. This is absolutely a great lens however. Just my opinion though.

The value for the money was rated higher since I purchased it refurb for a reduced cost. If I had paid full price, it would have been a bit lower. It does have it's limitations, as does every lens, but for my use, it's spot on. Following the "if I had only one lens" question, I wouldn't be able to note just one. It takes a village of lenses to achieve the goals, but this one would be at the top When I look for a lens anymore, I look for something that is versatile and will serve me well for years to come, so the price, spread across the many years of use I'll get out of it also makes the price a bit more reasonable. Add to that they retain their value makes it somewhat of an investment as well. I can sell it for a decent price and recoup some of the cash if needed. Thanks for your opinion.
I always appreciate input from others who have experience with different gear.

jay125 wrote in post #17834147
Never had an issue with lack is IS. 2.8 is fast enough for anything I shoot. It mostly lives in my 5D3 which handles ISO extremely well, so as part of my kit, it's an outstanding lens.

Kinda late here. I was looking for another lens and read this thread. Me too. I sold my 24-105 and thought I had made huge mistake. I have yet to miss having IS for that focal length. I would miss it on my longer lenses. Lives on my 5D3 as well and I have no issues shooting 12,800 IS) if I have to.

Since getting this lens, I lost interest in other lenses. It now lives on my 6d, I use it for everything - casual outings, travel, photoshoots, etc. Mine required quite a bit of MFA but my 6d body somehow requires it for most lenses. Color rendition is fantastic, optics are able to cut through haze retaining contrast even at a diatance. Very sharp across the frame at f2.8 - subject can be placed anywhere in the frame. Punchy look of the resulting images can be cleary seen at any screen and print size. It's as close to a perfect lens as it can get. Rich colors, smooth bokeh, instant AF, smoth zoom ring, etc. I also tried Tamron and it is not neary as good for portaits but comparable for landscapes (except color). Mainly, Tamron's rendering is unremarkable even when sharp.

In the year and a half I've had it, it still lives on my 5D3. If an image is bad, it's my fault, not the fault of the lens
I've never tried the Tamron. I hear it's good, but owning this, I don't really have the need to look at another lens in this focal length.

I, too, love this lens. I didn't have the greatest copy of the Version 1 so it made the MK II so much better.

I've heard both sides of v1. Its built like a tank, and as heavy too, but I've never used it, so nothing to compare to my Mk II, and no reason to

Nice review and good comments.. I too just purchased a refurb from Canon and its good to know strong copies come via canon refurbished.. To good of a deal to pass up. Ive had my eye on one for a long time.
-Best
Jason

NG8JGFX wrote in post #18193753
Nice review and good comments.. I too just purchased a refurb from Canon and its good to know strong copies come via canon refurbished.. To good of a deal to pass up. Ive had my eye on one for a long time.
-Best
Jason

Congrats Jason! It's an awesome lens and now lives on my 5D IV. Enjoy it!