Discussion: How and when do you use your 24-70mm lens?

I've always avoided having a 24-70mm lens. I wouldn't go as far as saying i'm a prime guy since I don't mind the 70-200 and UWA Zooms.

But the 24-70ii always kind of left me feeling befuddled. Recently however - after a few shoots where my 35mm was sitting at f4-f11 - I realised there are times that having the zoom flexibility is more important than having the aperture flexibility.

So, I've gone ahead and purchased it!

My take on it is this: if the content I'm shooting is good looking enough that I want my shots to contain depth and detail, i'd be pulling out the 24-70ii. If I'm in an ordinary looking environment then I need my prime lenses to give me the shallow DoF to basically hide the normality (or outright ugliness) of it away.

Basically, I feel as though I'd be using it in more controlled environments (where I can set the scene up and light it) whereas most people I believe would be using it in more chaotic environments.

I'm curious how other people feel and how and when they decide to use their 24-70mm lens!

In other words: why do you pull it out of the bag over a 35mm 1.4 or similar prime.

I personally found that over the years I was just collecting too many L glass lenses unnecessarily. When the new 24-70 II came out I read and heard how sharp and how much improved it was to the mark I version. Yes when I purchased it I was amazed with the IQ.
I realised how little low light shooting I was doing so I sold my 35L and 50L. In fact I consider this lens better than the 2 prime lenses mentioned but that is my own opinion.
As I used the 24-70 more and more I found I was using the 16-35 L II less and less so in fact this lens replaced 3 lenses. I recently needed a 50 prime but not the L version (f/1.4) only because I had 3 weeks in a hotel holiday.
It's a wonderful lens and I love the focal range, I use mine for landscape and as a general walk around lens when out with the family. I have been using it recently with Lee filters for long delay photography. I find it very versatile. I also when time allows enjoy this lens when doing HDR photography.

draculr wrote in post #17453276
why do you pull it out of the bag over a 35mm 1.4 or similar prime.

Always; the AF speed & IQ were IMHO so far superior to my 'portrait' prime, the Canon 50mm f1.4.

I also found that less LR editing has been required with the majority of shots I've taken with the 24-70mm f2.8 L II, particularly since upgrading to the 7D2.

Prior to the onset of 24-70 GAS, I was planning on a lightweight 24, 50 & 85mm prime trilogy; particularly as I was very happy with 50mm prime.

The AF speed is definitely one of the most impressive aspects of the lens. It seems to just instantly get to the focus point rather than having to march towards it!

it's my most used lens. I use it whenever I need a focal length between 24 and 70mm.

an example at 45mm the other night.....

That's a beautiful shot, Ed. Which 24-70 did you take that with?

thank you. 24-70L II

If owning a 24-70 II got me shots like Ed gets, I'd buy one. I suffer from a serious talent deficiency, though. So I get by with my primes.

thanks! the hardest part of that shot was hiking down into a steep restricted area at least a half dozen times to finally get the sunset I was hoping for.

Per Lightroom, I use it for 42% of my photography overall. I do use it a bit less now that I'm shooting full frame, with the 70-200mm getting increased use. But the 24-70mm is still the one I keep mounted to my camera body by default. Definitely my most important lens. As for why to use it over a prime lens, it's generally because I'm shooting a performance of some sort (e.g. theatre or music) where I need to be flexible.

I use my 24-70 2.8L II for indoor high school basketball shots when I am standing just behind the basket. My FAVORITE lens by far for this

ed rader wrote in post #17454361
it's my most used lens. I use it whenever I need a focal length between 24 and 70mm.

an example at 45mm the other night.....

Beautiful Ed.
Well done.

Indeed beautiful! Thanks for sharing.

thanks guys. much appreciated

I've only had my 24-70 (Tamron) since Christmas (my previous "general purpose lens" being my old 28-135), but unless I'm shooting birds or macro, it's on my 5DIII all the time. I think it's great focal range for a walk-around/event/landscape lens on a full frame, and it's very sharp (above f/2.8).

I also have a 35 f/1.4, and it's a beauty, but it's just not as versatile and I don't like being without IS.

Here's one from a couple days ago:

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/rpwR​Ee