Canon L 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM 24-70mm
A constant f/2.8 aperture across the 24-70mm zoom range, paired with one Super UD and two UD elements, delivers sharp, color-accurate images with minimal chromatic aberration. Its weather-sealed, 805g build and fluorine coating provide reliable durability for field use, while the 5-stop image stabilization enables sharper handheld shooting. This lens is best for landscape and travel photographers needing a rugged, versatile workhorse with a 92.5/100 landscape score.
Snapshot
The 30-Second Version
The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is a pro-grade standard zoom with outstanding sharpness and autofocus that makes it a favorite for event and portrait photographers. It's heavy, lacks built-in stabilization, and quality control can be hit or miss, so test your copy carefully. If you get a good one, it's one of the best lenses you'll ever own for a Canon DSLR.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Razor-sharp optics, even at f/2.8 97th
- Fast, accurate autofocus that rarely hunts 96th
- Constant f/2.8 aperture for consistent exposure 94th
- Weather-sealed L-series build 92nd
- Versatile 24-70mm range covers most daily needs
Cons
- Heavy at 805g, gets tiring on long shoots
- No optical image stabilization in the lens
- Quality control issues reported with some copies
- Expensive compared to third-party alternatives
- Bokeh quality is just average for a fast zoom
What owners think
The Word on the Street
How owner sentiment changed over time
ExclusiveBased on when customers actually wrote their reviews - so you can see whether early praise held up.
- Q2 202695/100
Buyers praise the lens for its exceptional sharpness, fast autofocus, and reliable build, though some note its weight and lack of image stabilization.
- Image quality and sharpness are consistently called excellent, even at wide apertures.
- Fast and accurate autofocus, especially for sports and event photography.
- Lens is bulky and heavy; expected for the quality but a minor drawback.
- No image stabilization; some blur at slower shutter speeds, though reviewers often blame themselves.
- Q1 202675/100
Overall positive feedback praises sharpness, color, and build quality. A minority report copy variability concerns with soft or defective copies, but most buyers are satisfied with image performance.
- Excellent sharpness, color, and bokeh; many say it rivals prime lenses.
- Some buyers received soft or defective copies, requiring returns or calibration.
- Fast and accurate autofocus, solid build, and weather sealing.
- Lens is heavy and expensive; a few mention limited zoom range.
- Q3 202575/100
Buyers praised the lens's image quality and overall performance, though one noted it is overpriced and another would pair it differently for multi-camera setups.
- Excellent image quality and performance in field use.
- Great product but considered overpriced by one buyer.
- Useful for podcast wide shots, but desires closer focal lengths.
- Q1 2025100/100
Buyers are extremely satisfied, calling this lens sharp, versatile, and a must-have for portraits, action, and travel. One user's prior lens broke, but they consider this their go-to.
- Highly sharp and fast lens, praised as the best in kit.
- Versatile for family portraits, action shots, and vacations.
- First lens broke during a wedding; this replacement is beloved.
- Zoom ring is not the quietest, but not an issue without onboard mic.
- Q1 202380/100
Most buyers praise the lens as sharp, dependable, and a great everyday upgrade. One buyer reports a defective unit, highlighting a possible quality control issue.
- Sharp, crisp image quality praised by multiple users.
- Dependable workhorse lens for enthusiasts and pros.
- One buyer received a dysfunctional brand-new lens.
- Lighter weight improvement over previous version noted.
- Q3 202188/100
Sharpness praised highly; one report of softness at 70mm. Heavy and expensive but considered a top-tier, go-to lens.
- Sharpness is outstanding, especially at all zoom settings.
- One reviewer reports softness at 70mm focal length.
- Heavy and expensive, but accepted as trade-off for best quality.
- Versatile and dependable for events, live music, and group photos.
- Q2 202195/100
Buyers praised the lens as excellent, sharp, and ideal for portraits and events, with long-term reliability and happiness over upgrades.
- Excellent image quality and sharpness for various uses.
- Reliable workhorse lens for events and weddings.
- Great upgrade from previous generation after 15+ years.
- Perfect companion to 70-200mm lens for portraits and flowers.
- Q1 2021100/100
Reviewers praise this lens as sharp, fast-focusing, and lightweight for its zoom range, ideal as a versatile all-around or B-roll lens.
- Sharp image quality noted repeatedly.
- Fast autofocus and accurate tracking.
- Lightweight and ideal for run-and-gun or B-roll.
- Some soft focus reported when focus isn't perfect.
- Q4 202090/100
Buyers loved the lens for astrophotography, landscapes, and general use, praising sharpness and versatility, though some noted a lack of image stabilization and compatibility issues on mirrorless cameras.
- Excellent for astrophotography and landscapes, with great sharpness.
- Lack of image stabilization noted as a drawback.
- Versatile for both close-up and distant shots, a must-have all-around lens.
- Potential calibration issues with Canon R adapter reported.
- Q3 202071/100
Most praised for sharpness, low light, and versatility. One detailed negative review criticizes the new lens hood and weaker macro compared to the older version.
- Sharp, versatile walk-around lens with excellent f/2.8 depth of field.
- Redesigned zoom mechanism requires a poorly performing scalloped lens hood.
- New version less capable for extreme closeups than the previous model.
- One user reports front/back focus issues and reliability concerns with older units.
- Q2 202091/100
Buyers praised the lens as a sharp, versatile all-in-one for portraits and landscapes, with minor IS loss noted.
- Sharp, clear images with excellent color and smooth bokeh.
- Versatile focal range useful for portraits and landscapes.
- Fast, accurate autofocus and easy to use.
- No image stabilization noted; trade-off for f2.8 aperture.
- Q1 202093/100
Reviewers praise this lens as sharp, versatile, and ideal for portraits and landscapes. Some note the lack of image stabilization and heavy weight.
- Remarkable sharpness and optical quality, often compared favorably to prime lenses.
- Versatile all-around lens for weddings, portraits, landscapes, and daily use.
- Great in low light, but missing image stabilization requires a tripod for steady shots.
- Lens is notably heavy, which is a common complaint among users.
- Q4 2019100/100
All reviews are 5-star. Buyers praise the lens for sharpness, speed, and image quality, especially for weddings and indoor use. Customer service also receives high marks.
- Sharpness and image quality are frequently highlighted as excellent.
- Fast f/2.8 aperture is a game changer for low light and indoor shoots.
- Versatile focal length works well on both full frame and crop sensor cameras.
- Customer service and transaction experience are outstanding.
- Q3 201995/100
Buyers praise this lens as sharp, versatile, and excellent in low light, ideal for travel and weddings. A few note the high cost and weight.
- Sharp, tack-sharp image quality at f/2.8.
- Excellent low-light performance and versatile for multiple genres.
- Ideal walk-around lens; replaces need for other lenses.
- Expensive and heavy; one buyer mentions cost as a demerit.
Based on 422 dated customer reviews, grouped by calendar quarter. Period analysis is in English.
The proof
Performance
Sharpness is where this lens really earns its reputation. In our database, its optical performance sits in the 96th percentile, which puts it among the absolute best standard zooms we've tracked. Images come out crisp edge to edge, even wide open at f/2.8, and the three aspherical elements plus Super UD glass do a great job keeping chromatic aberration and distortion in check. Autofocus is another standout, landing in the 94th percentile. The ring-type USM motor snaps into focus quickly and quietly, making it a reliable partner for fast-moving subjects. Stabilization is rated even higher at the 96th percentile, though it's worth noting the lens itself doesn't have IS. That score reflects how well it pairs with stabilized bodies, but on older DSLRs without in-body stabilization you'll need to keep your shutter speed up.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | Zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 24 |
| Focal Length Max | 70 |
| Elements | 18 |
| Groups | 13 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3 |
| ED Elements | 3 |
| Coating | fluorine coating |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Constant | Yes |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
Build
| Mount | Canon EF |
| Format | full-frame |
| Weather Sealed | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 kg / 1.8 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 82 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | Nano USM |
| Stabilization | Yes |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 210 |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x |
vs Competition
Stacked against the Tamron Di III 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3, the Canon is in a different league optically and in build, but the Tamron offers a massive zoom range and stabilization for a lot less money. The Sony G Master SEL70200GM2 is a telephoto zoom, not a direct focal length competitor, but it shows what modern mirrorless lens design can do for weight and speed. If you're already in the Canon EF ecosystem, the real alternative is the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Art, which adds stabilization and often costs less, though our data shows the Canon still edges it out in autofocus consistency. For Nikon shooters, the NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 is a slower, variable-aperture option that can't touch the Canon's low-light capability.
| Spec | Canon L 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM 24-70mm | Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 | Tamron Di III 28-75mm f/2.8 VXD G2 | Sigma Contemporary 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN | Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12060 | Sony G SELP28135G.SYX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 24-70mm | 17-28mm | 28-75mm | 10-18mm | 12-60mm | 28-135mm |
| Max Aperture | f/22 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/4 |
| Mount | Canon EF | Nikon Z | Sony E | Sony E | Micro Four Thirds | Sony E |
| Stabilization | true | false | false | false | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weight (g) | 805 | 450 | 540 | 260 | 320 | 420 |
| AF Type | Nano USM | Stepping Motor | VXD | Autofocus | linear motor | SSM |
| Lens Type | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | AF | Bokeh | Build | Macro | Optical | Aperture | User Sentiment | Versatility | Social Proof | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon L 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM 24-70mm | 94.2 | 25.9 | 49.3 | 42.4 | 95.7 | 22.6 | 15.8 | 80.1 | 91.7 | 96.6 |
| Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 Compare | 87 | 88.1 | 73.6 | 86.3 | 87 | 85.8 | 90.8 | 68.1 | 64.6 | 38 |
| Tamron Di III 28-75mm f/2.8 VXD G2 Compare | 54.6 | 88.1 | 67.2 | 87.3 | 87.8 | 85.8 | 80.4 | 78.2 | 83.1 | 38 |
| Sigma Contemporary 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN Compare | 54.6 | 83.5 | 87.3 | 93.3 | 81.6 | 85.8 | 80.4 | 69.1 | 68.8 | 38 |
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12060 Compare | 98 | 88.1 | 83.1 | 50.4 | 90.2 | 85.8 | 44.2 | 93.1 | 63.5 | 83.2 |
| Sony G SELP28135G.SYX Compare | 94.2 | 80.2 | 75.5 | 31.2 | 87 | 69.9 | 63.3 | 92.4 | 50.2 | 92.8 |
Price
Value & Pricing
Pricing on this lens is all over the map depending on where you look, with a spread from about $1,042 up to frankly absurd listings around $409,076. The realistic street price for a new copy sits closer to the lower end of that range, but you'll want to shop carefully. For the best deal, B&H Photo consistently offers competitive pricing and their packaging gets high marks from buyers worried about shipping a delicate lens. Is it worth the premium over something like the Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 G2? If you need the absolute best autofocus and build quality for professional work, yes. If you're a hobbyist, the savings from a third-party option might sting less.
Bestbuy.ca 2 offers From CA$2,960
B&H Photo 1 offer From CA$2,987
Price History
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Overview
The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is the lens a lot of photographers end up calling their desert island pick. It covers the wide to short-tele range that handles everything from landscapes to event work, and it does it with a constant f/2.8 aperture that stays bright across the whole zoom. If you're shooting on a Canon DSLR and need one lens that can keep up with a packed day of portraits, photojournalism, or just chasing kids around, this one sits at the top of a lot of lists. The L-series badge means weather sealing and a build that feels substantial, though at 805 grams you'll definitely notice it hanging off your camera after a few hours.
Common Questions
Q: Is the Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II good for portraits?
Yes, it's excellent for portraits. The 50-70mm range on a full-frame body gives you flattering compression, and the f/2.8 aperture provides enough background separation for pleasing, if not extreme, bokeh.
Q: Does the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II have image stabilization?
No, this lens does not have optical image stabilization. You'll need to rely on your camera body's stabilization or keep your shutter speed high to avoid shake.
Q: How much does the Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II weigh?
It weighs 805 grams, which is about 1.77 pounds. It's a substantial lens that you'll definitely feel after a full day of shooting.
Q: Is the Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II weather sealed?
Yes, it has weather sealing typical of Canon's L-series lenses. A front filter is recommended to complete the seal against dust and moisture.
Who Should Skip This
If you mostly shoot handheld in low light without a stabilized body, the lack of IS might drive you nuts. Look at the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Art instead, which adds stabilization and costs less. Travel photographers who prioritize weight will find the 805-gram heft a burden. For a lighter walkaround option, consider a slower prime or a variable-aperture zoom. And if you're on a crop-sensor Canon body, the 24mm wide end isn't very wide, so an EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 might make more practical sense.
Verdict
The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is still one of the best standard zooms you can put on a DSLR, period. The image quality is top-tier, the autofocus is snappy, and the constant f/2.8 aperture makes it a workhorse for paid gigs. But there's a catch that keeps coming up in owner feedback: quality control. A noticeable number of buyers report getting copies with decentering or rough zoom rings, and some have had to send theirs in for repair more than once. That's frustrating on a lens this expensive. If you get a good copy, you'll love it. Just buy from a retailer with a solid return policy and test it thoroughly when it arrives.
