Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM vs Canon EF 24-85mm F3.5-4.5 USM
Side-by-side comparison from our catalogue data. Better values are highlighted only where a clear difference exists.
Verdict at a glance
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is faster by 0.6 stops (f/2.8 vs f/3.5), letting in more light.
- Canon EF 24-85mm F3.5-4.5 USM is lighter by 425g.
- Canon EF 24-85mm F3.5-4.5 USM reaches further (85mm vs 70mm).
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is the newer design (2012 vs 1996).
| Spec | EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM | EF 24-85mm F3.5-4.5 USM |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Canon | Canon |
| Mount | Canon EF | Canon EF |
| Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Focal length | 24-70mm | 24-85mm |
| Max aperture | f/2.8 (faster) | f/3.5 |
| Released | 2012 | 1996 |
| Blades | 9 | 6 |
| Format | full-frame | full-frame |
| Groups | 13 | 12 |
| Af motor | USM | USM |
| Elements | 18 | 15 |
| Weight g | 805.0 | 380.0 (lighter) |
| Filter mm | 82 | 67 |
| Length mm | 113.0 | 69.5 |
| Diameter mm | 88.5 | 73.0 |
| Min focus m | 0.38 (closer focusing) | 0.5 |
| Max magnification | 0.21 | 0.16 |
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
The second generation of Canon's pro standard zoom, with a constant f/2.8 aperture and weather sealing for demanding full-frame work.
Pros
- Constant f/2.8
- Sharp across the zoom range
- Weather-sealed
- Wide-to-short-tele range
Cons
- No image stabilization
- Heavy (about 800 g)
- Large 82mm filter thread
Canon EF 24-85mm F3.5-4.5 USM
A mid-1990s standard zoom with USM, light enough for everyday use. It covers a handy 24mm wide end on full frame.
Pros
- Wide 24mm start
- Light at about 380g
- Ring USM
- Compact for a standard zoom
Cons
- Slow aperture
- Visible distortion at 24mm