Photo: Ximonic (Simo Räsänen) (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Quick answer
The 2002 original 24-70mm f/2.8L, a bulky standard zoom whose front barrel extends as you zoom. It was replaced by the Mark II in 2012.
Pros
- Constant f/2.8 aperture
- Sealed L-series construction
- Fast USM focus
- Takes 77mm filters
Cons
- Heavy at around 950g
- Barrel extends when zooming
- Softer corners than the Mark II
Verdict
Dependable and still used professionally, though the Mark II is sharper and better balanced.
About this lens
The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM is a fast standard zoom lens covering 24-70mm at f/2.8 for Canon EF mount cameras, from the Canon L series with ultrasonic-motor autofocus. A professional standard zoom with a constant f/2.8 aperture, a workhorse for weddings, events and reportage.
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM specifications
- Brand
- Canon
- Mount
- Canon EF
- Focal length
- 24-70mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/24.0
- Lens type
- Zoom
- Format coverage
- full-frame
- Released
- 2002
- Optical construction
- 16 elements in 13 groups
- Aperture blades
- 8
- Autofocus motor
- USM
- Minimum focus distance
- 0.38 m
- Maximum magnification
- 0.29x
- Filter thread
- 77 mm
- Weight
- 950 g
- Length
- 123.5 mm
- Diameter
- 83.2 mm
Specification source: global.canon
What can you shoot with the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM?
- Weddings and events
- Photojournalism
- General full-frame work
Its smaller maximum aperture favours daylight shooting and keeps the lens compact.
Full-frame equivalent and field of view
Calculated from the focal length and crop factor. Not measured.
| Sensor | Crop | Equivalent | Horizontal FOV | Diagonal FOV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full frame | 1.0x | 24–70mm | 28.8–73.7° | 34.3–84.1° |
| APS-C | 1.6x | 38–112mm | 18.3–50.2° | 21.9–58.8° |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM still a good lens?
Yes, it remains capable for events and portraits. Shooters on high-resolution bodies will see the benefit of the Mark II.
Does the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM have image stabilization?
No. Canon's stabilized 24-70mm options are the EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM and the RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM.
What size filters does the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L use?
77mm, the same as the EF 16-35mm f/2.8L and 24-105mm f/4L.
Alternatives for Canon EF from other brands
All Canon EF lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.
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SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) Macro
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