Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Standard Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras

After using a Quantaray 18-200mm lens for the last year on my Canon 30D, I wanted to upgrade my lens. When I bought this camera and lens it was my first time using something of this quality and I did not have the money to go to the L lenses. I used the Quantaray for everything, indoor,outdoor, sun,rain and snow for the year and it worked very well eventhough for the indoor use I had to purchase a speedflash as I do 99% sports photography. This year I purchased a Canon 50D with the L 70-200mm f2.8 and was going to use it mainly for all my outdoor shots. I used the 70-200 for a wrestling match and found that taking pictures without having to use the flash worked great, so I started looking for a replacement for the Quantaray so I could shoot without having to use the flash. I read all the reviews for the various lenses and after much thought I had pretty much decided to go with the 85mm f1.8 as most of my indoor shots are from the endzone of small gyms and had checked my shots with the Quantaray and saw that the range I was shooting was from 50-80mm. I went to a camera store to try before buying, and tried the 85mm as well as the 50mm. I just could not make up my mind as to which one to buy as they both had their advantages and disadvantages and the quality of the 50mm did not get good reviews. That week I went to shoot a playoff basketball game and talked to another photographer whom I respected his opinion on the subject. He showed me the 24-70mm f2.8 he was using and told me that the 24-70 was the lens to get eventhough it would cost me 3 times more than the others. I am not regretting my purchase in the least. The first time I used it I got the shots I wanted and am very pleased that I went with this lens. Don't get me wrong, it's not perfect and some of your shots may be out of focus, but nothing is perfect and 90% in focus works for me as that was about the same as I got with the Quantaray and the speedflash. This lens gives me the range I need for the close shots and those that may be a little far away and long as you don't want to shoot a picture that is past half court. I have posted 5 pictures that this lens took that first night of use on the page for this lens for you to check out. Now I am looking forward to using for volleyball and the occasional track event where I can get close enough to the action. It may be heavy and alot of money, but it is well worth it.

I got a Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III late last year and the EF 24-70mm 2.8L USM lens for Christmas.I got the camera for shooting weddings.It was suggested to me that I get a camera that holds two memory cards for weddings in case one card fails.I got the 24-70 mainly for use in weddings,portraits,low light,and landscapes.It is a great multipurpose lens and can be used on just about any subject.It has a large aperture(2.8)for great low light and bokeh(blurred background)shots.It does a great job on all of these photo types.The only thing I miss is Image Stabilization.This is a durable,heavy lens,which is great.I don't understand why people get a 1,600 dollar lens expecting it to be durable and light.I don't think that exists.Not at this price.There is always pros and cons,but I don't understand this one.If the lens was light consumers would say it's not durable.Anyway,If you are looking for a great all purpose,f2.8,L glass lens.This lens should be considered because the pros far outweigh the cons.I hope this is helpful.Have a good one.Alan

I've had this lens for almost two years now and I have to say, I have never once regretted purchasing it. It's the perfect all-purpose lens. I use it for weddings, portrait sessions, and personal use. It's the one lens I can attach and go with knowing that it will give me anything I need. The focal length is versatile, and wide enough for landscapes but the glass is awesome and gives you a great, sharp portrait for up close use as well. Plus, the macro setting is amazing. Definitely one of my top two lenses and I would buy it over and over again. I could never live without it professionally or personally.

If you can afford this, get it. It's exceptionally handy for portraiture, but is also a nice lens to bring on a hiking trip for a good wide-angle shot. The f2.8 also helps for lower-light conditions. Paris would say it's "hot"...

the min speed/focal length on an effective handlheld shot were equals that of your "focus point focal length"(pardon my terminnologies but im pretty sure you'll figure that out) . i recently have this for a couple days and tried this "indoors" without flash versus with on board flash. IQ is great as long as you maintain the speed/focal ratio as per handheld shots but if you're into lower shutter speeds like lower than 1/15 you got to be careful cause this doesnt have an IS so a tripod is a MUST otherwise, f/2.8 is useless cause your tendency is to increase the iso rating which will increase the noise level and thus degrade picture quality (as i was only using t1i-- unless you have the 5d2 or higher which offers good image IQ even with high ISO sesttings). secondly, if you're relying on your onboard flash as your your main flash ( for the moment...in this case - i purchased this great lens first over basic "necessary gear"), you will have a disturbing "black-arc-shadow" right in the lower middle of the picture frame exactly @ 24mm-30mm. i would say these would be a very good walk-around lens as long as you dont complain about the length(approx 8-9 in) and weight, cause this will be very heavy in the long run, say about 2 hours walking around and strap hanging to your neck, you should have a good rub from your partner, trust me. overall, im still wondering if i had bought the 24-105, i wouldnt know yet how it reacts with low light @ f4 but with 50-70mm slower shutter 1/8 - 1/5 at iso 100 combines with IS....and 2 hours of "walking around" with it and strap hanged to your neck......but remember the bokeh and IQ it gives out on pictures will surpass that of 24-105mm, im sure someone might contradict with this but im open to any criticism.