The Raw Data: The EF 24-70 f/2.8L II is the Sharpest Zoom Canon Has Ever Made

[kennykodak]

got mine yesterday, holy cow!

[Tov]

I am a current ( and not unhappy ) owner of the mark 1 and have been griping about the price, as in 'it has to be ff-ing good for that kind of cash', when it was annouced. Now it turns out it is that ff-ing good. I'm really thinking of getting the new version. Its only money.

[JEAraman]

If you have the cash.. do NOT hesitate.. I'm loving this lens!

[Razor2012]

I am a current ( and not unhappy ) owner of the mark 1 and have been griping about the price, as in 'it has to be ff-ing good for that kind of cash', when it was annouced. Now it turns out it is that ff-ing good. I'm really thinking of getting the new version. Its only money.

Exactly, you can't take it with you.  Seriously though, a lens of that caliber isn't going to be cheap.

[Etienne]

"Back in the day" there was no internet. People still complained, but it wasn't recorded anywhere.
Most people expect value for their hard earned dollars, and they should. Some gear is over-priced in the market, time will tell with this lens.
Personally I want one, but it's not an easy decision at the release price.

This is true, and at least you admit that you want one and it's not an easy decision, instead of saying "oh well it's not any better than the original even though I've never used it."  I just hate the whole "I personally want it so therefore it must be in my price range or it's a ripoff" attitude.  It is an expensive lens and I was torn about it too, but after using it for a day I think it's worth it.  I have it for 2 more days and have a feeling I'm really going to miss it after I return it.

Why does it have to go back, did you rent it?
My most used lens is the 16-35 2.8L II. It's my walk around most of the time. I have the 24-105, but don't use it much. I like f2.8 and wider, thinking I might take a liking to the new 24-70, particularly if it's cracking good at 24-35.