Buying a EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

[Leadfingers]

I'm seeing the Mark 1 version of the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM lens on Ebay and some other places in the $500'ish range

This seems like a pretty good deal, since the Mark 2 just came out.

What's the general impression people have of this lens? Good Stuff? or No?

 

[YuengLinger]

Soft towards the edges brand new, good but not great AF. Who knows whether the AF of a used, possibly very old lens will work more than a few weeks after you buy it.

I had one, used it for several years in Asia, then a few more in America. It was good for its time back in the early to mid-2000's, but now, I think you could do better spending a little more and getting a 24-105mm new, if your budget keeps you in the $1k or slightly under range.

Or, save up, get a new version of the 24-70mm 2.8 (II)! Stunningly better than the old one.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

Plan on sending a used lens to Canon for a ~ $400 repair, there are some things that many owners are not aware of that makes the AF unreliable. Then, you should have a good lens, but none of the five I had impressed me, so I sold them all.

Watch for deals on the MK II, its visibly better.

 

[bholliman]

I never ownwd the Mk1, but I read there is a lot if copy variation. I think a new 24-105L for about the same money would be a better deal if you are ok with an f/4 lens.

 

[bholliman]

Watch for deals on the MK II, its visibly better.

+1 The Mk2 is an incredible lens. Well worth the money.

 

[sama]

You won`t find one of this lens in the $500'ish range unless it is `for parts or repair` or it is the older model EF28 70 F2.8L.

The average price on the Ebay is 1K. I just sold mine locally on CL for $880.

 

[slclick]

I've had the Mark 1 and would rather, in hindsight have had other lenses or combination of primes. I NOW have the Mark 2 and NOTHING else comes close. A stunner.

 

[tcmatthews]

If I only had $500 to spend on a used possibly broken 24-70mm f2.8f I would buy the Tamron 28-75f2.8 for less. If I had $1000 to buy a used Canon 24-70f2.8f L I would buy the Tamron 24-70 VC for a little more.

I would either save for a Canon 24-70 f2.8 L II or buy the Tamron 24-70 VC. Both are better than a mark I 24-7f2.8 L according to everything I have seen and read. The Mark II is simply better by all accounts. The Tamron 24-70 VC, is at least as sharp (probably more) and offers IS.