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

[AdamJ]

Only those who are hobbyist gear hounds would gripe about price.

To be fair, the price-related comments in this thread are largely to do with the US / UK price difference (a recurring theme) rather than the price per se.

Since I'm a hobbyist whose primary pursuit is the craft rather than the paycheck (accepting, of course, that the two pursuits are not mutually exclusive), I wouldn't gain any creative benefit from this lens so I won't be a customer for it. My view of the price is therefore an observation rather than a gripe.

Edit: Forgot to say that I can understand how amortisations and tax write-offs lessen the price-sensitivity of any equipment. Perhaps Canon's recent pricing policies are aligned to this thinking.

 

[Axilrod]

To be fair, the price-related comments in this thread are largely to do with the US / UK price difference (a recurring theme) rather than the price per se.

I've seen plenty of people in the US complaining about the price, the same thing happened with the 5d3 too. All I've heard is "it's $1000 more than the first one blah blah blah, waaaaaahhhhhh, waaaaaahhhhhhhh."(sniffle, sniffle). I don't know remember stuff like this happening back in the day, professional products get released and consumers cry about how expensive they are. Then they go all over the internet marginalizing the product (that they've never used) and telling everyone/themselves "oh it's not really better than the last version" to make themselves feel like they're not missing out on anything. Happened with the 5D3, is happening with the 24-70 II now and I guess will continue to happen, but it's terribly annoying. If the 24-70 I is just as good to you just go get a 24-70 I and shut the f*(% up.

Edit: for the record this wasn't directed at AdamJ or anyone here in particular, I posted this right after reading a bunch of ridiculous stuff on YouTube, then again YouTube is a giant cesspool of ignorance so I probably shouldn't take it too seriously.

 

[Etienne]

To be fair, the price-related comments in this thread are largely to do with the US / UK price difference (a recurring theme) rather than the price per se.

I've seen plenty of people in the US complaining about the price, the same thing happened with the 5d3 too. All I've heard is "it's $1000 more than the first one blah blah blah, waaaaaahhhhhh, waaaaaahhhhhhhh."(sniffle, sniffle). I don't know remember stuff like this happening back in the day, professional products get released and consumers cry about how expensive they are. Then they go all over the internet marginalizing the product and telling everyone/themselves "oh it's not really better than the last version" to make themselves feel like they're not missing out on anything. Happened with the 5D3, is happening with the 24-70 II now and I guess will continue to happen, but it's terribly annoying. If the 24-70 I is just as good to you just go get a 24-70 I and shut the f*(% up.

"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.

 

[Axilrod]

"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.

 

[AdamJ]

To be fair, the price-related comments in this thread are largely to do with the US / UK price difference (a recurring theme) rather than the price per se.

I've seen plenty of people in the US complaining about the price, the same thing happened with the 5d3 too. All I've heard is "it's $1000 more than the first one blah blah blah, waaaaaahhhhhh, waaaaaahhhhhhhh."(sniffle, sniffle). I don't know remember stuff like this happening back in the day, professional products get released and consumers cry about how expensive they are. Then they go all over the internet marginalizing the product (that they've never used) and telling everyone/themselves "oh it's not really better than the last version" to make themselves feel like they're not missing out on anything. Happened with the 5D3, is happening with the 24-70 II now and I guess will continue to happen, but it's terribly annoying. If the 24-70 I is just as good to you just go get a 24-70 I and shut the f*(% up.

I'm not crying about how expensive it is.

I haven't been all over the internet marginalising the product.

I haven't told myself that it's not really better than the last version. I am not delusional.

I was merely defending myself against a charge possibly aimed at, among others, me, of griping about the price, which I wasn't because I don't intend buying it.

What is it that has prompted you to tell me to "shut the f*ck up?" Last time I looked, this was a public forum. But the rudeness that is infecting it is shocking, frankly.

 

[Dylan777]

Much like Canon L lenses, crack cocaine is also considered too expensive by many of its users.

Ironic thing is, L lenses are almost as addictive.

If I never heard of this lens I would be perfectly happy with the 24-105L but knowing there is something out there that is as sharp as the 24-70 II makes me think silly things like I need to sell my 24-105L and 35L so I can be ready for this.

Not silly at all, go for it. I've been selling other gear getting ready for this.

agree with Razor2012... I like to have the best & latest gear in my bag that I can afford. It does help my photo alot.

Others might find this as "false" statement - but I don't give a SHSSS....it's my money and I can spend on whatever I want, as long the wife approved it ;D

 

[Axilrod]

I'm not crying about how expensive it is.

I haven't been all over the internet marginalising the product.

I haven't told myself that it's not really better than the last version. I am not delusional.

I was merely defending myself against a charge possibly aimed at, among others, me, of griping about the price, which I wasn't because I don't intend buying it.

What is it that has prompted you to tell me to "shut the f*ck up?" Last time I looked, this was a public forum. But the rudeness that is infecting it is shocking, frankly.

Dude I absolutely wasn't talking about you, I was talking about the general sentiments I've seen on the web outside of CR (youtube in particular). I'm sorry you took that personally, but you weren't complaining about the price, you mentioned why you thought people were complaining and I expanded on that. I sincerely apologize.

 

[Razor2012]

Much like Canon L lenses, crack cocaine is also considered too expensive by many of its users.

Ironic thing is, L lenses are almost as addictive.

If I never heard of this lens I would be perfectly happy with the 24-105L but knowing there is something out there that is as sharp as the 24-70 II makes me think silly things like I need to sell my 24-105L and 35L so I can be ready for this.

Not silly at all, go for it. I've been selling other gear getting ready for this.

agree with Razor2012... I like to have the best & latest gear in my bag that I can afford. It does help my photo alot.

Others might find this as "false" statement - but I don't give a SHSSS....it's my money and I can spend on whatever I want, as long the wife approved it ;D

True Dylan, a guy can buy anything he wants if it has the wife's approval, lol. I agree, if a person wants to buy a 1DX or a 400 2.8 that's cool. There are alot of amateurs or hobbyists who get the best money can buy. Sure there will be some that will gripe and say there's no reason to be getting such professional gear. Well I'm sorry but like you said, I can spend my money how I like. I'm pretty sure there's been a person or two on here that picked up a 1DX or 5DIII as their first DSLR, good for them. They'll have a creative tool they can use for a lifetime. Sure the learning curve might be alittle steep in the begining, but that's what makes it fun and makes you a better photographer.

 

[AdamJ]

I'm not crying about how expensive it is.

I haven't been all over the internet marginalising the product.

I haven't told myself that it's not really better than the last version. I am not delusional.

I was merely defending myself against a charge possibly aimed at, among others, me, of griping about the price, which I wasn't because I don't intend buying it.

What is it that has prompted you to tell me to "shut the f*ck up?" Last time I looked, this was a public forum. But the rudeness that is infecting it is shocking, frankly.

Dude I absolutely wasn't talking about you, I was talking about the general sentiments I've seen on the web outside of CR (youtube in particular). I'm sorry you took that personally, but you weren't complaining about the price, you mentioned why you thought people were complaining and I expanded on that. I sincerely apologize.

I misinterpreted your post - thank you for clarifying.

While I'm here, allow me to clarify my view. This is plainly a superb lens. I would love to count it in my modest kit bag and will congratulate anyone who buys one. Most of us have to prioritise our needs and, just as you said a few days ago that you couldn't justify the outlay for a TS-E 24mm but the Samyang might interest you (I said the same thing), that position is true for me with the 24-70mm II also. It's horses for courses. My photography is unpaid - there is nobody to complain about the resolution of the images I make with my 24-105mm, least of all me. If I need something faster, I have the unholy trinity (non-L 28mm, 50mm, 85mm) and still there will be nobody to complain about image resolution. To anyone fretting about the new lens's price, all I would say is that your existing glass is just as good as it was last week. To everyone who buys one, I say with all sincerity, congratulations.

Peace.

 

[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.

 

[ellas]

Hello,
I find my lens a bit soft when I am close to the subject (closer than 0.7 meter) and shooting 70 mm at 2.8. It´s a huge difference if I compare it against stoping down to F4. At f4 it´s very sharp.
If I compare f2.8 and f4 at longer distances than 0.7 all images are razorsharp. Can´t see any difference. This issue with the sharpness are only at 70mm. Anyone else who got this on their lens?

 

[bholliman]

Hello,
I find my lens a bit soft when I am close to the subject (closer than 0.7 meter) and shooting 70 mm at 2.8. It´s a huge difference if I compare it against stoping down to F4. At f4 it´s very sharp.
If I compare f2.8 and f4 at longer distances than 0.7 all images are razorsharp. Can´t see any difference. This issue with the sharpness are only at 70mm. Anyone else who got this on their lens?

I think this is typical for this lens. Mine is a little less sharp close to MFD, but I would not call it "soft" anywhere.

 

[ellas]

Ok, thank you for you reply. Here are two pictures taken at 40 cm. First is f2.8 and the second f4. Do you think there is something wrong with my lens or is this normal? These are 100 % crop.

 

[ellas]

F4