Canon EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM DxOmarked (a Peerless Performer)
The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM (price & specs) has been analyzed by DxOMark. And it scores really really good, they call the lens a «peerless performer». If it wasn’t for the price (it’s $2500), this would be a dream lens, even without IS (my take)! DxOMark writes in the conclusion (emphasis mine):
With an DxOMark score of 26, the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 MkII is the highest scoring professional fixed-aperture mid-range kit zoom of any brand in the DxO Mark database and comfortably outperforms rivals as well as the firm’s earlier Mark I version, particularly with regard to the sharpness levels across the frame. We’re used to seeing a noticeable deterioration in performance in the outer fields at longer focal lengths even with high-quality optics from the big-name marques but the new Canon bucks that trend. As for distortion and vignetting, it manages to hold its own against rivals even if it hasn’t quite managed to improve on those over the outgoing Mk I version. In spite of the complex optical construction, some chromatic aberration is visible in the corners that may require additional removal in post-production software but levels remain in line with the best of rival offerings. The main downside, however, is the very high price. At $2,500 the lens is far less accessible than the model it replaces, but the reduction in weight and size coupled with the boost in optical performance looks set to satisfy future demands from as yet unannounced high-resolution cameras.
Interesting, and plausible: the EF 24-70mm has been designed with future DSLRs in mind. Please Canon let us know what is in your labs.
The pros and cons of the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM seconding DxOMark:
Pros
- Good sharpness (16P-Mpix), only equalled by the Sony Zeiss equivalent.
- Distortion well controlled
- Transmission improved
- 805g total weight (145g lighter than predecessor).
- Compact design.
Cons:
- CA noticeable in corners.
- Large (82mm) filter diameter (though front/rear element are protected with a fluorine coating)
- Very high price
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM price check: Amazon, B&H, Adorama, Canon USA, J&R, Digitalrev, eBay, rent it at Borrow Lenses
[via DxOMark]
Jordan
4 months ago |to bad nikon has the high MP camera but onyl 3 lenses to make some kind of use of it.
canon has great performing lenses but only a 22 MP body.
as landscape photographer who prints big panos i need every MP i can get.
Admin
4 months ago |+1
KDHN
4 months ago |that is nonsense there are a boatload of Nikon lenses more than capable of taking advanatge of the high MP body including several budget options like the 50mm F1.8g and the 85mm F1.8g { which is a better performer than the 85mm L }
http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/en%EF%BF%BD%EF%BF%BD%E2%84%A2%EF%BF%BD%EF%BF%BD/Lenses/Compare-Camera-Lenses/Compare-lenses/%28lens1%29/823/%28brand%29/Nikkor/%28camera1%29/0/%28lens2%29/270/%28brand2%29/Canon/%28camera2%29/0
In reality a higher MP sensor improves every lens you own
By the way here is the difference in reality between the new $2500 Canon 24-70F2.8II and the $700 cheaper Nikon 24-70 not a lot in it is there and CA is automatically corrected in all Nikon FF bodies.
http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/en%EF%BF%BD%EF%BF%BD%E2%84%A2%EF%BF%BD%EF%BF%BD/Lenses/Compare-Camera-Lenses/Compare-lenses/%28lens1%29/175/%28lens2%29/886/%28brand1%29/Nikkor/%28camera1%29/485/%28brand2%29/Canon/%28camera2%29/0
While I use the top three lenses 14-24 { better than any Canon option} 24-70 { minimal difference read link above } and 70-200 { both companies offerings about the same} on my D800e. I have also used low end lenses such as the 85mm F1.8G with excellent results. In the normal range there are no shortages of lenses for each company providing similar results. In long telephotos there are excellent lenses in both systems . Sure there are one or two unique options in each system but overall the users have nothing to complain about
The pixel density on the D800 is on a par with that of the D7000 so not particularly challenging.
Mark S
4 months ago |Too steep for my blood. However, if Canon were to ever make a 24-70mm f/2.8 IS, I would be all over it even if it came with a $2300 price tag. I have been taking a close look at the Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 DI VC, but cannot get past the zoom ring rotating the opposite direction as Canon.
WF
4 months ago |The lens is $2299, not the several-times mentioned $2500.
JhWilson
4 months ago |@WF sadly I paid £2300 for it a couple of month after it came it is now available for £1680 a 25% drop in under a year lol. Thankfully I am very happy with the lenses performance
@KDHN
you are right there are no shortages of lenses for either system and the fanboy BS is tiresome.My business partner uses the Nikon D800/e , last shoot { portrait session } I had a go with using it with the 85mm f1.8G and the detail in the shot was frightening lol and that is with a beautiful model thank god my mug never got in front of it.If you cannot make wonderful images with any of the DSLR from Canon or nikon then the problem is yours
John