BLOG 2013
CANON 24-70 MK2 LENS REVIEW
12/03/2013
On first impressions the new lens is lighter and has a better feel to it then the previous model, the focusing ring is extremely smooth and a big improvement for me is the smaller lens hood, the previous ones was the same size as the 70-200mm and always a pain in terms of storage. I always look at American photographer Ken Rockwell's blog for his reviews as he gets the new kit way before anyone else, he claimed that it was sharper then some of his primes and at 2.8 provided no distortion and more contrast then the mark one. I always found with the previous one at 2.8 to be super sharp an where the focus falls off it provided a very subtle vignette depending on exposure compensation which I favoured for the mood of the shot.
I always take reviews with a pinch of salt as comparisons are subjective and depend on the subject matter as well, plus I'm sure if you are like me when you buy something new you always feel it is substantially better then the previous model. As mentioned previously the feel of the lens is more fluid, a little lighter although with an 82mm filter thread as opposed to 77mm before. Add a out £80+ for a filter on top of the lens price! So is it worth the larger price tag? Yes, the 24-70mm was born in to the 35mm film era so wasn't developed for digital cameras, this shows with the new one as the focusing and natural tones the camera produces on RAW files alone proves. It also appears to focus better in low light, the motor is much quieter as well so ideal for these clandestine moments at conferences or weddings.
Canon have also brought out a cheaper alternative as well, a 24-70mm F4 which is around the £1300 mark, for the extra stop and flexibility that 2.8 offers I would be inclined to spend the extra. I also expect this lens with its manual focusing to be a huge favourite with film makers, although they will generally favour prime lenses I can see that Canon have put a lot of thought in to the mk2 for this ever expanding market.
I always take reviews with a pinch of salt as comparisons are subjective and depend on the subject matter as well, plus I'm sure if you are like me when you buy something new you always feel it is substantially better then the previous model. As mentioned previously the feel of the lens is more fluid, a little lighter although with an 82mm filter thread as opposed to 77mm before. Add a out £80+ for a filter on top of the lens price! So is it worth the larger price tag? Yes, the 24-70mm was born in to the 35mm film era so wasn't developed for digital cameras, this shows with the new one as the focusing and natural tones the camera produces on RAW files alone proves. It also appears to focus better in low light, the motor is much quieter as well so ideal for these clandestine moments at conferences or weddings.
Canon have also brought out a cheaper alternative as well, a 24-70mm F4 which is around the £1300 mark, for the extra stop and flexibility that 2.8 offers I would be inclined to spend the extra. I also expect this lens with its manual focusing to be a huge favourite with film makers, although they will generally favour prime lenses I can see that Canon have put a lot of thought in to the mk2 for this ever expanding market.
