Canon’s new 24-70mm f/2.8L II
B&H Photo has the Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER. Thank you for ordering through this site’s links.
The aging Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L (about $2299) has been replaced by the new version of the 24-70mm f/2.8L II:
- Large f/2.8 Aperture Through Zoom Range
- UD Lenses Minimize Chromatic Aberrations
- Reduced Spherical Aberrations
- Highly Resistant to Dust and Water
- 9-Blade Diaphragm For Beautiful Bokeh
- Lens Coatings Minimizes Ghosting
- Fluorine Coating Reduces Fingerprints
- Zoom Lock Lever For Safe Transporting
I never liked the original Canon 24-70/2.8L; it was a clumsy design, with very good but not great optical quality. Given the $1000 price jump of the new lens, perhaps we can expect not only superior ergonomics, but significantly higher image quality.
It will be interesting to see if Canon has somehow avoided the excessive distortion found at 24mm with the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G.
Canon’s description.
Sounds very promising.
Meeting the ever-increasing demands on image quality that digital photography brings, the redesigned EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is the latest update to the acclaimed L-Series of EF optics, re-establishing a new standard for superb optics, high-end durable construction and performance in professional zoom lenses.
A standard focal length zoom lens, it features a large aperture throughout its focal length. Featuring the latest advances in optical lens design, it utilizes 1 Super UD lens element and 2 UD lens elements that help minimize chromatic aberration in the periphery at wide-angle as well as reduced color blurring around the edges of the subject.
In addition, 2 types of aspherical lenses are combined to help reduce spherical aberration over the entire image area as well as through the full zoom range.
Optimized lens coatings also help ensure exceptional color balance while minimizing ghosting.
The lens is also equipped with a circular 9-blade diaphragm for beautiful, soft backgrounds.
A ring-type USM and high-speed CPU with optimized AF algorithms enable silent and fast autofocusing.
Built for the rigors of professional use as well as to meet the increased number of shots available with digital photography, it's constructed with improved dust sealing and water resistance while fluorine coatings on the front and rear lens surfaces help reduce soiling, smears and fingerprints.
A zoom lock lever locks the zoom position at the wide end for safe transporting while attached to an EOS DSLR camera over the shoulder.
Focal Length & Maximum Aperture 24-70mm, 1:2.8
Lens Construction 18 elements in 13 groups
Diagonal Angle of View 84° - 34°
Focus Adjustment Inner-focusing with USM
Closest Focusing Distance 0.38m/1.25 ft.
Zoom System Rotating Type
Filter Size 82mm
Max. Diameter x Length, Weight 3.5 x 4.4 in., 28.4 oz. / 88.5 x 113mm, 805g
MTF
Looks very promising. The dropoff to the edges and corners might be field curvature, or might not be. Central contrast looks to be exceptional.
