Canon’s Sharpest Zoom Ever Is Shipping–24-70 f/2.8L II

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM (Order now at Adorama and B&H)

Prepare to go broke this year as Canon as the all new 24-70mm f/2.8L II is getting heralded as one of the greatest lenses ever.

Roger at LensRentals.com has this to say about it:

This is short, sweet, and simple. The resolution absolutely, positively kicks butt and takes names. It is way better than the lens it replaces. It’s better at 70mm than the best Canon zoom I know of, the 70-200 f/2.8 IS II. It’s even better at 24mm than the sharpest 24mm prime we have, the Canon 24 TS-E. In the center, in the corners, it doesn’t care. We only had 5 copies to test, but they were all very similar with little copy-to-copy variation.

Don’t take the word of people who haven’t touched the lens, check out his side by side comparison here.

Get on the waiting list to rent one today at LensRentals.com (save on rentals on my discount coupon code page) or if you are like me then just order now at Adorama and B&H.

Here’s what Canon has to say…

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens for Harsh and Rigorous Conditions

Canon continues the tradition of ensuring the Company's highest quality optical performance in its L-series lenses with the launch of the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM zoom lens. This new version of one of Canon's most popular lenses utilizes one Super UD lens element and two UD lens elements to help achieve outstanding image quality throughout the full zoom range. The result is significantly reduced chromatic aberration in the outer area at wide-angle, high resolution and contrast in images and crisp clear edges around the subject. The lens coatings have been optimized to ensure exceptional color balance while minimizing ghosting, and reduced spherical aberration. With a circular nine-blade diaphragm, the lens delivers soft backgrounds and incredible bokeh.

In demand by architectural, corporate, adventure and professional photographers of nearly every discipline, the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM lens combines amazing image quality with enhanced durability. Highly resistant to dust and water, the new lens has enhanced durability and weather sealing. The lens also features a zoom lock lever to secure the zoom position for safe transport, and fluorine coatings on the front and rear glass surfaces to reduce smears and fingerprints, making it an ideal lens regardless of the conditions.

The EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM lens is expected to be available in April for an approximate retail price of $2,299.00.

Here’s the specs of the new lens (differences in orange):

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

versus the specs for the outgoing lens:

Focal Length & Maximum Aperture	24-70mm 1:2.8
Lens Construction	16 elements in 13 groups
Diagonal Angle of View	84° - 34°
Focus Adjustment	Front-focusing method
Closest Focusing Distance	0.38m/1.25 ft.
Zoom System	Rotating Type
Filter Size	77mm
Max. Diameter x Length, Weight	3.3" x 4.9", 2.1 lbs. / 83.2mm x 123.5mm, 950g

The new lens has two more elements, inner focusing (which means the length is always constant), it’s bigger around and its about 5 ounces lighter. It’s also about $900 more, so expect great performance like the other new releases but at a steep price.

Here’s more info including sample images on Canon’s web site.

Order Now

• Click here to order now at Adorama.
• Click here to order now at B&H.

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