The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L Version II has arrived

by Sebastian WöberFebruary 7^th, 2012

One of the most important Canon lenses has just arrived for preorder. But do you need it?

The “old” Canon 24-70mm 2.8 L is a very famous lens. It covers the most important focal lengths needed for quick “everyday” photography and as such also HDSLR obviously. It is of great quality and lands on a professional DSLR shooters body very often.

Canon has just introduced version two of this lens and I’m sure it has a lot of optical features Canon has listed in their press release. That being said, I’d pick this lens any day, its predecessor has served me very well on the Scarlet-X short last month. In fact I’d need one tomorrow, but to be honest I don’t have the budget, Canon wants $2300 for this lens.

If you are on a budget, I suggest you save on lenses, there are huge price differences and there are some acceptable alternatives like the Sigma 24-70mm 2.8 for example. I’m not a fan of Sigma, but it costs a third. Or an EF-S like the Tamron 28-75mm 2.8 which is $424 at the moment.

My suggestion: Don’t let yourself be seduced by new products, check them out, test them or read tests before you buy. Do you really need it?

If you do need this lens it has just become available for pre-order: