Photography News issue 22

40 Lens test

Photography News Issue 22 absolutephoto.com

Group test Raising the standard Ask 100 photographers which lens

they’d choose if they could only pick one, probably 99 of them would plump for a fast-aperture, top-end standard zoom – just like one of these on test here

Words by Richard Hopkins

Is there a more regularly used lens than a standard-range zoom? Offering unrivalled versatility, they can be pressed into service on any number of tasks from family snaps and events, to portraits and interiors, right through to general scenes and landscapes. With a fast f/2.8 maximum aperture at all focal lengths, they’re good in low light, great for shallow depth-of-field effects, and they focus reasonably close too – typically 15cm from the front of the lens, giving a handy reproduction ratio of approximately 1:4 at the 70mm end. The 24-70mm lenses here sit at the heart of a classic three-lens trinity, with a wider 16-35mm-ish f/2.8 and longer 70-200mm f/2.8, so it makes sense to choose carefully

and invest in the best. To help you do this we’re testing optics from the leading DSLR makers alongside options from Sigma and Tamron, which are also strong and good value contenders. Uniquely in this class the Tamron offers VC image stabilisation, with the only other stabilised options being the Canon 24-70mm f/4 IS, or Sony with its in-camera SteadyShot stabilisation system. There are two schools of thought around the value of image stabilisation, with some considering it to be unnecessary in this focal length range and just adding extra optical complexity. On the other hand, the option to shoot handheld at speeds as long as 1/4sec – deep into normal tripod territory – definitely has its advantages.

£ 1400

Specs

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

Aperture range f/2.8 throughout, to f/22 Full-frame and APS-C Format compatibility Full-frame and APS-C Field of view

Verdict The flagship Canon standard zoom isn’t cheap by any means, but it is the best standard zoom any Canon user can buy, no question. Start saving now!

84-34° (full-frame) 59-22° (APS-C 1.6x) Optical design 18 elements in 13 groups Diaphragm 9 rounded blades Autofocus motor Ultrasonic drive Min focus 38cm (from sensor) Min working distance 17cm (front of lens) Max magnification 1:4.8 Weather resistant Yes Filter size 82mm Zoom lock Yes Accessories supplied Hood, soft pouch Size (DxL) 89x113mm (143mm at max zoom) Weight 805g Camera fittings Canon only Contact canon.co.uk

Sharpness is very high indeed, and is exceptional in two important aspects – it hardly reduces at longer focal lengths, and edge sharpness is high even at maximum aperture. According to ourmodulationTransfer Function (MTF) stats sharpness nudges 90% at f/2.8 in the centre, and is way above the 70% Excellent line at all apertures, at all focal lengths. Edge sharpness is not far behind, also Excellent except at higher f/numbers where diffraction hits harder. Aberrations control is fairly typical of this class. CA is less than average, as you’d expect given the high sharpness, rating Very Good overall Features No IS, but boasts all most users will need Performance Speedy AF and top optical performance Handling A weighty lens but it’s great to use Value for money Cheap it isn’t, but quality costs Overall Without doubt, a truly excellent standard zoom Pros Optical quality very high at all focal lengths Cons Big filters needed, no IS, price

24/25

25/25

24/25

23/25

96/100

Canon offers more choices than most in standard-range zooms with four options on offer. This 24-70mm f/2.8L II sits at the top of the list. It was launched in 2012 and features a number of significant improvements over the well-loved MkI. At 805g, it’s one of the lighter 24-70mms, having knocked a substantial 145g off the previous version. The filter size has gone up to 82mm, and Canon has reverted to a more conventional optical layout that extends the barrel with increased focal length instead of the other way around (like Nikon). It’s superbly made, with solid weather- resistant build and very smooth

controls. Manual focus is one-finger light, with zooming a tad heavier. There’s a zoom lock at the 24mm setting, though it’s hardly needed. Autofocus is USM ultrasonic drive with full-time manual override. It’s very fast, effectively instant in most situations, only taking 0.35 seconds in the near-to-far speed test, and almost totally silent. Excellent. The optical design is completely revised, though perhaps surprisingly, doesn’t include image stabilisation. Instead, Canon has chosen to focus on sheer optical excellence, with 18 elements (more than any other) and a generous helping of exotic glass.

with an average of 4.0µ. Vignetting is only really noticeable at the wide end at maximum aperture, with 2.2EV shading in the corners at 24mm f/2.8, rating Good overall. Distortion is also strongest at short focal lengths, with 1.7% barrelling at 24mm, gradually turning to 1.5% pincushion at 70mm, rating Good overall. The Canon 24-70mmf/2.8L II is the best standard-range zoom available, and quite probably the sharpest zoom lens on the market, easily beating many good quality primes. It excels in every aspect of performance. Since introduction, the price has reduced but it’s still expensive at £1400.