24-70 L - A Step Up from the EF 17-85?
So I'm thinking of taking the plunge and investing in a 24-70 L. I think that I can really appreciate the extra speed of this lens when I'm shooting in low light (which is frequently). I really like the fact that it's a zoom - I've been debating on maybe getting a prime in this focal length range, but for my needs, this lens seems to be the most practical. My question is, in terms of image quality, will this lens be a (big) step up from my current EF-S 17-85 (mounted on a 40D)? Can you provide some images shot with the 24-70 L to solidify my decision? Help is appreciated.
- Alex
Re: 24-70 L - A Step Up from the EF 17-85?
The short answer is yes, it's a significant step up in image quality. You may need another lens to cover the 17-24 range, though, as 24mm on a 40D body is 'normal' focal length, not wide angle. You might also consider the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM, which has L lens image quality and preserves the wide end of the focal range (but then you'd obviously lose the >55mm part). If you have another lens to cover that (e.g. a 70-200 L zoom), you'd be set.
Re: 24-70 L - A Step Up from the EF 17-85?
Hi
I'm also thinking about upgrading to the 24-70 L from the 17-85 (using a 50D).
I also know that the 17-55 is a good lens, but the L lens seems nice and the focal length will work fine.
But will I miss IS for hand held shoots.
Have anybody experienced qulity issues with this lens. Read a review of callibration problems.
The new 15-85 could also be a great lens, but it's not f/2.8.
Looking forward to try out the 24-70 L.
Re: 24-70 L - A Step Up from the EF 17-85?
Quote:
Originally Posted by soerenrom
But will I miss IS for hand held shoots.
Have anybody experienced qulity issues with this lens. Read a review of callibration problems.
Quality issues with the 24-70? None. It is a beast. I've never calibrated mine it is pretty darn sharp on my 5DmkII.
I love this lens. I don't know how much I'd like it on a crop though. I don't think it would be wide enough for my likes.
Here are some shots from 24-70 on a 5DmkII
http://www.betterleyphoto.com/Index/...6/_MG_5726.jpg
http://www.betterleyphoto.com/Index/...MG_2511alt.jpg
http://www.betterleyphoto.com/Index/...7/_MG_6037.jpg
http://www.betterleyphoto.com/Index/...G_5914crop.jpg
Re: 24-70 L - A Step Up from the EF 17-85?
Quote:
Originally Posted by neuroanatomist
The short answer is yes, it's a significant step up in image quality.
I knew it! That's what I figured.[;)]
Quote:
Originally Posted by neuroanatomist
You may need another lens to cover the 17-24 range, though, as 24mm on a 40D body is 'normal' focal length, not wide angle.
Already have that covered - I use the Tokina 12-24mm f/4 to cover anything wider than 24mm.
Quote:
Originally Posted by neuroanatomist
You might also consider the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM, which has L lens image quality and preserves the wide end of the focal range
I thought about it, but I could see myself going full frame or APS-H in the future.
Quote:
Originally Posted by neuroanatomist
If you have another lens to cover that (e.g. a 70-200 L zoom), you'd be set.
That's my plan. As my shooting advances, and the need (and funds) arise for a faster telephoto lens, I can go ahead on a 70-200 2.8 L IS USM. In that case, I would have all focal lengths from 12mm to 200mm covered.
Re: 24-70 L - A Step Up from the EF 17-85?
[View:http://www.flickr.com/photos/2866329...1276/sizes/o/]
Quote:
Originally Posted by alexniedra
So I'm thinking of taking the plunge and investing in a 24-70 L. I think that I can really appreciate the extra speed of this lens when I'm shooting in low light (which is frequently). I really like the fact that it's a zoom - I've been debating on maybe getting a prime in this focal length range, but for my needs, this lens seems to be the most practical. My question is, in terms of image quality, will this lens be a (big) step up from my current EF-S 17-85 (mounted on a 40D)? Can you provide some images shot with the 24-70 L to solidify my decision? Help is appreciated.
- Alex
<div style="clear: both;"]</div>
So, I often sing the praises of the 24-70. I use it on my 5dII and my 20D, and I love it both. If anything, I find it more in my preferred focal length range on a crop body. I do a lot in low light: I would have missed many, many shots if I couldn't open up to 2.8.
Someone recommended the 17-55. I bought this lens for my 20d, and I was never nuts for it. IS on a 2.8 walk-around is nice, but I was never satisfied with the image quality. I found colors the to be too dull, the barrel distortion to be of a very unpleasant nature, and some other quality of the photos just... lacking. It also accumulated a lot of internal dust; not awful for my shooting since I am generally at wide apertures, but boy it hurts resale value. It might have been because it was the second lens I ever owned, with the first being the 35L, but the fact remains. I'd say just pay the <$300 more for the 24-70 (yey rebates!!) and get the superior lens.
With the 24-70:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2604/...4210de04_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3530/...32f26b55_o.jpg
P.S.
I'm kinda new here. If there is standard netiquette here on what size people should post samples at, let me know it so I don't step on people's bandwidth-toes.
Re: 24-70 L - A Step Up from the EF 17-85?
Re: 24-70 L - A Step Up from the EF 17-85?
I'd skip the 24-70L, its not great on a crop camera, and very front heavy on a smaller camera body, the balance is poor. On a bif 1 series FF camera, the 24-70 is a different story.
Try the new 15-85mm zoom, or better yet, the 17-55mm EF-S. Its the lens others are compared to for that focal range on a EF-s camera, and its wonderful.
Re: 24-70 L - A Step Up from the EF 17-85?
I'd skip the 24-70L, its not great on a crop camera, and very front heavy on a smaller camera body, the balance is poor. On a bif 1 series FF camera, the 24-70 is a different story.
Try the new 15-85mm zoom, or better yet, the 17-55mm EF-S. Its the lens others are compared to for that focal range on a EF-s camera, and its wonderful.
Re: 24-70 L - A Step Up from the EF 17-85?
Quote:
Originally Posted by scalesusa
I'd skip the 24-70L
Oops! Already got it. [;)] I really like it so far.
Quote:
Originally Posted by scalesusa
Try the new 15-85mm zoom, or better yet, the 17-55mm EF-S.
I was considering the EF-S 17-55, but I want to maintain full-frame compatibility. I may upgrade to full-frame as my shooting experience (and needs) grow.
Quote:
Originally Posted by scalesusa
Its the lens others are compared to for that focal range on a EF-s camera, and its wonderful.
I agree with you. The EF-S 17-55 is simply superb optically.
Quote:
Originally Posted by scalesusa
its not great on a crop camera,
For my shooting style, the focal range (and compatibility) offered by the 24-70 L is perfect.
Quote:
Originally Posted by scalesusa
and very front heavy on a smaller camera body, the balance is poor.
I agree. Luckily, I'm using the battery grip on my Xti. On the 40D, the balance is much better, but overall, the setup is front-heavy. Maybe a 1D Mark III will solve this issue. [;)]
Re: 24-70 L - A Step Up from the EF 17-85?
<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;" lang="EN-GB"]I was trying out the 24-70 L this weekend.<o:p></o:p>
<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;" lang="EN-GB"]I really liked the size and weight of the lens. Nice balanced on my 50D I think.
The zoom range is very usefull. The wide end is wide enough for me (even indoor).
I can make nice blured backgrounds :-)<o:p></o:p>
<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;" lang="EN-GB"]But compared to my 17-85 I don't see any major improvement in centre sharpness. The corners might be a bit better but not much.
There are a lot of shoots where I missed IS at the long end. Don't think it's a problem in bright daylight, but indoor and outdoor just before sunset a December day in Denmark.<o:p></o:p>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"]<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;" lang="EN-GB"]<span style="font-size: small;"]<span style="font-family: Calibri;"]I will look more around. Maybe the ef-s 15-85mm or wait for the 24-70 L with IS (if ever).<o:p></o:p>
Re: 24-70 L - A Step Up from the EF 17-85?
It is not only sharpness, don't forget colors and contrast.
My friend bought a 24-70L on his 50D for a month ago and I bought a 17-55 for my 50D and I must say that I like my lens better then his. The IS is really helpfull. Winters here in Europe aren't really really sunny, so it comes in handy for a lot of things. Also my mate had a slight issue with minor chromatic aberration on his 24-70 and really I haven't had any trouble with my lens whatsoever. The only thing I can think of is bending lines when you shoot at 17mm. I don't know the proper word for them :P
I suggest the 17-55, especially for the money. I don't think the extra cost for the 24-70 is worth the price, since you don't have a fullframe or weathersealing, but that's just my opinion. Good luck
Re: 24-70 L - A Step Up from the EF 17-85?
Yes there are almost no dstortion with 24-70 L. Thats very nice.
Did not see any major diffference in color and contrast to the 17-85. But then again it's very gray and borring in the winter.
And my indoor test was most about if there was enough light.
If canon makes a lens in the range 20-80 with f/2.8 and IS and L build I will love to pay whatever it will cost.
Re: 24-70 L - A Step Up from the EF 17-85?
Well I see that you are looking at the 15-85 as well....maybe the 24-105 is good for you as well. It isn't f2.8, but you get very nice IS and a longer focal range. And L build and quality.
For the extra money you would pay for an 24-70, you can buy a 50mm 1.4 or something to cover your real low light setups. Just a thought..
