Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM vs. EF-S 18-55mm f/2.8

[Keith B]

Do you mean the 17-55 2.8 IS?


I can only speak of the 24-70. It has become my most used and beloved lens due to it's image quality and versatility. The images are very sharp. The colors are great. In very low light it will search a bit if you aren't using the center focus sensor, but I think it actually better than my 70-200 2.8 IS. I couldn't say if it is the best lens Canon has ever built, but if someone said that it was the best zoom I wouldn't argue. I've said many times before, I do not miss or crave IS in this lens. I think I'm a pretty steady shot and this lens, albeit heavy it is a very easily balanced lens.

[btaylor]

Keith,


do you shoot full frame or crop sensor? I'm interested to know how the 24-70mm is on a crop and if you think there is benefit to the 17-55mm by allowing you to shoot that bit wider. I have plans to go FF in the future so at the moment my next purchase is likely to be the 24-70mm. (And if they do release one with IS... that will definately be on the cards)


Thanks in advance,


Ben.

[Keith B]

I shoot it on my 5DmkII almost exclusively. My 40D usually only sees my tele zooms these days. If you are planning on going FF I'd say go with the 24-70. It is so nice on FF. I find most of my shots are between 30 and 60 when I review the EXIF.


It will be be kind of tight on a crop though but very usable.