Of them both, I prefer the 24-70, for entirely subjective reasons. I like the background blur, that's pretty much the only difference between them that's important to me. It does seem that the 24-70 has more CA for things outside the focal plain, which I don't know if that's considered a flaw or not, and may even contribute to the subjective character that I like, but I live with it. I don't know anything about the new 24-70 mentioned. For that kind of money, you'd hope it'd be completely spectacular. Man, all my lenses seem to be moving into 'old'. First it was the 16-35, then the 70-200, now the 24-70. Pretty soon the primes will be discontinued too! Oh well. I don't like them any less.