Canon 28-70 f/2.8L vs Canon 24-70 f/2.8L

[adam]

As I wrote in another thread, I've been having a bit of a lens upgrade debacle. I was thinking about getting a couple of primes and an ultrawide to replace my Tamron 28-75. But most of the 30ish primes are either not better than the Tamron 28-75 (Sigma 30mm f/1.4 and Canon 35mm f/2) or cost more than I'm prepared to spend right now (35L).


I have seen a couple of used Canon 28-70 f/2.8Ls that I could probably afford if some other pieces fall into place...I've used the 24-70L, and it's a huge step up from the 28-75...how does the 28-70 compare in terms of sharpness, contrast, and flare resistence? I know the 28-70 isn't going to be on par with L primes, but if it's on par with consumer primes, it might be the right option for me...

[bassmangtk]

I've used the 28-70 L, but not the 24-70. The 28-70 was absolutely astounding. Focused blisteringly fast, amazingly crisp pictures. No flare in the shots that I took with it, but I wasn't looking to test it's flare resistance. If I could afford it, i would own it in a heartbeat.

[greggf]

I still own the 28-70L and I swear by it!!! I have heard debates on the 24-70 not being as good as it should be,especialy considering it's an L, but I have heard no such complaints from owners of the 28-70. Check reviews on Fred Miranda, too. Another website that did a review is Photozone.de. He said that it is better than the 24-70. Granted you lose 4mm on the short end, but that's where most of your vignetting and softness come in. Adorama usually has some in their used lens section, typically with a very high rating. I wouldn't hesitate to get it if I were you. And if you're shooting with a crop, you could pair that with a Tokina 12-24 f4. My buddy has a 20d, and swears by it, and it rarely comes off his camera. He also has the sigma 30 1.4, and loves that one too. And to be honest, I think it is as sharp as my 50 1.4 at comparable aperatures. I really do love it.

[ShutterbugJohan]

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/lenses/24-70-review.shtml


Hope this helps. :-)

[L33t]

http://www.fredmiranda.com/24-70/

[adam]

Thanks all...


I decided to hold on to my Tamron 28-75 for now...there's really nothing wrong with it, but I got upgradeitis I decided to put my money into stuff that gives me new capabilities...so I'm going to get a Tokina 12-24 and a Canon 60mm macro...

[Benjamin]

Had the 24-70L for almost 2 years now and completely loved! Consider the price difference, I found the 28-70L sits around $750-850 and the 24-70L is about $950-1150 depending on condition. I would ratherpay 20% more to get the 24-70L. The reviews at luminous landscape shows the story regarding IQ.

[yc2073]

Got my 28-70 used for $620. Mechanically the lens is indeed very much used. But on 5D, the IQ is still impeccable. Only concern I have is its flair resistence.Shots around window and thesunare often problematic.Shooting childrenrunning around don'talways allow me to choose my angles either.And yes, the 4mm extra at the wide end would be very helpful to me since I am chasing kids around all the time and found myself on many occasions not having enough coverage at 28mm.

[Chuck Lee]

Adam,


Have you considered the Tamron 10-24 f3.5-4.5DII?


I lovemy copy of the Tamron 28-75 f2.8 and am always looking for that replacement L glass. When I stop and think about it for a moment, I realize that I can buy 3 of the Tammys with 6 year warranty for the price of equiv Canon L. I own the 17-35 f2.8 L and the 70-200 f2.8 L non-IS. So it would complete my FF 5D Canon package to have a 24-70 or 28-70 f2.8 L. Red stripes throughout!! Do you feel my pain? I just can't bring myself to pull the trigger. The Tamron's that good.


I also have the 17-50 f2.8 DII for the 40D. That lens is awesome too!!


For macro, don't overlook the EF 100 f2.8 USM Macro. Great lens and doubles as a long portrait.


Good Luck with that LBA!! (lens buying addiction) Coined by Lance B. on pentaxforums.


Chuck