Canon EF 24-70mm F4 L IS USM Review

Canon EF 24-70mm F4 L IS USM

General information

This is a zoom lens manufactured by Canon and the lens was released 2012.
The lens belongs to the category standard zoom lenses, a normal lens where you have the possibility to zoom in and out.

Product description from Canon

At launch 2012 Canon wrote this regarding Canon EF 24-70mm F4 L IS USM:

"The EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM is the perfect zoom to complement full-frame DSLRs like the EOS 6D. With 2 aspheric and 2 UD elements, the EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM delivers high- quality images with excellent detail throughout the entire zoom range. A 9-blade circular diaphragm delivers beautiful, soft backgrounds. It offers a minimum focusing distance of 1.25 ft./0.38m across the entire zoom range and has a macro mode at the telephoto end with up to 0.7x magnification (minimum focusing distance becomes 7.87 in./0.2m) and is easily accessible with a one-touch switch. It features a Hybrid IS system with up to 4 stops of stabilization, compensating for both angular and shift types of camera shake, delivering effective stabilization even in macro. Inner focusing and ring-type USM deliver, fast, quiet AF, and full-time manual focus is available for manual focusing even while in AF mode. The durable EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM is sealed for excellent dust and water resistance plus has fluorine coating on the front and rear elements reducing smears and fingerprints. Compact and lightweight, it’s the perfect L-series lens for photographers on the go.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM

A versatile standard zoom well suited to full-frame EOS cameras and a variety of subjects

A versatile 24-70mm f/4 L-series lens with macro mode for up to 0.7x magnification. Ultrasonic AF provides fast, near-silent focusing. UD and aspherical elements deliver superb image quality.

Benefits

  • Versatile zoom range for a variety of subjects
  • Macro mode for up to 0.7x magnification
  • Up to four-stop Image Stabilizer
  • Two aspherical and two UD lens elements
  • Fast ultrasonic AF
  • Sealed against dust and moisture
  • Nine-bladed aperture for soft bokeh


Detailed Features

Versatile zoom range
Tackle a variety of subjects from landscape to portrait to documentary. The EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM is an ideal standard lens for your full-frame Canon DSLR, featuring wide angle, standard and telephoto focal lengths and a constant f/4 maximum aperture that doesn’t change as the lens is zoomed.

Macro mode
A separate macro position on the zoom ring enables close focusing down to just 0.38m at any zoom position, and a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.7x life size.

Image Stabilizer technology
Shoot hand held in low-light conditions using shutter speeds that are up to four stops slower than usually recommended. Image Stabilizer (IS) technology detects automatically when a photographer is panning to follow moving objects and switches off stablisation in this direction. Hybrid IS detects both angular and shift movements when in macro mode.

High-performance optical design
Capture images of exceptional quality throughout the zoom range. Two types of aspherical lens element are used in combination with ultra-low dispersive (UD) elements to effectively eliminate optical aberrations. Super spectra coatings minimise glare and maximise contrast.

Advanced autofocus
Enjoy fast, near-silent autofocus thanks to a ring-type ultrasonic AF motor. Stay in control with full-time manual focus override.

Built to be tough
Keep shooting even in demanding conditions. The lens is sealed against dust and moisture and the use of fluoride coatings ensures lens elements are easy to clean.

Refined performance
A circular, nine-bladed aperture diaphragm helps generate smooth out-of-focus bokeh, letting your foreground subjects stand out with clarity."

Product description from Canon at launch 2012

Compatibility, autofocus and focal length

This lens is constructed to fit all models of Canon cameras, regardless of camera model or type of sensor.

The ability to use autofocus is available for all cameras.

The lens has a focal length of 24-70 mm. Depending on which camera the lens is used, the experienced and perceived focal length will be different. Please visit the list of compatible cameras below, it will provide the equivalent focal length you get on each camera.

Lens brightness and image stabilizer

The lens brightness and aperture value is f/4.

The lens is to considered fairly bright.  This will make it so much easier shooting in darker environments where you do not want or can use flash lighting, for example in churches or at different sports venues.

A feature worth commenting, which is also related to lens brightness, is that the brightness and maximum aperture-value remains constant regardless of focal length used. This makes it easier for you as a photographer. No matter if you are have the focus ring and focal length at 24 mm or at 70 mm the aperture value can be f/4.

Inside the lens there is an image stabilizer, which helps to fend off possible movements and tremors. This is very positive and can be of great help in situations and conditions where the light is inadequate and not enough for decent shutter speeds.

Filter and Lens Hood

The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 77 mm which also the filter you will use must have. If you use for example an UV filter can be a cheap insurance against scratches and dust.

If you buy this lens it will come with a lens hood, whose model name is "EW-83L".

Images of Canon EF 24-70mm F4 L IS USM

In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.

Things to consider before buying

Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.

  • Constant maximum aperture value regardless of focal length
  • Has a built-in image stabilizer
  • Works on all sensor types
  • A lens hood is included
  • The lens is sealed against dust and moisture
  • The price (more info)

Our Review Ratings

Time to grade Canon EF 24-70mm F4 L IS USM.

Build Quality     
Image Quality     
Autofocus     
Sharpness     
Versatility     
Value     
Overall rating 4.67 of 5

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