24-70 2.8: Hey guys..... looking for your highly valued opinions. I've been considering a Canon 24-70 2.8 to go along with my 7D Mark ll. I've mentioned this before and the problem I...

Danny Nash

Hey guys..... looking for your highly valued opinions. I've been considering a Canon 24-70 2.8 to go along with my 7D Mark ll. I've mentioned this before and the problem I related earlier was the lack on IS. I've been reading and talking to people about the Sigma 24-70 2.8 ART with OS (optical stabilization) and I'm impressed by what I see. At $450 less than the Canon and with OS it sounds like a very viable option.

Let me know what you guys think.

Thanks, Danny

Haydon

I have found little use for IS in this focal range but I'm not diminishing how it can be effective at times. IS in some cases also softens the lens slightly so it's a trade off. Which version of the Canon 24-70 2.8 are you interested in? I'm using the v2 and it's a stellar lens. The v1 was a toss up. There were plenty of lens to lens variations and you sometimes bought a super sharp lens or otherwise a questionably soft lens.

I also don't want to start a war here but I also think you will find more consistent results with Canon's AF and resale value in the future.

Danny Nash

I would definitely choose the version 2. I'm just not the steadiest of hand so I feel the IS/OS would be helpful and whenever Canon comes out with IS no telling what it will cost.

JimRPhoto Loc: Raleigh NC

Hello Danny. I have had this Canon L series lens for a couple of years now. I think that if you are attentive to being steady (like in "the old days") the photos will be sharp. 70 mm is not that long a telephoto, and the norm for minimum shutter speed would be about 1/60 second. The lens, and its wide aperture, offer a great advantage. And with modern equipment, it is a snap to increase ISO setting to keep aperture and shutter speed where you want them to be. Good luck with your choice. JimR

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The Sigma Art line is an awesome line of equipment, but the 24-70 f/2.8L II is in a class by itself. And priced that way. That said, have you considered the new 24-105 f/L IS II? Not as fast, longer focal length, IS enabled, great image quality. The two v II Canon lenses also include a lock so the lens doesn't flop open when carried and not in use.

Danny Nash

Yes I've use my nephews Canon 24-105 f4 on my cropped censor and I got very sharp images. And you are speaking of Canon's 24-70 f/2.8 being in a class by itself right? Not the ART series by Sigma?

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Yes, the Canon model is clearly superior to the Sigma lenses in all ways except price ... But, my 24-105L II is such a great performer, I've looked at my 24-70L II and wondered if I should make a one or the other decision. But, then I have the 24-70 out and look at the images and say there's no way I can let this lens go. And then I look at images from the 24L, 35L and 50L lenses and say there's no way I could let them go and keep just the 24-70 ... I'm not the best choice for input on this type of decision, I guess ... I will say I'd have to have a wider lens than a 24mm on a crop sensor camera. If you said in a different post, I missed what you're looking to accomplish with the 24-70 range on a 7DII. A lens that does have me looking hard at the 24L is my 16-35 f/4L IS. I'm out this weekend shooting with the 24L to make a decision if his time on the team has come to an end given how much I love shooting wide with the 16-35.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Haydon wrote:

I have found little use for IS in this focal range... (show quote)

I agree with Haydon on this. The Canon will operate better on your camera and future ones where off brands have problems with the camera programming at times.
If the aperture is not absolutely needed the 24-105 MII has IS and is very sharp as well.
I need the IS with 2 damaged arms from my past life so I really appreciate the lenses with it and look for lenses with that option.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Danny Nash wrote:

Hey guys..... looking for your highly valued opinions. I've been considering a Canon 24-70 2.8 to go along with my 7D Mark ll. I've mentioned this before and the problem I related earlier was the lack on IS. I've been reading and talking to people about the Sigma 24-70 2.8 ART with OS (optical stabilization) and I'm impressed by what I see. At $450 less than the Canon and with OS it sounds like a very viable option.

Let me know what you guys think.

Thanks, Danny

There is life beyond Canon and Nikon. Read/watch comparisons.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=24-70mm+comparison

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

jerryc41 wrote:

There is life beyond Canon and Nikon. Read/watch comparisons.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=24-70mm+comparison

But who would want to live it .... ?

foathog Loc: Greensboro, NC

don't you just love those people who like to justify buying the cheap stuff??? LOL

jerryc41 wrote:

There is life beyond Canon and Nikon. Read/watch comparisons.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=24-70mm+comparison

will47 Loc: Indianapolis, IN

The Tamron 24-70mm IS is excellent. Rivals Canon. I use it on a 7D Mark ll and it's perfect.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

CHG_CANON wrote:

But who would want to live it .... ?

You never know till you try it.

AntonioReyna Loc: Los Angeles, California

I have Version I and it has never been an issue. My shooter friend, with whom I just shot a wedding, has Version II and it is his favorite lens. I agree with other comments that at that focus length IS is less of an issue. Or consider the 24-70/f4 which does have IS and is very sharp.

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

I own a 5D MIII & 7D MII. I purchased the 24 - 70 f/2.8 in 2005 and sold it in 2013. I now have the 24 - 70 f/2.8 II. Both versions are fabulous lenses, but the II is better than the I. You can't go wrong. I never felt I needed IS. Perhaps the Sigma is a better option for you. I would not trade my II for any lens, especially when mounted on my full frame 5D MIII.
Mark

Danny Nash wrote:

Hey guys..... looking for your highly valued opinions. I've been considering a Canon 24-70 2.8 to go along with my 7D Mark ll. I've mentioned this before and the problem I related earlier was the lack on IS. I've been reading and talking to people about the Sigma 24-70 2.8 ART with OS (optical stabilization) and I'm impressed by what I see. At $450 less than the Canon and with OS it sounds like a very viable option.

Let me know what you guys think.

Thanks, Danny