JohnTxNC

I am shopping .... Not buying ..... Yet. But a 24-70 will be my next lens and I am gearing up my excitement.

My first choice of course is Canon's red band ..... but .. .. I need to be practical as this lens will not be my everyday lens. I already have the 24-104 F/4 that was packaged with the 6D and I have since purchased the 70-200 F/2.8L IS II and a Canon prime 85mm F/1.8. So I feel I have good coverage in my lens choices, but sometimes I really wish I had a bit more available light in the 24-50 mm focal range. I will most likely use this lens for outdoor portraits - families & individuals.

After searching for a couple hours, these are the lenses that have captured my attention. Pricing is current and came from Amazon ...... The reviews for all of these lenses were good, but clearly some of these reviews were years and years ago ..... So I am reaching out to those of you who might own any of these lenses now (and/or in the past) and your individual thoughts. Money is a consideration and due to decent reviews, I included the 28-75mm, which can be found for less than the Amazon pricing. If everything points to the "expensive as L" lens (a Ken Rockwell quote), then I will probably just have to wait a while longer.

So, are you still happy with your choices? Have you sold and upgraded? Any regrets?

Thanks in advance...... I will be off and on the computer this weekend, so if you don't hear back from me right away... just know I have not abandoned the thread .


LISTED IN ORDER OF PRICING>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 SP XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) for Canon - $499

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 IF EX DG HSM AF Standard Zoom Lens for Canon - $750

Tokina AT-X 24-70mm f/2.8 PRO FX Lens for Canon - $879

Tamron SP 24-70mm Di VC USD Canon Mount AFA007C-700 - $1,299

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM - $1,750


Thanks again,
John

tinplater Loc: Scottsdale, AZ

Based upon my experience with only the Canon, I wouldn't be surprised if the 24-70 didn't become your favorite lens. After I got mine I sold my 24-104. You can crop the 70 and equal or surpass the long end of the 104. The images produced by the 24-70 are beautiful, sharp, full of contrast. It is a great lens.

JohnTxNC

Arrrgh haha I know I'm going to hear a lot of your sentiment on this issue ...

So your saying that apples to apples with the same camera settings and (lets just pick) 45mm length @F/5.6 the 24-70 outshines the 24-105 by a bunch?

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

John, go to "The Digital Picture", I'll bet he has reviewed every lens you are looking at. Trust his reviews. When applicable, he will compare the different lenses. There is a lens comparison feature on his site, it's easy to figure out and use and you can do a visual side by side, not on paper and his tests are REAL world.
And he knows Canon stuff better than anybody else on THIS planet!!!
Good luck with your money!!! LoL
SS

JohnTxNC

LoL ... A true statement.... My money.... Arrgh!

& thnks for the tip, I'll check that site out!

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

This lens was discussed several days ago on this forum. There were disagreements on choices. Most Nikon owners probably would agree the Nikon is the best choice. Why wouldn't the best choice for a Canon body be a Canon 24-70mm lens. Matt Granger on You Tube says the next best option would be the Tamron. He favored the Nikon overall, though he never totally admitted it. Go Canon or Tamron, 24-70mm.

JohnTxNC

Thanks Mas24 ..... I have no doubt that the Canon red band is the best of the bunch ..... but I am dealing with the question .... how much "better for me" will it be and can I justify the price difference. I have a $100 Canon 75mm-300mm Zoom that is extremely limited in low light.... but I never use that lens in low light and I rarely use the lens at all .... so from that stand point, the $100 lens suits my needs..... ..But can that analogy be used in this case for the $400-$500 F/2.8 Tamron? ..... I'm in that debate now.....
Thanks again for your input! and yes, Matt Granger is generally 'on-target'!

John

Nukepr Loc: Citrus County, FL

I own the Tokina 24-70 ATX Pro and I love it. It is the lens that stays on my camera most of the time. I shoot Nikon. I have found the images crisp and with good color and contrast. The autofocus is accurate. The lens does not have vibration reduction, but at these focal lengths I do not find that an impediment at all. The lens is very solidly built, and has received very good reviews. I cannot compare it with the other lenses. I can only tell you that I get excellent results with the lens.

wotsmith Loc: Nashville TN

I was in the same place about a month ago. I called Adorama and bought a USED 24-70 f2.8 II at a reasonable price and it is like new. It is on the camera daily. Stick with the red band. my next body will be the Canon 5DSR and that lens will be a perfect match. All reports are the the 24-70 f2.8 version II is one of the best lenses from Canon.
Good Luck

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

Never heard of the Digital Image. Just checked it out and it looks like a very useful site. Thanks for the tip!

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

I have the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM - $1,750. I will never let it go. It is expensive, but worth every cent to me. I sold my I version and purchased the II about 1.5 years ago. It will keep it's value - Canon L's do. I bought the I version in 2005 for $1375. Sold it in 2013 for $1050. It was mint!
Mark

Schwabo Loc: Florida

Since I bought the 24-70 two years ago it has been on my 5D Mark III as my walk around. I have not used 24-105 since.

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

I do exactly the same on my 5D Mark III.
Mark

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

LF, your welcome!
Always glad when I can help!!!
SS

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

Save yourself almost $250.00 by buying the EF 24-70mm from the Canon refurbished store. The lens is listed as in stock for $1519.20. Good luck.