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Built like a Tank!

Started Jan 8, 2016 | User reviews
AEspriu
AEspriu New Member • Posts: 2
Built like a Tank!

I love this lens, it is my workhorse (I rarely take it off the camera, except for studio work). Which is exactly why the best part of it (at least for me) is how it is built (solid). The focal length range is good for mostly every day work, I only need to change it for architecture shoots (24-28mm works sometimes, but not all of the time) and for studio work (for which I use the 70-200 2.8). The quality of the glass is not as good as the 70-200 but still much better than a lot of other lenses I have used (the 70-200 and maybe the 85 1.8  are the only ones I have used that are above the 24-70 in that regards).

My only concern with this lens would be that it's length changes according to focal lenght, and this has been a problem for me sometimes when taking long exposures or bracketing shots and making polarizer adjustments in between shots. But once your realize this could be an issue and are conscious about it is not that big a deal (more of an annoyance than anything, and only on specific type of work). I have heard the newer version fixes all of these issues but at $700-800 USD more than what I got mine for, so I will not be upgrading anytime soon.

 AEspriu's gear list:AEspriu's gear list
Canon EOS 5D Mark II Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS II USM
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM
Zoom lens • Canon EF • 8014A005
Announced: Sep 29, 2002
AEspriu's score
4.0
Average community score
3.8
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Nikon 24-70mm F2.8E ED VR
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Bronze Age Man Regular Member • Posts: 343
Re: Not Built like a Tank!

Tried this version in a store once. When fully extended you can grab the end and it wobbles all over. If you hit the end serious damage results.

Expressions like 'built like a tank', 'you can drive nails with it' etc. are wishful thinking at best. The reality is lenses have more glass, moving parts and delicate IS components than ever before.

'Built like it might survive a 12 inch fall' is more appropriate.

The new version has far better optics, worth the upgrade!

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Appreciative student of the late Joan Wakelin. 39+ years later still enjoying it!

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