Which 24-70 f2.8 for a 5D Mark II?

I am interested in getting a used 24-70 f2.8 (I had been thinking a lot about a 24-105 4, but think that the f2.8 would be helpful). I'd like to use it as a general walkaround lens as well as to do some stuff like indoor and outdoor weddings. I would primarily use it on a 5D Mark II that I recent bought used (as well as a 60D).

I'd say that about $800 or slightly more is the most I would like to pay, but would really like to get something for $600. Which lens would you recommend in this price point? I am open to considering Tamron and Sigma. And how does the Canon 24-70 Mark I compare to the Tamron G1 and to the Tamron G2? Is the Canon Mark II worth the extra money vs a Mark I? Any other things to consider?

If I could help it, I would never ever use the 24-70mm Mark 1 with the 5D2 again. Yes, it's capable of perfectly good images but it was very hit and miss for me.

I never owned the Mark 2 of the lens, but it's definitely much sharper and consistent from what I've seen and it's what I would want where I go get an all-around lens.

I did own the 24-105mm Mark 1 and I really liked it on a 6D. The 6D had a poor AF system like the 5D2 except that the 6D has a really good center AF point. Either way, all AF points worked well with the 24-105mm.

Sigma and Tamron also make good lenses. I have a Tamron 35mm 1.4 that I really like. I don't know the exact model, but one of their newer ones. A Sigma 85mm 1.4 Art was my main lens for a long time. I also have a Sigma 14-24mm 2.8 that it very sharp wide open. I also have a Sigma 35mm 1.4 Art that was always wonky with extreme outer AF points, even with mirrorless. But I think the 35mm was one of the earlier designs. Newer Sigma glass seems to perform well. I considered the Sigma 24-70mm myself, but I usually work at 35mm or 85mm so I held off on that.

This is a tough decision at this price point, as all the options have some some limitations to consider.  Note that I have not shot with any of them, merely passing along what I've absorbed after spending too much time over the years perusing photo websites

Canon 24-70 Mk 1:  Known for high copy variation.  Not very durable, hence the high variation.  No stabilization.  No longer supported or serviceable by Canon.  If something happens, be prepared to possibly replace it.

Tamron G1:  Good lens overall.  Like all 3rd party lenses, AF consistency will be the biggest question.  Some have great luck, others not so much.  I have no idea how it will do on the 5D2.

Tamron G2:  Likely out of the budget, but you may get lucky on a deal.  Best choice overall IMO if you can find one in your price range.

Sigma 24-70:  Optically the weakest of the group.  Same potential AF issues.

For me personally, I'd look for a like new condition Tamron G1 out of this group.  That's probably closer to the $600 range.

Note that "AF issues" usually just means the lens requires more attention with AF micro adjustment for best results.  Personally I've had good results with 3rd party lenses, but they did always require some AF micro adjustment.  To be fair, most of my Canons do as well, just not as much.

While outside your budget, Canon's 24-70 f/2.8L II is likely the lens you want. I'm a pro and it is extremely sharp and resistant to flare, even when shooting into light sources. The focal lengths make it a real winner as a walk-around lens for mid-range shooting. I've used it for spot news and feature photography, but mainly for galas, parties and even office portraits.

The original Canon 24-70/2.8 L is still a very good lens.  Don't forget it replaced the 28-70/2.8 L and the 28-80/2.8-4 L.  It really is the third of 4 lenses.

From what I can see on the digital picture site, the version II has been marginally improved in the corners.  The first version is superior to the Tamrons.  It appears questionable whether the most expensive of the four Sigma versions is any better than the first Canon.

The Canon version II will be the best of all of them but is a marginal improvement over the original worth double the money, or more?

I would stick with Canon, and the original will perform very well.

I fully agree with John. I have the Original Canon 24-70 f2.8. I bought it and used it on my 20D, 10D, 40D, 7D, but I mostly used it on my 5DII for many years. Was my workhorse lens when I did a lot of studio and event work (including a few lenses). I still have mine and do not plan on selling the lens. The used price does not equal the value of the lens to me. I have heard there are sample variations on the lens. Mine has been excellent. I had a Sigma 24-70 f2.8 EX lens before the Canon, but I never liked the lens. I actually gave it away. This was the older EX Sigma lens.

My only hesitation in recommending the lens is the lens is the age and not being able to get the lens serviced. But, it sounds like you have a limited budget. I can say personally I love the lens. If buying used you might want to look at KEH and MPB I believe both offer a six month warranty on their used lenses. I have bought several used lenses from MPB and all have been great.

I had the mk 1 first, it’s tough, fairly sharp wide open, but it did not always focus accurately on the wide end at f2.8 -unless I zoomed in to focus at 70mm, locked focus then before pulled wide again to shoot. At f5.6, d.o.f. will hide this anomaly. In a studio setting I used manual focus and live view, for that use it was fine, but social photography required the focus lock technique in full af.

No such issues with the mk 2, it’s extremely sharp wide open and very accurate focussing from 24 to 70mm.

I set up my micro focus adjustments on both ends of all my zooms and check them every 6 months - it’s been rock solid.

As others have said, repairs on a mk1 might be hard to get done or more expensive due to parts supply.

It’s been so much easier for me with the mk2 24-70 for fast moving social photography, it’s a great lens.