8 Best 24-70mm Lenses in 2024

The best 24-70mm lenses open up new creative possibilities. They are one of the most popular types of lenses, allowing you to shoot anything from landscapes to portraits to street photography. They offer the best combination of versatility and quality, helping to work a variety of styles with just one lens.

Our top choice is the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM, which stands out for its exceptional image quality and robust build. It’s the best for professional use, offering sharp images and reliable performance.

But if that’s not the lens for you, we have seven more of the best 24-70mm lenses in this article. Whether you have a Nikon, Canon, or Sony camera, we have a standard zoom lens for you.

Our Top 3 24-70mm Lenses

Canon RF 24-70mm F/2.8L IS USM

Canon EF 24-70mm F/2.8L II USM

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm F/2.8 S

What Is the Best 24-70mm Lens?

When choosing the best 24-70mm lens, you need to consider factors like sharpness, low-light performance, and versatility. Brands like Canon, Nikon, Sony, Panasonic, Sigma, and Samyang offer top options.

We evaluated these lenses based on image quality, autofocus speed, and additional features like image stabilization. Each lens in our list is worthy of your attention, ensuring you capture stunning images over a wide range of photography styles and genres.

Our Top Pick

Canon RF 24-70mm F/2.8L IS USM

Versatile zoom range for dynamic shooting needs
Constant f/2.8 aperture enhances low light shots
Robust build with weather sealing for durability
Exceptional sharpness and minimal aberrations
Effective image stabilization for handheld shooting

Best Canon DSLR Lens

Canon EF 24-70mm F/2.8L II USM

Acclaimed sharpness across all focal lengths
Durable, weather-sealed construction for reliability
Fast, accurate autofocus with manual override
Consistent f/2.8 aperture for beautiful bokeh
Lightweight design enhances portability and handling

Best Nikon Mirrorless Lens

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm F/2.8 S

Premium S-line optics ensure edge-to-edge sharpness
Constant f/2.8 aperture for superior low-light performance
Durable, weather-sealed design for harsh conditions
Fast, silent autofocus ideal for video and stills
Ergonomic design with intuitive control layout

Best Nikon DSLR Lens

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm F/2.8E ED VR

Enhanced VR for sharp images in low light
Electromagnetic diaphragm ensures consistent exposures
Rugged build with extensive weather sealing
Exceptional optical performance with minimal distortion
Fast, silent autofocus with manual override capability

Best Sony Lens

Sony FE 24-70mm F/2.8 GM II SEL2470GM2

Remarkably lightweight design for easy handling
Advanced optics for unparalleled image clarity
Fast, precise autofocus with silent operation
Enhanced bokeh effect with 11-blade aperture
Durable construction with dust and moisture resistance

Best Panasonic Lens

Panasonic LUMIX S Pro 24-70mm F/2.8

Exceptional clarity and contrast across all focal lengths
Robust build quality with professional-grade weather sealing
Fast, accurate autofocus system for dynamic shooting
Versatile f/2.8 aperture for depth of field control
Designed for L-mount system compatibility and performance

Best Sigma Art Lens

Sigma 24-70mm F/2.8 DG OS HSM | A

Optical Stabilization for sharp images in low light
Art series quality ensures exceptional image clarity
Fast HSM autofocus, perfect for dynamic subjects
Durable build with dust and splash resistance
Compatible across multiple camera brands with adapters

Shop 3 Versions

Best Pentax Lens

HD Pentax-D FA 24-70mm F/2.8 ED SDM WR

Fantastic image quality from 24mm to 70mm
Fast f/2.8 aperture that's constant throughout the zoom range
Built-in shake reduction system for better low-light performance
Balances well with Pentax's DSLR camera bodies
Durable weather-sealed construction

Best Samyang Lens

Samyang AF 24-70mm F/2.8 FE

Competitive pricing for wide aperture zoom lens
Exceptional autofocus speed and accuracy for sharp images
Versatile f/2.8 aperture across all zoom ranges
High-quality construction with user-friendly ergonomics
Compatible with Sony E-mount full-frame cameras

Our Favorite 24-70mm Lenses

Let’s take a closer look at the best 24-70mm lenses. From sharpness and AF speed to image stabilization, there’s a lens here for every scenario, ensuring you find the perfect match for your photography style.

We have lenses from all the top camera brands, so you can find the best 24-70mm to match your gear.

1. Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM

Our Top Pick

Brand	Brand Canon
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 900 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 2.8
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 24-70 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM is the best 24-70mm lens for Canon users, offering versatility without sacrificing image quality.

Its f/2.8 maximum aperture provides excellent low-light performance. It’s also a constant aperture, so you get consistent exposure control from 24mm to 70mm. It also gives you a shallow depth of field, giving portraits a lovely blurred bokeh effect.

Built-in image stabilization gives you even more support in low light, offering a further five stops of exposure compensation. This makes it easier to shoot from hand, reducing camera shake without needing a tripod or stabilizer.

Thanks to a combination of Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) and aspherical elements, the lens delivers edge-to-edge sharpness and true-to-life colors throughout the focal range. The outer glass elements also have an Air Sphere Coating that reduces lens flare and ghosting, further improving image quality.

Canon’s superior USM motor gives you fast, accurate, and quiet focusing. A 12-pin system also quickens communication between the camera and the lens, improving response times. And a custom control ring gives you more hands-on control over settings.

The Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM is a durable lens with protection against dust and moisture. It’s a fantastic piece of equipment and a real must-have for Canon mirrorless users.

If you’re a Canon user looking for more options, check out our full article on the best standard zoom lenses for Canon.

2. Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

Best Canon DSLR Lens

Brand	Brand Canon
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 805 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 2.8
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 24-70 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is the best standard zoom lens for Canon DSLR cameras. It’s a premium quality lens offering flexibility and quality.

Its f/2.8 aperture helps in low light and for creating soft bokeh backgrounds. This makes it useful for a range of photography, from events to portraits. It’s also a constant aperture, so you don’t lose any stops when zooming in or out.

The lens is sharp across its zoom range, with special elements that minimize distortion and chromatic aberration. These include specialist UD, Super UD, and aspherical elements.

A USM AF motor delivers fast focus support without making much noise. The camera is also weather-sealed for outdoor use with a fluorine coating protecting the outer glass elements.

A classic in Canon’s EF catalog, the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM remains one of their most popular lenses.

To see more similar lenses, take a look at the full post on the best 24-70mm lenses for Canon in this link.

3. Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S

Best Nikon Mirrorless Lens

Brand	Brand Nikon
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 805 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 2.8
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 24-70 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S is a great choice for photographers with a Nikon mirrorless camera. It’s proving a popular lens with photographers and videographers using Nikon gear.

High-quality glass gives you exception image quality, with very little distortion or aberration at any focal length. The barrel includes Extra-low Dispersion (ED) and aspherical element, all treated with an anti-glare coating. That’s why the images are always clean and clear.

Its wide f/2.8 aperture gives you excellent exposure control and doesn’t lose any stops when you zoom in or out. It also creates a rich bokeh effect when shooting portraits or product shots.

A multi-focusing system driven by a fast stepping motor (STM) offers responsive focusing, so you never miss those blink-and-you-miss-it-moments. You also have a manual focus ring and a custom control ring, giving you complete hands-on control.

It isn’t the lightest lens, but the build quality is fantastic. The barrel and mount are dust and water-resistant, and the outer glass has a protective fluorine coating.

The Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S belongs in any Nikon user’s camera backpack. It isn’t a budget lens, but it’s well worth the price.

Our list of the best 24-70mm lenses for Nikon is essential viewing for Nikon users.

4. Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR

Best Nikon DSLR Lens

Brand	Brand Nikon
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 1070 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 2.8
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 24-70 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR is one of the best options from Nikon’s extensive collection of F-mount lenses. The quality and versatility make it a popular choice with professional photographers of all kinds.

ED and aspherical elements give you edge-to-edge sharpness with no discernible distortion, even at the wider angles. The fast constant f/2.8 aperture also gives you fantastic exposure control throughout the zoom range.

Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) system gives you extra support when shooting in low light. Offering four additional stops of shake compensation, it gives you sharper shots when shooting without a tripod in dim conditions.

Weighing about 2.3 lb (1 kg), it’s on the heavier side but balances well on most Nikon DSLR cameras. It’s also protected against dust and rain, making it a reliable option for photographers working outdoors.

A workhorse of the highest order, the Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR is a professional photographer’s dream.

5. Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II

Best Sony Lens

Brand	Brand Sony
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 695 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 2.8
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 24-70 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is a standout choice for photographers seeking versatility and high-quality performance. It’s the perfect partner for one of Sony’s high-resolution mirrorless cameras.

Its f/2.8 aperture excels in low light and creates beautiful background blur, making it ideal for a wide range of photography from landscapes to portraits. A nine-blade rounded aperture diaphragm also improves the quality of the bokeh, giving images a richer blur and more clearly defined shapes.

Thanks to aspherical, ED, and Super ED elements, the lens delivers sharp images at any point from 24mm to 70mm. These elements successfully repress distortion and aberration, and a Nano AR coating reduces other imperfections like glare and ghosting.

A direct drive autofocus system provides incredibly quick AF support. It’s smooth and quiet in operation, which is good news for videographers. It also features a focus ring and focus hold button.

Weighing 1.5 lb (695 g), it’s lightweight for a lens of this quality and flexibility.

The Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is the best option for Sony users. It’s also one of the best Sony lenses for videography, so check out that article for more information.

We also have an article on all the best 24-70mm lenses for Sony, which is another must-see.

6. Panasonic LUMIX S Pro 24-70mm f/2.8

Best Panasonic Lens

Brand	Brand Panasonic LUMIX
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 935 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 2.8
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 24-70 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Panasonic LUMIX S Pro 24-70mm f/2.8 is perfect for Panasonic photographers who value flexibility and quality.

The lens contains a total 16 glass elements, including three aspherical, four ED, and one Ultra-High Refractive index (UHR) element. It’s easy to see why this lens produces such sharp images at any focal length.

Its constant f/2.8 aperture is ideal for low light conditions and creating beautiful bokeh.

Accurate AF allows you to capture fast action, while its silent operation means it’s a top lens for videography.

Weighing about 2 lb (935 g), it offers a balance of durability and handling. It’s a durable piece of kit, so you won’t mind the extra weight in your camera backpack.

The Panasonic LUMIX S Pro 24-70mm f/2.8 is a brilliant zoom lens for photographers and videographers.

7. Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM | A

Best Sigma Art Lens

Shop 3 Versions

Brand	Brand Sigma
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 1200 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 2.8
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 24-70 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM | A offers quality image production at a reasonable price. It’s also available for Canon ED and Nikon F cameras.

A combination of a fast aperture and high-quality glass elements gives you exceptional creative control. Distortion is rarely a problem, and you can achieve a smooth bokeh when shooting with the faster apertures.

This lens is known for its quick and accurate autofocus, essential for capturing sharp images in dynamic situations. Despite lacking built-in image stabilization, its performance is enhanced when paired with camera bodies that feature in-body stabilization, compensating for this omission.

It’s one of the heavier lenses on the list, weighing 2.2 lb (1 kg). But the build quality gives you peace of mind, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of professional use.

The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM | A is a valuable addition to any photographer’s bag, offering adaptability without compromising on image quality. If you like this lens, check out more lenses from Sigma’s Art range.

8. HD Pentax-D FA 24-70mm F/2.8 ED SDM WR

Best Pentax Lens

Brand	Brand Pentax
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 787 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 2.8
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 24-70 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The HD Pentax-D FA 24-70mm F/2.8 ED SDM WR is the best option for photographers who value the reliability and build quality of Pentax cameras.

A fast and constant f/2.8 aperture gives you decent low-light performance, even at 70mm. But the lens also has a built-in Shake Reduction (SR) system, reducing the effects of camera shake to give you sharper results in low light.

Three ED elements reduce visual defects, while a HD coating improves light transmission and eliminates lens flare and ghosting. There’s no loss of quality at the extremes of the zoom range, so you get sharp images at any focal length.

Those familiar with Pentax’s build quality won’t be surprised to learn this lens has thorough weather-sealing, meaning you can work outdoors even in bad conditions. It also has a fast yet quiet AF motor.

The HD Pentax-D FA 24-70mm F/2.8 ED SDM WR is a durable zoom lens that offers versatility and optical quality. It’s one of the Pentax’s best ever lenses.

8. Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE

Best Budget Lens

Brand	Brand Samyang
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 1027 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 2.8
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 24-70 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE lens offers a versatile range that’s perfect for photographers looking to minimize their gear without sacrificing quality.

Its constant f/2.8 aperture is ideal for capturing sharp images in low light and achieving beautiful bokeh in portraits. The lens’s autofocus is quick and reliable, essential for snapping crisp photos in fast-paced situations.

The optical quality is strong, only showing some distortion at the extremes of the focal range.

Weighing in at about 2.2 lb (1 kg), it is on the hefty side. But it’s thoroughly weather-sealed for outdoor use in any weather.

An affordable alternative that still produces fabulous images, the Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE is a great option for more budget-conscious photographers.

Conclusion: The Best 24-70mm Lenses

The article highlights the best 24-70mm lenses, showcasing the versatility and performance of these popular zoom lenses. All the lenses in our list are of the highest standard, producing sharp images and offering excellent low-light performance. We’ve also seen that all the top camera brands have an excellent 24-70mm lens on offer.

Our top choice is the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM, which stands out for its exceptional sharpness and reliable autofocus. It’s the best for versatility and image quality, although there was some stiff competition from Nikon, Sony, and Panasonic.

Our Top 3 24-70mm Lenses

Canon RF 24-70mm F/2.8L IS USM

Canon EF 24-70mm F/2.8L II USM

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm F/2.8 S

What Is the Best 24-70mm Lens?

Our Favorite 24-70mm Lenses

1. Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM

2. Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

3. Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S

4. Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR

5. Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II

6. Panasonic LUMIX S Pro 24-70mm f/2.8

7. Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM | A

8. HD Pentax-D FA 24-70mm F/2.8 ED SDM WR

8. Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE

Conclusion: The Best 24-70mm Lenses

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