5 Best 24-70mm Lenses for Canon in 2024

Many professional photographers will tell you that their 24-70mm lens is their favorite. That’s why we’ve put together a guide to the 5 best 24-70mm lenses for Canon, a range known for its versatility and quality in capturing stunning images across various scenarios.

Our top pick is the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM, which we have chosen for its exceptional sharpness and reliability. Alongside this standout option, we also explore four other lenses that cover the same focal length.

What Is the Best 24-70mm Lens for Canon?

Selecting the best 24-70mm lens for Canon involves considering sharpness, autofocus speed, and image stabilization. Our list includes offerings from Canon, Sigma, and Tamron, chosen for their exceptional performance in professional photography. These lenses stand out for their ability to capture detailed images quickly and with clarity, making them very useful for photographers looking to upgrade their equipment with versatile, high-quality options.

Our Favorite 24-70mm Lenses for Canon

Let’s take a closer look at our favorite 24-70mm lenses for Canon. From the sharpness and speed of the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM to the stabilization and affordability of the Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2, there’s a lens here for every type of photography. Explore these options to find the perfect match for your camera bag and shooting style.

The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM lens is a top choice for photographers who need versatility without sacrificing image quality. Its constant f/2.8 aperture is a big advantage in low light and for creating shallow depth of field effects. This makes it great for portraits and detailed shots. The lens is sharp across its zoom range, with special elements that reduce chromatic aberrations. This ensures colors are true to life.

However, it lacks image stabilization (IS), which can be a drawback in very low light or when shooting video. Photographers might need to use a tripod or increase ISO to avoid blur. Compared to the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM | A, which includes IS, this could be a deciding factor for some. Yet, the Canon’s superior sharpness and faster autofocus might outweigh the need for IS for others.

The build quality is professional, with weather sealing that allows shooting in various conditions. The autofocus is quick and reliable, making it easy to capture crisp images even in fast-paced settings. While the lack of IS is a downside, the lens’s overall performance and durability make it a good option for serious photographers. It is top of our list, which just confirms what many pros have known for a long time, that this lens is an absolute winner.

The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM | A for Canon EF is a strong choice for those who need a reliable lens that can handle a variety of situations. Its constant f/2.8 aperture helps in low light and for creating a shallow depth of field. This is especially useful for portraits where you want to blur the background. The lens is sharp, with special elements that cut down on unwanted color fringes. This means colors look true and images are clear.

This lens stands out with its Optical Stabilizer (OS), which is a big help in reducing camera shake. This feature is great for shooting in low light without a tripod. It’s a bit heavy, but the build is tough and can handle rough use. The autofocus is quick and quiet, making it easy to capture sharp images quickly.

Overall, the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM | A is a good option for professionals and serious hobbyists. It’s well-built, performs well in different lighting, and the image stabilization is a big plus. While it’s heavier than some lenses, its optical quality and versatility make it worth considering for your bag. Many feel it to be equal to the Canon equivalent but at roughly two-thirds the cost. It makes it a very attractive package.

The Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM lens is another excellent 24-70mm lens from Canon, perfect for photographers who value flexibility and quality. Its f/4 aperture, while not as wide as some alternatives, is compensated by effective image stabilization. This makes it suitable for low-light situations. The lens shines in its macro mode, offering a unique feature not commonly found in lenses of this type. This allows for close-up shots with impressive detail, adding to its versatility.

Weighing in at around 1.3 lbs (600 g), it’s relatively light for an L-Series lens, making it a good companion for long shooting days. It’s strongly made and will withstand challenging conditions. This durability, combined with weather sealing, ensures it can handle outdoor photography with ease.

If you don’t mind the one stop slower aperture, then the Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM is not much more than half the price of its f/2.8 sibling. For many people, that will be a saving worth having. Especially given its macro capability and image stabilization. It’s a good choice for those who need a reliable, all-around lens for various types of photography, from landscapes to portraits. While it may not have the widest aperture, its performance and build quality make it a valuable addition to any photographer’s bag.

The Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM lens is the top choice for Canon’s mirrorless system users, offering a blend of versatility and high-quality performance. Its constant f/2.8 aperture is ideal for low light conditions and achieving beautiful background blur in portraits. This lens is particularly useful for event and wedding photographers who need to quickly adapt to changing scenes and lighting. The inclusion of image stabilization adds to its appeal, allowing for sharper images in challenging light without a tripod.

The lens balances well on Canon’s mirrorless bodies, making it comfortable for all-day shooting. The build quality is robust, designed to withstand professional use in various environments. Its optical performance is impressive, with minimal distortion and chromatic aberration, thanks to its advanced lens elements.

In essence, the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM is a very useful lens for professionals and serious enthusiasts. It combines the flexibility needed for a wide range of photography styles with the durability and image quality expected from Canon’s L series. While not the lightest option available, its performance and features justify its place in any photographer’s bag.

The Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 for Canon EF is a robust option for photographers seeking versatility and quality. Its constant f/2.8 aperture aids in low light and allows for creative depth of field control, making it ideal for a range of scenarios from events to portraits. The inclusion of image stabilization is a significant advantage, helping to keep shots sharp in challenging lighting conditions.

It’s quite heavy at 2 lbs (905 g), but its build quality is reassuring, and designed to endure professional use. The lens’s optical performance is commendable, with specialized elements reducing aberrations and ensuring images are crisp and colors true to life. Autofocus is quick and reliable, ensuring you never miss a moment.

If you’re looking for an excellent f/28 24-70mm zoom, and can’t stretch to Canon’s own brand, then the Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 stands as a very good choice. Its combination of a fast aperture, effective stabilization, and solid construction makes it a good option for those looking to minimize their bag without losing capability.

Conclusion: The Best 24-70mm Lenses for Canon

Your 24-70mm lens might be the hardest working in your camera bag. We think this selection of the best 24-70mm zooms for Canon, gives you a good choice of excellent lenses. Our top choice, the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM, is loved for its exceptional clarity and versatility. This lens is the best for professional photography, offering sharp images and reliable performance. The other four lenses also offer great options, catering to diverse photography styles and requirements.