Canon EF 28-80mm f/2.8-4 L

This was Canons flagship for many years When I purchased this lens, it was mistakenly represented by the seller as an IS lens. Unfortunately, Canon never made an IS version of the 24-70L 2.8, and even the newer version II still lacks image stabilization. I still purchased this lens because I knew all of the positive attributes that it had, and prefer it over the 24-105L f4 which does have the IS feature. This lens is clear and bright, has a 2.8 fixed aperture over the entire zoom range. You can still hand hold at slower shutter speeds in fading light with great effect. 2.8 also gives a nice bokeh. To me, the operating range of focal length is perfect for everyday use, and when I need extended range I switch over to the 70-200L f2.8 IS or the 70-300L f4-5.6 with its newer IS. You hear the term "walk around" lens a lot, but in this case it really is true. This is the lens you will want on the camera 9 times out of 10. And on a crop sensor body, you don't have to worry about any of the perimeter distortions that may show up.Read full review

Lightweight with good image quality I sold my 24-70 mm f/2.8 ii, bought the f/4 and had about $700 in cash to play with. I have not had time to compare the image quality, but so far I cannot tell the difference. I do like that I can use the F/4 to do video because of its image stabilization, which the f/2.8 did not have. I use a Canon 5D III, so high ISO is not a major factor in low light situations, meaning I don't have to use the f/2.8 anyway. This is a good lens, and L lens, so you will not be making a mistake by buying it. The 50 mm soft range that I have read so much about does not appear in my lens.

Very Pleased I've owned two mid-range Canon L series lenses, the 24-105mm f/4 L and now the 24-70mm f/4 L. I'll avoid trying to be what I'm not...some technical expert on lenses. I'll simply say both lenses work well but I prefer the 24-70mm lens if for no other reason than the slightly smaller size. I'm 66 years old and image stabilization is a must for me now. The 24-70mm lens is sharp, delivers great results, and feels like it's built to last. I hope to pair it with the 70-200mm f/4 L IS lens when my budget allows. I'm using this lens with my Canon 1D MK III camera. The Mark III, like many of the newer cameras, has auto ISO and the ability to deliver noise free pictures at relatively high ISO settings. This makes the F/4 limitation a non-issue for me and saves me the expense and weight of the f/2.8 version of this lens. I'm very pleased with this lens and I think you will be too.Read full review