
If you ask an experienced photographer what they would keep if they had to work with only one lens forever, many would answer “my 24-70.” It may not be as budget friendly or as fast of a first lens as other lenses like 35mm lenses or 50mm lenses, but once a photographer is sure they’re ready to dive in with a monetary commitment, a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens is a great starting place that covers a really useful focal length range. In this article, we’ll review why you need a 24-70mm lens and discuss the best options for each budget range.
Why Use a 24-70mm Lens?
Revisiting classic DigitalRev, this video sums up some great reasons to think about purchasing a 24-70mm lens if you haven’t got one already.
Some 24-70 lenses, like Canon’s 24-70mm f/2.8L II, for example, can rival primes in terms of sharpness. While time and energy can often be better spent on activities other than pixel-peeping, it’s definitely a satisfying feeling when you can zoom to 100% and find razor-sharp edges.
As mentioned several times throughout this article, a 24-70mm on a full-frame body is among the most versatile focal ranges you can find, which is its biggest selling point. Not only does it allow for a great deal of diversity in your portfolio with naught but a single lens, on a microcosmic level it allows for a diversity of looks on any individual shoot and is great for adaptation to circumstance.
For instance, on a pet shoot, where subjects can be notoriously all over the place, it’s really useful to be able to quickly change your perspective. Both ends can be good for close-up portraits of pets, with the wide end offering a quirky and fun look and the long end is more traditional. The wide end can also be great for including environmental elements for environmental portraits. The available range allows for more variety from the same subject and location than would a typical prime. Furthermore, it’s fast enough for low-light and subject isolation.
Once you get used to fast apertures, it becomes painful to feel the constraint of slower glass. While f/2.8 obviously isn’t going to do as well in low light as f/1.2, it’s still plenty fast, and a fast 24-70 will have a fast 2.8 aperture throughout the entire focal range. This is ideal for low-light shooting, as you won’t lose any light at the long end, but the physics of constructing a lens with a constant maximum aperture do drive up the size and weight, and consequently, the price.
The Drawbacks (Cons of 24-70mm lenses)
While the 24-70mm f/2.8 is a wonderful lens, and while it is incredibly versatile, it does have its limitations. While some versions are as sharp as a prime, they aren’t as fast at gathering light or at focusing. If you shoot in extremely low light or crave the blurriest of blurry backgrounds, you may want a fast prime in your camera bag.
Those fast primes can also be incredibly inexpensive by comparison, something that a good 24-70mm f/2.8 typically isn’t. If you scrimp and save to buy your kit and choose a 24-70mm f/2.8, it very well may be your only lens for some time due to the fact the best ones costs around $2k. Good thing it covers so many bases.
Another instance where primes have a leg-up is size and weight. 24-70mm f/2.8 lenses are usually packed with premium elements, and they are neither small nor light. If you’re shooting with one all day, a cramped wrist is not that unlikely.
You may find yourself wishing for a bit more reach when using a 24-70 on a full-frame camera. An answer to that dilemma is a 24-105mm f/4 lens. You gain some reach but lose some speed (though racked out at 105, even at f/4 you can arguably isolate a subject better), so it’s a definite trade-off.
Telephoto lovers, in general, may be underwhelmed, but a 24-70mm f/2.8 does dovetail beautifully with another good old photographer favorite – the 70-200mm. If you own them both, you’ve got a lot of important focal lengths covered.
On the other end, 24mm is wide but not ultra wide. If you crave a larger-than-life angle of view, you’ll have to look into something a bit more specialized.
The Best 24-70mm Lenses
The 24-70mm marketplace is ever-expanding and price points are falling. Most major brands have one and you can find multiple offerings from Canon, Nikon, and Sony. The third party manufacturers are, of course, waiting in the wings, should you decide you’d like a lower-budget but still a high-quality option. Tamron, Tokina, and Sigma all have versions.
It’s arguable whether a 24-70mm lens benefits much from image stabilization, but for those who know they’re shaky shooters, there are now a couple of options to help.
24-70mmm Lenses for Nikon DSLR Cameras
Nikon’s 24-70 release, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR Lens, will set you back further than most, currently priced at $2,396.95 at B&H, but if you don’t want to spend as much and don’t mind third-party, Tamron has got you covered with their SP 24-70mm f/2.8 DI VC USD Lens, priced at a more modest $1,299.
The problem with the Tamron listed above, however, is two-fold. First, Tamron will be releasing a new 24-70 2.8 this year, and then of course there’s the Sigma which is not only brand new, but is in the much-loved ART-line, and costs only $1,299.
However, if you want to stick with a first-party lens there are options that are also more budget friendly. If you’re a Canon shooter and can handle a little bit slower of a lens, look into Canon’s EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM Lens for a scant $899. This is a particularly good deal if you’re one of the aforementioned photographers who could use a little help staying steady, as this lens offers image stabilization at a much lower price point than the two mentioned above.
Sony’s got a similar offering in their Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm f/4 ZA OSS Lens, still swimming in the shallow end of the price pool as far as these lenses go at $1,198 (but grab $100 off in instant savings if you’re ready to pick one up now!)As you can see, many of the options available depend on what camera brand you use, but it will be interesting to see what Sigma’s new 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Art Lens brings to the table for multiple brands once we’ve got it in our hands.
Lenses Mentioned In This Article
- Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Art
- Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM
- Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm f/4 ZA OSS
- AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED – $1,796.95
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM – $1,749
- Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM – $2198
- Sony Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm f/2.8 ZA SSM II – $2098
- Pentax HD Pentax-D FA 24-70mm f/2.8ED SDM WR – $1296
- Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Art Lens for Canon EF $1299
- Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens for Canon EF – $1199
- Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 DI VC USD Lens for Canon Cameras – $1099
- Tokina AT-X 24-70mm f/2.8 PRO FX Lens for Canon EF – $949
IS A 24-70mm f/2.8 RIGHT FOR YOU?
Are you a photographer who, when asked what you like to shoot, pauses a moment to consider and replies, “Hmm, really I shoot a bit of everything?” If so, a 24-70mm f/2.8 is perfect for you. If you feel bogged down with a fixed focal length and want a walk-around, do-it-all type of lens, look into a 24-70mm f/2.8.
Do you, or do you want to, shoot weddings? A 24-70mm f/2.8 is a must-have in a wedding photographer’s kit, or any event photographer really. It keeps coming back to that versatility and aperture with this lens. – that’s really what a 24-70mm f/2.8 is all about. Wedding and event photographers need these things more than most as they navigate ever-changing circumstances and need to adapt, and fast, to capture moments everywhere.
You may notice that ‘f/2.8’ has been emphasized throughout this article, and that is fully intentional. There are 24-70mm f/4 lenses available and they are significantly less expensive than their f/2.8 counterparts, but with the stellar performance available in current 24-105mm f/4 lenses, and similar price tags to the f/4 versions of 24-70mm lenses, there’s not much reason to choose a 24-70mm f/4 over a 24-105mm f/4 if budget is a concern.
A final note – this post is based on the experience of shooting with a 24-70mm on a full-frame body. It’s still a great lens on an APS-C body, but you gain some reach and lose some of the wide end. If you’d like to try out a similar focal length on an APS-C body, look to a 17-55mm f/2.8 or a 17-50mm f/2.8. What are your thoughts on the 24-70mm lens?
CREDITS: All photographs are copyrighted their respective owners and have been used with permission for SLR Lounge. Do not copy, modify or re-post this article or images without express permission from SLR Lounge and the artists.
Holly Roa
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Kishore Sawh, The Nikon 180mm f/2.8 is a remarkble lens. It is very sharp but most importantly, it is lighter than the 85mm f1.8 (a fairly light lens). I love it. When using the 80-200mm (don’t have it anymore), I almost always used it at its longest focal length or close to it anyway.
This lens is better. Unfortunately, t is way over priced at around $1000 (MPO). I bought it for $250 used.
I have the Sigma 85mm Art lens for Canon. It is sharper than my 100mm L series Portrait l/ Macro ens from Canon. I know several professionals that use the 35mm Art lens from Sigma with outstanding results. It is a very worthwhile decision to move away from Canon and Nikkor primes. As far as zooms go, I prefer the walk up zoom. I have a 50mm, 85, 100mm, 180mm and 300mm. 16 and 35mm for larger group photos.
You forgot to mention the cheaper sigma, older lens. One for even lower budgets and still quite capable I think
I’m waiting for the Sigma Art Sony mount….if ever they decide to make it. I normally shoot with a 35 and 85. But, you know, sometimes I think I just a zoom lens.
I used Canon 16-35 / 2.8 MKI for a long time. Now there is 24-70 f2.8 MKII. I would get a fixed 35 or 85 mm
There’s something special about a prime, but a good 24-70, for many, is indispensable
Shooting a birthday party or other event within a confined space with multiple people is almost impossible with primes. You would spend the better part of the day swapping between your 35, 50, and 85. Having the flexibility of the 24-70 is priceless.
Kishore Sawh I’m surprised that the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 wasn’t in the list, especially if we’re talking about budget friendly. It’s a fantastic lens in the same focal range, no VR, but only $499.
Is Tamron 28-75 lens for full frame??
No. It’s a crop sensor lens.
Fuji’s 16-55 yields a 24-84 equivalent, which is my “if I could have only one zoom lens” choice. 24 is as wide as I can shoot responsibly and 84 lets me shoot Hurley headshots. I really enjoy this lens.
Yes, Fuji lenses are not only great optically, but mirrorless bodies are so much lighter for carrying.
I am extremely satisfied with my Sony/Zeiss 16-70 mm f/4 lens on an A6000. I do find the slightly wider quite useful on occasions (16- instead of 24-).
Sounds like a nice travel lens. I haven’t used that one, but perhaps we’ll look into it. Cheer
I don’t even own a 24-70. I do have the 24-105 IS STM from Canon for video purposes, but I literally never use it as I just don’t enjoy video – I never use it for stills. I shot a wedding Saturday with the 70-200 f/2.8L IS II on the 5D Mark IV and the 35L II on the 5Ds. Other than macro shots (100L) and bouquet and garter tosses (16-35 f/4L IS), that’s all I needed. And I used the 35L II most of all.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I find a larger aperture range more useful than a zoom range.
Certainly varies on what you tend to shoot. But if I could onl have a single lens for life is would be a 24-70 2.8, no doubt.
The 35mm is my most preferred lens for general photography.
What about for us aps-c shooters? I have been using a sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM, equiv to 27-52 35mm… like it
I’ve never been limited when I shot with the 24-70 2.8 on a DX. I’d never felt compelled to “equate” the field of view to FX while shooting. Just compose and shoot. No math required. Guess I’m unlike most users.
24-70 works fine with APS-C
24-70 with aps-c is only 36mm equivalent at the wide end. This is not sufficient for most users.
Unless you must must must have f/2.8, I’d recommend the EF 24-70 f/4L IS all day for a Canon FF rig. I cannot hype this lens enough for general purpose use:
* A great great value for an L lens
* Perfect first party AF speed/consistency/accuracy
* Lighter and smaller than 24-70 f/2.8 or 24-105/120 f/4 lenses.
* IS (the nice hybrid IS like the 100L Macro, btw)
* Weather-sealed
* And then, the secret weapon: 0.7x Macro — that’s nearly a 1:1 macro tucked inside of a standard zoom. It’s a marvel.
And IS isn’t just about shaky hands. If you are shooting low light handheld, 3 stops of IS is three stops of speed. A shot that requires ISO 6400 without IS needs only ISO 800 to get done with IS. That’s pretty damn handy for those that aren’t packing a flash or tripod.
K, that is reeeediculous. Can you back that out with a LR or ACR lens correction profile?
I’m with you, as you say, ‘all day’ on this. I think people need to drop the hang-up with shooting at 2.8 anyway. I mean, it’s great to have but.
I’ll warn about the Sony 24-70 f/4 though. That thing has wicked distortion. Some of the worst I’ve ever come across actually. Case in point below. That dark area on the right is part of the sliding door fixture…it doe not bend like that in real.
You can, but I have to go back in to check just to what extent, and how much work it is. I know for a fact that the auto modes were causing more subject distortion in my experience. I also dropped using the lens altogether after this shot – as casual as it was.
Agree on the F4 24-70. Try a Sigma Art (rent one in 85mm). Amazing.
I bought my current Nikon 24-70 f/2.8 two years ago. Until then I used the old (but amazing) Nikon 24-70 f/2.8.
For a short while it was my main lens and I loved it. However, after purchasing the 24-120 f/4.0, I found myself almost never using the 24-70.
The three lenses I use most are the Nikon 24-120 f/4, the Nikon 85mm f/1.8 and the Nikon 180mm f/2.8
For me the 24-70 became redundant.
The nikon 180 2.8… I’ve never used that but I’ve never really understood it given Nikon’s 80-200 2.8, and how good it is, for close to the same price. Maybe I should have a look.
Many Canonites similarly shake their fist at the 24-70s and gleefully snap away with their 24-105s. Reach wins for so many people.
I have the Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 DI VC USD and that is definitely my most used lense in my camera bag by far. I especially find the versatility of the 24-70mm focal length useful for shooting portraits and some landscape.
As a big fan of Tamron, I’m really excited to see Tamron’s new G2 version come out this year.
Kishore Sawh I’m surprised that the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 wasn’t in the list, especially if we’re talking about budget friendly. It’s a fantastic lens in the same focal range, no VR, but only $499.
Is Tamron 28-75 lens for full frame??
Kishore Sawh, The Nikon 180mm f/2.8 is a remarkble lens. It is very sharp but most importantly, it is lighter than the 85mm f1.8 (a fairly light lens). I love it. When using the 80-200mm (don’t have it anymore), I almost always used it at its longest focal length or close to it anyway.
This lens is better. Unfortunately, t is way over priced at around $1000 (MPO). I bought it for $250 used.
I used Canon 16-35 / 2.8 MKI for a long time. Now there is 24-70 f2.8 MKII. I would get a fixed 35 or 85 mm
There’s something special about a prime, but a good 24-70, for many, is indispensable
I have the Sigma 85mm Art lens for Canon. It is sharper than my 100mm L series Portrait l/ Macro ens from Canon. I know several professionals that use the 35mm Art lens from Sigma with outstanding results. It is a very worthwhile decision to move away from Canon and Nikkor primes. As far as zooms go, I prefer the walk up zoom. I have a 50mm, 85, 100mm, 180mm and 300mm. 16 and 35mm for larger group photos.
I have the Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 DI VC USD and that is definitely my most used lense in my camera bag by far. I especially find the versatility of the 24-70mm focal length useful for shooting portraits and some landscape.
As a big fan of Tamron, I’m really excited to see Tamron’s new G2 version come out this year.
You forgot to mention the cheaper sigma, older lens. One for even lower budgets and still quite capable I think
I’m waiting for the Sigma Art Sony mount….if ever they decide to make it. I normally shoot with a 35 and 85. But, you know, sometimes I think I just a zoom lens.
Fuji’s 16-55 yields a 24-84 equivalent, which is my “if I could have only one zoom lens” choice. 24 is as wide as I can shoot responsibly and 84 lets me shoot Hurley headshots. I really enjoy this lens.
Yes, Fuji lenses are not only great optically, but mirrorless bodies are so much lighter for carrying.
I am extremely satisfied with my Sony/Zeiss 16-70 mm f/4 lens on an A6000. I do find the slightly wider quite useful on occasions (16- instead of 24-).
Sounds like a nice travel lens. I haven’t used that one, but perhaps we’ll look into it. Cheer
I don’t even own a 24-70. I do have the 24-105 IS STM from Canon for video purposes, but I literally never use it as I just don’t enjoy video – I never use it for stills. I shot a wedding Saturday with the 70-200 f/2.8L IS II on the 5D Mark IV and the 35L II on the 5Ds. Other than macro shots (100L) and bouquet and garter tosses (16-35 f/4L IS), that’s all I needed. And I used the 35L II most of all.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I find a larger aperture range more useful than a zoom range.
Certainly varies on what you tend to shoot. But if I could onl have a single lens for life is would be a 24-70 2.8, no doubt.
The 35mm is my most preferred lens for general photography.
What about for us aps-c shooters? I have been using a sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM, equiv to 27-52 35mm… like it
24-70 works fine with APS-C
24-70 with aps-c is only 36mm equivalent at the wide end. This is not sufficient for most users.
I’ve never been limited when I shot with the 24-70 2.8 on a DX. I’d never felt compelled to “equate” the field of view to FX while shooting. Just compose and shoot. No math required. Guess I’m unlike most users.
I bought my current Nikon 24-70 f/2.8 two years ago. Until then I used the old (but amazing) Nikon 24-70 f/2.8.
For a short while it was my main lens and I loved it. However, after purchasing the 24-120 f/4.0, I found myself almost never using the 24-70.
The three lenses I use most are the Nikon 24-120 f/4, the Nikon 85mm f/1.8 and the Nikon 180mm f/2.8
For me the 24-70 became redundant.
The nikon 180 2.8… I’ve never used that but I’ve never really understood it given Nikon’s 80-200 2.8, and how good it is, for close to the same price. Maybe I should have a look.
Many Canonites similarly shake their fist at the 24-70s and gleefully snap away with their 24-105s. Reach wins for so many people.
Unless you must must must have f/2.8, I’d recommend the EF 24-70 f/4L IS all day for a Canon FF rig. I cannot hype this lens enough for general purpose use:
* A great great value for an L lens
* Perfect first party AF speed/consistency/accuracy
* Lighter and smaller than 24-70 f/2.8 or 24-105/120 f/4 lenses.
* IS (the nice hybrid IS like the 100L Macro, btw)
* Weather-sealed
* And then, the secret weapon: 0.7x Macro — that’s nearly a 1:1 macro tucked inside of a standard zoom. It’s a marvel.
And IS isn’t just about shaky hands. If you are shooting low light handheld, 3 stops of IS is three stops of speed. A shot that requires ISO 6400 without IS needs only ISO 800 to get done with IS. That’s pretty damn handy for those that aren’t packing a flash or tripod.
I’m with you, as you say, ‘all day’ on this. I think people need to drop the hang-up with shooting at 2.8 anyway. I mean, it’s great to have but.
I’ll warn about the Sony 24-70 f/4 though. That thing has wicked distortion. Some of the worst I’ve ever come across actually. Case in point below. That dark area on the right is part of the sliding door fixture…it doe not bend like that in real.
K, that is reeeediculous. Can you back that out with a LR or ACR lens correction profile?
You can, but I have to go back in to check just to what extent, and how much work it is. I know for a fact that the auto modes were causing more subject distortion in my experience. I also dropped using the lens altogether after this shot – as casual as it was.
Agree on the F4 24-70. Try a Sigma Art (rent one in 85mm). Amazing.