A 24-70mm lens is the perfect “walk about” lens. Something that every photographer outshot to have in their gear bag, this lens can be used for almost anything but is great for everyday use.
Whether you’re a professional snapper, an amateur, or someone looking to purchase their first lens, the 24-70mm lens is something that you should not go without.
So what is a 24-70mm lens? Well, 24-70 represents the focal length of the lens – the distance between your camera lens and the lens that you’re adding onto your camera. With a large depth of field you can focus in and catch objects or subjects close up or in the distance with ease.
It also has a great wide-angle lens that has lots of different uses ranging from landscape photography to wedding shooting. This lens can truly do it all.
With the versatility of this lens already established, its clear that there will be multiple lens that fit this type on the market at the moment. When looking for a lens specifically for a Canon camera there are plenty of options.
We’ll run through all the best 24-70m lenses out there on the market right now so you don’t have to spend endless hours googling trying to find out what we can tell you right here. The ease of shooting with a 24-70mm is something everything photographer should experience and we are here to make sure that you have the best experience.
Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Art Lens for Canon
So if you’re a Canon users you might be wandering why the top lens on our list is by a company that you may not I have heard about.
Sigma don’t make DSLR cameras, but they do make highly competitive lenses. Chances are if you’re reading this list you’re a beginner, amateur, or student photographer. There’s no need to break the bank getting the perfect 24-70mm lens, especially when you’re just starting out.
That’s where Sigma come in! This lens has all the great specs that you’d expect from a great 24-70mm without the hiked up price. This lens is perfect for anyone looking to get into photography, or get a highly adaptable user friendly lens.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Works especially well with Canon DSLR’s
- Comes with electromagnetically handled aperture diaphragm
- Due to the ultrasonic drive system, it comes with a speedy and silent autofocus
- Even at the widest aperture of f/2.8, the image quality is sharp
- Excellent shooting contrast
- Sturdy compact build and design
- Quick and silent auto focus
- Image stabilization included
- Smooth bokeh, perfect for portraiture
- Amazing sharpness in image
- Perfect for a wide range of photography from portraits to product photography this lens has you covered
- Barrel design for rigidity
- Great shots, even in low level light situations
Cons
- Not weather sealed so not good in outdoor all weather situations
- Extremely heavy for a wide-angle zoom lens
Tamron SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 for Nikon
Whether you’re taking a zoomed in shot, or a wide-angle snap the Tamron G2 is a great option for you. This lens offers Greta build and design qualities. Tamron is perhaps another company that might not have heard about, but this lens is all the rage.
Photographers alike love the versatility of this lens. They all agree that it’s the perfect walk about lens, great for everyday shooting, whilst also retaining high standard image quality.
This lens is suitable for beginners but wouldn’t be remiss in a professional photographers camera bag. This camera is perfect for those that want an everyday lens that is hassle free and great quality. This is not to be missed out on and is our close second on our list.
If you’re a Canon DSLR user looking for a highly adaptable user friendly ergonomic lens this might be for you.
Pros
- Outstanding built quality
- Versatile design
- Smooth bokeh thanks to the 9 diagram lens design
- Limited color fringing
- Eband coating to reduce ghosting, flare and glare in your shots
- Moisture resistant body that is perfect for outdoor shooting in any and all weather conditions
- Al VC mode included for added image stabilization
- Sharp and clear images at both wide-angle and zoom (even when fully exposed)
- Ultra sonic silent drive motor
- Perfect for photographers of all levels and abilities whether you’re a beginner or a professional this lens will not disappoint you
- Amazing autofocus
- Ergonomic design
Cons
- Zoom function is disappointing in video mode
- Manual focus isn’t as smooth as you’d like
- Vignetting can occur when the lens is wide open at 70mm
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras
The Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 lens has been praised by photographers for a long time. Most are really pleased with its ability to capture flawless jaw-dropping bokeh.
Beyond that this lens will provide you with flawless shots whether close up, zoomed in, or as a wide angled lens. This versatile lens also has great build quality. Designed by Nikon, this lens is fantastic for those that are looking for a 24-70mm lens that will last them a lifetime.
We think this lens is perfect for shooting all sorts of objects and subjects. This lens will be comfortable shooting a cityscape, as much as it would shooting a fashion editorial. All round, this is a fantastic lens that you don’t want to miss out on.
Pros
- Fantastic build quality
- Great design
- Ergonomic build
- Superior image clarity
- Great color contrast
- Amazing bokeh
- Great color accuracy
- Silent wave motor so you’ll be undisturbed
- Dual coating that will suppress external and internal ghosting, glare and flare
- Rounded nine bladed diaphragm for superior focus quality
- 0.38 meters minimum focus distance
- Great for anyone ranging from amateurs to professionals
Cons
- This lens is heavy
- Expensive compared with other models that we have reviewed
Canon EF 24-70mm f/4.0L IS USM Standard Zoom Lens – 6313B002
Canon! At last a Canon lens for your Canon camera. The reason its taken us so long to get to a Canon brand lens is that there are now lots of competitor companies making equally good lenses for a lot less in price.
However, if you want to stay loyal to the brand this lens is still really good. The major plus if you decide to buy this lens is that it offers something all photographers want: lightness. That’s right, when you’re lugging around a “walk around” lens it’s important that the lens doesn’t break your back.
Canon also made this lens for everyone. Its come down a lot in price recently so you can buy it for a fairly good price these days. You’ll be sure to enjoy shooting with this attached to your Canon camera!
Pros
- Canon build quality
- Great image contrast and color retention
- Weather sealed
- Fast autofocusing system
- Silent motor
- Inbuilt image stabilization
- In built vibration corrections
- Lightweight and compact design
- Sharp resolution
Cons
- Poor bokeh levels
- Not good for shooting in low level situations
Sony 24-70mm f/4 Vario-Tessar T FE OSS Interchangeable Full Frame Zoom Lens
The last lens to feature on our list is the Sony 24-70mm f/4 24-70mm. This lens is made by another reputable company, Sony.
Whilst we do not recommend this lens for professional photographers we do think that it is a good choice for beginners. There are tonnes of great built in features that make shooting with this lens both fun and easy.
Users rave about how easy it is to take amazing sharp, crisp shots. The autofocusing system on this lens is perhaps the best out of any on this list. Sony have covered all the basics really well with this lens making it perfect for those who are amateur photographers, students or just hobbyists.
Pros
- Great build quality
- Great overall design
- Perfect for beginners
- Perhaps the sharpest and fastest autofocusing system on the list
- Lightweight design
- Silent motor
- Perfect for a wide range of photography ranging from landscapes to portraits
- Built to last – this lens is dirt, moisture and water resistant so its perfect for taking out with you on your next adventure
Cons
- Not good for macro photography
- Not a professional standard lens
- Soft images at 24mm focal length
Final Thoughts
This list has provided you with a rundown of all the best 24-70mm lenses for Canon DSLR cameras. We’ve gone through a variety of different lenses that cover a whole host of different price points.
Most of these lenses are great for everyday photography and more. Whether you’re an amateur looking to purchase their first lens, or a professional looking to update your current 24-70mm we’ve covered something for everyone.
