Sharp, nice images, robust lens -- my favorite

I had an excellent experience with my Canon G3 since I acquired it in the summer of 2003. However, after taking thousands of photos with that camera, I realized I needed more flexibility when shooting people and places. In particular, I needed a camera that allowed me to take faster photos -- in both day and night conditions -- as well as with a much better image quality. My dream was to be able to take photos of similar quality to professional photographers... Henceforth, I started a search for a good DSLR setup.

After saving money for a few months, and spending tens of hours on the web doing research on both cameras and lenses, I bought a Canon 20D camera along with a Canon EF 24-70mm f 2.8 L lens.

I was initially put off by the high cost of the L lenses; however two factors led me to buy this lens:

1. Image Quality

The images I found on the web, which were taken using the Canon 20D, were astonishingly sharp, and had excellent color tones. I found no distortion at wide and telephoto settings. The reviews were extremely positive: most web sites gave the lens a 90% rating. Few other lenses had comments such as, “the lens I always take with me”.

One image that made an impression on me was the Kiwi dropped in a water tank, below. The details on both the fruit, and the water, are very cool.
http://www.dpchallenge.com/image.php?IMAGE_ID=107969

2. Build Quality

One thing I told myself early in my research is that I wanted a lens that would last as long as possible, preferably more than ten years. I also didn’t want to buy something that would lead me to quickly wonder if my potential as an amateur photographer was diminished due to the lens I used (the kit lenses tend to be soft on the corners). Furthermore, I wanted something I could take with me everywhere, without fear of dust or water getting into the mechanism.

Based on my research, I found that the Canon L series lenses have the best seals in Canon’s line. In fact, I could not find a single review that mentioned a leak.

In addition, unlike the EF-S lenses that require cameras with a 1.6 magnification factor sensor, the EF 24-70mm f/2.8 lens allows me to upgrade to a different camera in the future, without any restrictions on sensor type and size.

:-: Thousands of images later... :-:

Having purchased the lens in October of 2005, I can now attest to its excellent quality in construction. The magnification and focus rings are easy to use, the images are -- by most part -- very sharp (typical DSLR photos need some sharpening in Photoshop), and the lens works flawlessly. The ultrasonic motor is very quiet, and the included hood protects the lens from solar flares. I seldom find a photo where a flare is noticeable. I also like how I can hook up the hood to the lens facing the camera, for easy storage.

While the 24-70mm lens only has a 38mm wide angle on a 1.6-sensor camera, I’m still able to take very nice wide angle shots:
http://photos.imageevent.com/slo007/sailing/dolphinmania/large/IMG_3655.JPG

One issue I realized recently, to my surprise, is some distortion at the wide angle. While taking photos of dolphins, I noticed the water on the horizon had a circular look. For example:
http://photos.imageevent.com/slo007/sailing/dolphinmania/large/IMG_3605.JPG

I can get really nice background blurs with this lens, below, due to its wide 8-blade aperture.
http://photos.imageevent.com/slo007/sanluisobispo/openhouse/large/IMG_3835.JPG

Note that unlike some models, this lens protrudes out forward when moving toward its widest setting. It looks so big, it gathers a lot of attention from folks nearby. I personally like the attention when taking photos in very public places, as people take me as a professional photographer -- and tend to make eye contact and smile for me. In other places, the lens and camera become a liability, as it’s difficult to hide it. I’ve recently acquired insurance from State Farm to cover any loss to my equipment. Better safe than sorry!

Also included with the lens is a soft pouch. I find it useful for small trips where I take my camera in my camel pack, such as when hiking up a mountain; and need something to protect the lens if I were to I fall on the ground. Fortunately, this has never happened.

The lens is a bit heavy, at 2.1 lbs, for long hikes and day-long sightseeing trips. I can really feel the weight of the camera on my hands after a two hour hike, and it’s difficult to handle a heavy camera with tired hands! I’ve recently decided to take a more portable point-and-shoot camera with me on long trips.

The filter size at the end of most L lenses is 77mm. I use a B+W circular polarizer on mine, with very good results.

:-: Resources :-:

:- Reviews -:
http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=5&sort=7&thecat=27

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-24-70mm-f-2.8-L-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

:- Sample Photos -:
http://www.dpchallenge.com/lens.php?LENS_ID=7

:-: My DSLR Lens Set :-:

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 USM L (this review)
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 USM L IS
Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM for Canon

:-: Problems-to-Date :-:

On one occasion in April of 2006, the camera locked up and gave me an error 99. I read online this could be attributed to high temperature, or poor connection of the lens to the camera. People recommend cleaning the contacts with an eraser to prevent future problems. I had been shooting in sport mode for a couple hundred pictures when this happened.

To resolve the error, I pulled the battery out; and the message was gone when I powered the camera. I have since examined the contacts, and they look clean. I’m curious if it will happen again.

:-: More Photos :-:

http://photos.imageevent.com/slo007/sanluisobispo/openhouse/large/IMG_3800.JPG

http://photos.imageevent.com/slo007/sanluisobispo/openhouse/large/IMG_3851%20v3.JPG

http://photos.imageevent.com/slo007/sandiegocounty/mountsoledadmemorial/large/IMG_2935.jpg