who will shell out 1,400 euros, of course, expects a high imaging performance even at full frame sensors up to the border area. Unfortunately, the Canon 24-70mm / 4,0L IS USM fulfills these expectations not fully. While it has been at maximum aperture a practical resolution, but increases dimmed especially in the starting focal length no longer, but even falls in the resolution. A Canon 24-70 / 2.8 (I or II) provides an even higher resolution and particularly the edges more clarity, even in the even more intense open aperture. However, that lack of image stabilization. Also the Canon 24-105 / 4,0L IS USM is overall still a little bit sharper, has more focal length, for the image stabilizer is a level less effective (only 3 instead of 4 stages).
Macro mode
Macro mode is a special feature of the Canon 24-70 / 4.0, which is available in this form in any other Canon lens. You have to move it on 70mm addition and simultaneously move the Tempts Aster in the opposite position to zoom. Only now the macro mode is active. Focus now works from 2cm to approximately 4m (front lens motif). In 2cm distance you can use almost enlargements as they offer classical macro lenses. The downside is of course the small distance that can quickly lead to shadowing or falling below the flight distance of shy insects. On the other hand, you can still operate very well in tight spaces. The imaging performance convinces in macro mode.
Equipment Available
The Image Stabilizer (IS) has 4 levels in our test actually effective. We were able to achieve free from the hand of 1/4 second or sharp shooting in 70mm, while the managed without IS only around 1/60 sec.. In macro mode, the IS, however, is less effective, a statilisierungsvorteil you can here thanks to hybrid technology but still achieve (about 1 to 1.5 steps).
The delivery is executed typical of L-lens incl. Transport bag and lens hood. A dust and splash protection is achieved by a rubber sleeve on bayonet connector.
The lens offers - like all Canon standard zoom - although an internal focusing (good for Polarizer) but unfortunately no inner zoom. Ie the length widens when you zoom or change in the macro mode. In intermediate zoom levels, the tube keeps fortunately without slipping when you swung against Zenit or in the floor area. This is also the Canon 24-70mm / 2.8L USM II the case with the other L-Standard zooms, however, the tube can slip in between zoom levels and lose the position.
Conclusion
Optical would have been possible, after all, fringing, distortion, vignetting, and are not very pronounced. But the resolution would have allowed to be higher in the purchase price. In everyday practice, but will perceive little loss, even if critically examined at 100% view. Macro mode is unique but offers as described advantages and disadvantages. After the option is great, although it often is unable to replace a real macro especially in live motives because of the small close range. The question of whether to opt for around 900 euros a Canon 24-105mm / 4.0 or should 24-70 / 4.0 set is not easy to answer. The Canon 24-70 / 4.0 is slightly lighter (600g instead of 670gr), built slightly shorter, has a step more in IS and also holds ausserhorinzontale intermediate zoom levels. Add to that the special macro mode. The 24-105mm / 4.0 has it a little more focus, is visually just a tad bit higher resolution and is cheaper. Who needs to look on a budget, maybe you should wait with the decision a little and strike at favorable price development of 24-70 / 4.0 or just opt for the 24-105mm / 4.0. Who the image stabilizer and Macro mode is not important and 200gr of excess weight can still cope, which is better off 24-70mm / 2.8L II USM while but again more expensive for even more intense Canon. A comprehensive video to 24-70 / 4.0 gibts incidentally the Web at Traumflieger.
