Canon EF 24-70 L 2.8 Mk 2

[mikef]

My EF 24-70 L 2.8 IS has always been my favorite lens, it’s more or less lived on my 5D Mk 3. However, following a hiking accident in Yellowstone (no bears involved, so the bear spray was a bit of a waste of money) it will no longer focus. I’ll get Fixation to take a look, but not holding out too much hope

I see that grey imports of the Mk2 2.8 are around 1,250. It’s now plastic-bodied compared with all-metal and no IS, but reviews really rate the picture sharpness

Is anyone using the Mk 2? How do you feel about it, especially if you’ve previously used the original 24-70 L 2.8 ?

Edited by mikef on Saturday 8th April 10:48

[nickfrog]

I can't answer your question but you should be hopeful that they can fix it. They certainly fixed my 70-200 2.8 with similar symptoms a few years ago. It cost me £150 but I can't remember what was wrong with it... A ring of some sort, I think.

[mikef]

Thanks Nick, that’s encouraging

[toohuge]

I don't think Canon ever made a 24-70 2.8 that had IS??

Both version, I & II are non-stabilised ....

That said, I am not sure on the part availability for the version I lens - it's a great lens, but has been replaced for quite a while now.

[mikef]

And... you're right, I just looked at my lens again and it's not IS (I have other L lenses that are). My mistake. So that won't be a loss if I buy the new version

(quick Google suggest it was the F4 that had IS)

[toohuge]

mikef said:

And... you're right, I just looked at my lens again and it's not IS (I have other L lenses that are). My mistake. So that won't be a loss if I buy the new version

(quick Google suggest it was the F4 that had IS)

Yep correct.

Any of these lenses will be good (version I/II)

I have heard that the II was a good upgrade from the I, but it really depends how you use it and what you shoot. If you're happy with the I then investigate the repair. I recall reading that the I does wear out over time (it could have been the 28-80 or maybe both) it's the rollers in the zoom mechanism that wears out - with that in mind, I'd consider the II depending on the repair quote / serviceability of the I.

Of course, if you're thinking of moving to mirrorless sometime soon - these lenses will adapt to the canon system seamlessly.

[mikef]

Cheers. The 24-70 2.8 is the perfect lens for equestrian photography, and I manage to use it for a lot more besides, so keen to have one with me until, as you say, the EF system has had its day

[nickfrog]

mikef said:

Thanks Nick, that’s encouraging

No worries. Have you tried to claim on your travel insurance policy? The valuables section normally includes accidental damage, subject to limits, excess and depreciation.

Or your home insurance policy.

If not, future home insurance policies may include that, for future mishaps of course.

[mikef]

There’s a thought

[S1bs]

Had the 24-70mm Mark I and replaced it with the Mark II.

It's a sharper lens with faster AF. I haven't noticed any issues with build quality, weather sealing or durability - All superb.

One thing to mention - In my experience - Fixation tend to be slightly more expensive than the official Canon repair centre at Elstree.

Hope this helps.

[mikef]

Annoyingly both Canon and Fixation are showing the 24-70 2.8L (Mk 1) as end of life and no longer reparable. Mk 2 ordered

[nickfrog]

Damn. No luck with insurance?

[mikef]

Not tried that, to be honest. I guess it’s something I should have thought about at the time