Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

This new lens does what many pros thought couldn't be done - replace the previous L-series 28-70 f/2.8 lens with something even better. Extended coverage to an ultra-wide-angle 24mm makes it ideal for digital as well as film shooters, and the optics are even better than before with two Aspherical elements and a totally new UD glass element. It's now sealed and gasketed against dust and moisture, and a new processing unit makes the AF faster than ever.

Product Features
* EF mount; standard zoom lens; Comes with Lens Cap E77U, Rear Lens Cap, Lens Hood EW-83F, Soft Lens Case 1219.
* Ultra-low Dispersion glass with Fluorite elements; inner focusing ring; full-time manual focus; aspherical lens
* 24-70mm focal length
* f/2.8 constant maximum aperture
* UltraSonic Motor (USM) AF actuator
* Angle of view (Horizontal, Vertical, Diagonal): 84 to 34 degrees, 53 to 19 degrees, 74 to 29 degrees
* Lens construction: 16 elements in 13 groups
* Number of diaphragm blades: 8
* Minimum aperture: 22
* Closest focusing distance: 1.25 feet
* Maximum magnification: 0.29x (at 70mm)
* AF actuator: USM
* Filter diameter: 77 millimeters
* Maximum diameter by length: 83.2 by 123.5 inches
* Weight: 2.1 pounds
* Magnification with Extension Tube EF 12 II: 0.63 to 0.18
* Magnification with Extension Tube EF 25 II: 1.25 to 0.40
* Lens hood: EW-83F

The Digital Picture.com Says:

The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM Lens is an impressively high performing zoom lens. I regard it as one of the best general purpose lenses available and for the same reasons, it is one of the most-professionally-used Canon lenses. The 24-70 L is as good as it gets in this focal length range.

Canon Website Customer Review:

It seems ludicrous to "review" this lens as if it has to live up to some standard. It IS the standard, this thing rivals prime lenses in all aspects. I shoot a 5D Mark II and own several L lenses, all f2.8, and this 24-70mm is best in class image quality-wise. I've had it for a week and from day one I marveled at the image quality. Don't toy with the 24-105mm, the f/4 series of lenses is very good, but it's not WHOA. Buy up to the 24-70mm and have that WHOA back in your images. BTW, it's heavy. No pain, no gain.