I will be completing a full Canon EF 24-70mm f/4 L IS USM Lens review as soon as I can get a production lens to evaluate.
In the meantime, here is a preview of what I expect from this lens.
As the Canon EF 24-70mm f/4 L IS USM Lens is announced, Canon has more 50mm prime lenses in its lineup than it has full frame general purpose zoom lenses - four vs. three. I am omitting from my count the large, heavy Canon EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 L IS USM Superzoom Lens and the very-wide angle Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0 L USM Lens that could both be used as a full frame general purpose lens, but three lenses in a most-needed lens category is a relatively small number to select from. So, I definitely see opportunity for an additional full frame general purpose zoom lens.
Those three current full frame general purpose zoom lenses are:
The Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens that frequents Canon EOS APS-C body kits is a good value at its very attractive price, but its tired design is ready for an upgrade in my opinion.
I just completed a review of the other announced-in-2012 24-70mm lens - the impressive Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L II USM Lens. The 24-70 f/2.8 II has an action-stopping, background blurring f/2.8 aperture to its advantage over the 24-70 f/4 L IS, while the latter holds the size, weight, price and significant low light handholdability advantage of image stabilization (if the subject is motionless).
The third lens is the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens that has been, at least prior to the 24-70 L II, my most-used lens since it was introduced. It offers excellent image quality, a wide range of focal lengths and image stabilization. The 24-70 f/4 L IS will cost significantly more than the 24-105 L IS and it has a shorter range of focal lengths. To displace this long-time bestselling lens is going to be a challenge for the 24-70 f/4 L IS.
To 24-70 f/4 L IS's advantage are smaller size and lighter weight, but I don't think these differences are very significant. A strong advantage the Canon EF 24-70mm f/4 L IS USM Lens has is the very-impressive-for-a-zoom-lens macro capabilities - a 0.70x maximum magnification from a non-true-macro lens is eye-opening. Image quality at this magnification awaits to be seen, but ... I'm very optimistic. This lens could easily displace a macro lens in your pack - and now the size and weight differences are getting very big.
As the Canon EF 24-70mm f/4 L IS USM Lens is announced, Canon has more 50mm prime lenses in its lineup than it has full frame general purpose zoom lenses - four vs. three. I am omitting from my count the large, heavy Canon EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 L IS USM Superzoom Lens and the very-wide angle Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0 L USM Lens that could both be used as a full frame general purpose lens, but three lenses in a most-needed lens category is a relatively small number to select from. So, I definitely see opportunity for an additional full frame general purpose zoom lens.
Those three current full frame general purpose zoom lenses are:
The Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens that frequents Canon EOS APS-C body kits is a good value at its very attractive price, but its tired design is ready for an upgrade in my opinion.
I just completed a review of the other announced-in-2012 24-70mm lens - the impressive Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L II USM Lens. The 24-70 f/2.8 II has an action-stopping, background blurring f/2.8 aperture to its advantage over the 24-70 f/4 L IS, while the latter holds the size, weight, price and significant low light handholdability advantage of image stabilization (if the subject is motionless).
The third lens is the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens that has been, at least prior to the 24-70 L II, my most-used lens since it was introduced. It offers excellent image quality, a wide range of focal lengths and image stabilization. The 24-70 f/4 L IS will cost significantly more than the 24-105 L IS and it has a shorter range of focal lengths. To displace this long-time bestselling lens is going to be a challenge for the 24-70 f/4 L IS.
To 24-70 f/4 L IS's advantage are smaller size and lighter weight, but I don't think these differences are very significant. A strong advantage the Canon EF 24-70mm f/4 L IS USM Lens has is the very-impressive-for-a-zoom-lens macro capabilities - a 0.70x maximum magnification from a non-true-macro lens is eye-opening. Image quality at this magnification awaits to be seen, but ... I'm very optimistic. This lens could easily displace a macro lens in your pack - and now the size and weight differences are getting very big.
I'm very optimistic about the image quality from this lens overall.
We saw the image quality Canon can deliver with the 24-70 f/2.8 L II -
and I expect similar from this lens.
Image quality is what I expect to be a big Canon EF 24-70mm f/4 L IS USM
Lens selling point.
Landscape photographers especially will move over to the 24-70 f/4 L IS
from the 24-105 L IS if they can see sharper details in their images -
especially in the corners.
I've probably worn out the general purpose lens term already, but ... this focal length range lands squarely into what I consider to be that. The 24-70mm focal length range can work excellently for travel, landscape, product, street, still life, portraits ... and a mind-numbing list of other photography uses.
While suitable for close range sports and action, the f/2.8 L II is the better version for this pursuit. The f/4 max aperture is medium fast, but the f/2.8 aperture lets twice as much light into the camera. That the f/4 max aperture is fixed over the entire focal length range means that your wide open aperture exposure settings do not change with zooming. For me, this is a valuable feature for any zoom lens to have.
The Canon EF 24-70mm f/4 L IS USM Lens receives Canon's 4-stop Hybrid Image Stabilization feature. If panning is detected, the 24-70 f/4 IS switches off stabilization in one direction. With an approaching-1:1 macro reproduction ratio, this lens will make good use of the HIS technology. "Hybrid IS detects both angular and shift movements when in macro mode."
With the Canon EF 24-70mm f/4 L IS USM Lens MTF chart becoming available, we can take a look at some theoretical comparisons.
I've probably worn out the general purpose lens term already, but ... this focal length range lands squarely into what I consider to be that. The 24-70mm focal length range can work excellently for travel, landscape, product, street, still life, portraits ... and a mind-numbing list of other photography uses.
While suitable for close range sports and action, the f/2.8 L II is the better version for this pursuit. The f/4 max aperture is medium fast, but the f/2.8 aperture lets twice as much light into the camera. That the f/4 max aperture is fixed over the entire focal length range means that your wide open aperture exposure settings do not change with zooming. For me, this is a valuable feature for any zoom lens to have.
The Canon EF 24-70mm f/4 L IS USM Lens receives Canon's 4-stop Hybrid Image Stabilization feature. If panning is detected, the 24-70 f/4 IS switches off stabilization in one direction. With an approaching-1:1 macro reproduction ratio, this lens will make good use of the HIS technology. "Hybrid IS detects both angular and shift movements when in macro mode."
With the Canon EF 24-70mm f/4 L IS USM Lens MTF chart becoming available, we can take a look at some theoretical comparisons.
Canon has been turning out impressively-performing zoom lenses recently
and I will be very let down if we do not see a repeat from this lens.
This lens features Super Spectra coatings to reduce flare and increase
contrast while fluorine coating makes the exposed lens elements easy to
clean.
While an f/4 max aperture lens will not light up the highest precision autofocus capabilities of some of Canon's EOS DSLRs, the Canon EF 24-70mm f/4 L IS USM Lens should still perform very well with Ring USM driving its AF system. The 24-70 f/4 IS L does not extend with AF and FTM (Full Time Manual) focusing is available. Filters do not rotate during autofocusing.
Expect a smooth, well-damped manual focus ring with no play and a nice amount of rotation available for fine focusing. I appreciate the forward position of the manual focus ring with the zoom ring on the rear, where my supporting hand rests.
In the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L II USM Lens review, I lamented about the loss of maximum magnification from the preceding Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM Lens. Not that this helps the 24-70 L II any, but the 24-70 f/4 L IS' maximum reproduction ratio blows away all Canon non-true-macro lenses before it. A separate macro position on the zoom ring enables close focusing down to just 0.2m at any zoom position with a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.7x.
While an f/4 max aperture lens will not light up the highest precision autofocus capabilities of some of Canon's EOS DSLRs, the Canon EF 24-70mm f/4 L IS USM Lens should still perform very well with Ring USM driving its AF system. The 24-70 f/4 IS L does not extend with AF and FTM (Full Time Manual) focusing is available. Filters do not rotate during autofocusing.
Expect a smooth, well-damped manual focus ring with no play and a nice amount of rotation available for fine focusing. I appreciate the forward position of the manual focus ring with the zoom ring on the rear, where my supporting hand rests.
In the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L II USM Lens review, I lamented about the loss of maximum magnification from the preceding Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM Lens. Not that this helps the 24-70 L II any, but the 24-70 f/4 L IS' maximum reproduction ratio blows away all Canon non-true-macro lenses before it. A separate macro position on the zoom ring enables close focusing down to just 0.2m at any zoom position with a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.7x.
| Model | MFD | MM | |
| Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens | 13.8" | (350mm) | 0.21x |
| Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L II USM Lens | 11.0" | (280mm) | 0.22x |
| Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0 L USM Lens | 11.0" | (280mm) | 0.25x |
| Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens | 13.8" | (350mm) | 0.16x |
| Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II Lens | 11.0" | (280mm) | 0.28x |
| Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens | 15.4" | (390mm) | 0.28x |
| Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens | 17.7" | (450mm) | 0.24x |
| Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L II USM Lens | 15.0" | (380mm) | 0.21x |
| Canon EF 24-70mm f/4 L IS USM Lens | 7.9" | (200mm) | 0.70x |
| Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens | 17.7" | (450mm) | 0.23x |
| Canon EF 28-70mm f/2.8 L USM Lens | 19.7" | (500mm) | 0.18x |
| Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens | 19.7" | (500mm) | 0.19x |
| Canon EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens | 27.6" | (700mm) | .030x |
The MM spec alone will sell a lot of Canon EF 24-70mm f/4 L IS USM Lenses.
With a Canon EF 12mm Extension Tube II in place, maximum magnification spec goes to 0.44-0.18x. The Canon EF 25mm Extension Tube II takes the spec to 0.72-0.40x. Obviously, extension tubes are not helping this lens' native MM.
This lens is not compatible with Canon Extenders.
The Canon EF 24-70mm f/4 L IS USM Lens is a weather-selaed Canon L Series Lens, so I expect it to be an admirable piece of workmanship. Build quality should be high, fit should be tight and finish should be tops. As usual for similar focal length range lenses, the 24-70 f/4 L IS extends with focal length increase.
As I said in the beginning of the Canon EF 24-70mm f/4 L IS USM Lens review, the weight and size of this lens are nicely less than the 24-70mm f/2.8 L II Lens. There will be a noticeable difference between these two lenses in this regard - roughly figure the f/4 at 75% of the f/2.8. Much closer in size and weight are the 24-70 f/4 L IS and the 24-105 f/4 L IS lenses. Here is a comparison table:
| Model | Weight | Dimensions w/o Hood | Filter | Year | ||
| Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens | 20.3 oz | (575g) | 3.2 x 3.4" | (81.6 x 87.5mm) | 72mm | 2009 |
| Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L II USM Lens | 22.6 oz | (640g) | 3.5 x 4.4" | (88.5 x 111.6mm) | 82mm | 2007 |
| Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0 L USM Lens | 16.8 oz | (475g) | 3.3 x 3.8" | (84 x 97mm) | 77mm | 2003 |
| Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens | 22.8 oz | (645g) | 3.3 x 4.4" | (83.5 x 110.6mm) | 77mm | 2006 |
| Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II Lens | 7.1 oz | (200g) | 2.7 x 3.3" | (68.5 x 84.5mm) | 58mm | 2011 |
| Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens | 16.9 oz | (480g) | 3 x 3.8" | (76.6 x 96mm) | 67mm | 2012 |
| Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens | 21.0 oz | (595g) | 3.1 x 4" | (78.6 x 102mm) | 72mm | 2008 |
| Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L II USM Lens | 28.4 oz | (805g) | 3.5 x 4.4" | (88.5 x 113mm) | 82mm | 2012 |
| Canon EF 24-70mm f/4 L IS USM Lens | 21.2 oz | (600g) | 3.3 x 3.7" | (83.4 x 93mm) | 77mm | 2012 |
| Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens | 23.7 oz | (670g) | 3.3 x 4.2" | (83.5 x 107mm) | 77mm | 2005 |
| Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens | 19.1 oz | (540g) | 3.1 x 3.8" | (78 x 97mm) | 72mm | 1998 |
| Canon EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens | 59.0 oz | (1670g) | 3.6 x 7.6" | (92 x 194mm) | 77mm | 2004 |
For many more comparisons, review the complete Canon EF 24-70mm f/4 L IS USM Lens Specifications using the site's Lens Spec tool.
The 77mm filter size has long been a standard for Canon L zoom lenses. While the EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L II veered from this standard, the 24-70 f/4 L IS once again assumes it. There is benefit to lenses sharing a similar filter size, though I usually want a filter for each lens anyway (saves the filter change time in the field).
The Canon EF 24-70mm f/4 L IS USM Lens will come with a EW-83L lens hood and an LP1219 draw-string pouch included.
With the introduction of the Canon EF 24-70mm f/4 L IS USM Lens, Canon's full frame general purpose lens category has another (expected-to-be) great option. This lens is expected to be available in December 2012. Watch the site's news page for the full Canon EF 24-70mm f/4 L IS USM Lens review to be posted.
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