Canon L EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM

The Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM is a solid L-series walkaround zoom with top-tier autofocus and stabilization. The f/4 aperture is the main compromise, and it shows in weak portrait and bokeh scores. Worth it for landscape and general shooters at USD 899, but portrait folks should look elsewhere.

Autofocus is where this lens shines. USM motor, fast and quiet, and our data puts AF performance near the top of the charts. Stabilization is also a standout, one of the best we've seen, which helps offset that f/4 aperture in dimmer conditions. Optically it's strong, with 2 aspherical and 2 ED elements keeping things sharp. The macro capability is a nice bonus at 0.7x magnification, though it's middle of the pack overall. The weak spot is bokeh, which lands in the bottom quarter. Nine aperture blades help, but f/4 just doesn't blur backgrounds the way faster glass does.

Against the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8, this Canon gives up a full stop of light but gains stabilization and weather sealing. The Tamron 28-300mm f/4-7.1 offers way more reach but falls apart on aperture at the long end. The Nikon Z 17-28mm f/2.8 is faster but it's a different mount and a much narrower range. If you're on Canon EF and want a do-everything zoom with IS, this is the most sensible L-series option. Just don't expect it to replace a fast prime for portraits.

Pricing is all over the place. US listings range from USD 899 to USD 995, a USD 96 spread. The best deal we're seeing is at USD 899, and some bundles throw in filters, a backpack, and a memory card. For an L-series lens with this build quality and stabilization, that's reasonable. But you're paying for the red ring. A third-party f/2.8 zoom can be had for similar money if you need the speed.

The Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM is the lens you grab when you want L-series glass without the f/2.8 price tag or the f/2.8 weight. It covers the classic walkaround range, has image stabilization good for about 4 stops, and it's weather sealed. At 595g, it's light enough to live on your camera all day.

But here's the thing. The f/4 max aperture holds it back for portraits and low light. Our database puts its aperture performance in the bottom quarter of lenses. If you shoot a lot of shallow depth of field work, this isn't your lens. For landscapes and general use, though, it's a solid pick.

Portrait photographers should skip this. The f/4 aperture and bottom-quarter bokeh performance mean you won't get the creamy backgrounds clients expect. If you need subject isolation or shoot events in dim venues, grab a 24-70mm f/2.8 or a fast prime instead. Also skip it if you're on a mirrorless RF body and don't want to deal with an adapter.

Buy this if you shoot landscapes, travel, or general walkaround work on a Canon EF body and want L-series build quality with stabilization. The 24-70mm range is versatile, the AF is excellent, and the weather sealing means you don't have to baby it. Skip it if portraits or low light are your main thing. The f/4 aperture is a real limitation there, and our portrait score of 44.9 out of 100 tells the story.