Canon EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM rated best DxOMark standard zoom lens

Canon’s EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is the best fixed-aperture zoom lens, according to DxOMark. Following a set of special tests, the EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM model was declared a “peerless performer,” as it outshone the Nikon AF S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 G ED.

Canon launched the EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM lens back in February 2012, in order to replace the older EF24-70mm f/2.8L USM and fix its major shortcomings. The DxO Labs team has finally reviewed the lens and it has proclaimed it as the best standard zoom lens with a fixed aperture.

Canon EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM review by DxOMark

Canon EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM review by DxOMark

The popular website, which posts camera and lens image sensor performance reviews, says the lens is a “peerless performer” which outperforms all of its rivals, including the Canon Mark I version. It is the “highest scoring” fixed-aperture zoom lens which boasts impressive sharpness levels, reads DxOMark’s conclusion.

Even though outer field performance should deteriorate at longer focal lengths, the Canon EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM demonstrates that mid-range kit zoom lenses can perform better in this segment. Chromatic aberration is more visible in the corners of the frame, but there is nothing post-processing software cannot handle.

DxOMark overall and lens metric scores

Canon EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM compared to its predecessor

The Canon EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM achieved a sharpness of 16 megapixels, 3TStop transmission, 0.4% distortion, 1.6EV vignetting, and 15 microns of chromatic aberration. The overall score stands at 26, which is higher than the Nikon AF S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED rating.

This lens’ older version scored an overall rating of 20, following a 12 megapixel sharpness, 3.4TStop transmission, 0.3% distortion, 1.4EV vignetting, and 13 microns of chromatic aberration.

DxOMark also praised the lens’ compact design and its weight. It is 145 grams lighter than the older version, while its design includes a more durable outer barrel, improved zoom mechanism, new optical configuration, and a Super UD element. All of the improvements take the total price of the standard zoom lens to about $2,500.