Overview
New optics consist of two aspherical lens elements and one UD (Ultra Low Dispersion) element in a 16 element 13 group formulation of the highest standard; L series lenses exemplify superior engineering prowess and are Canon's very best efforts designed to produce the best image sharpness, color rendition, contrast, and bokeh possible. The minimum focus distance has been improved to .38 meters. The bright f/2.8 aperture allows more light into the viewfinder aiding ease of composition and focus speed, while also allowing more background blur and making shots in challenging lighting easier.
The mechanical construction is also first rate, a mostly metal housing features environmental sealing, high quality zoom and focus movement mechanisms with separate grip texture patterns to aid distinguishing the two rings. Autofocus is handled by a fast and quiet Canon USM (Ultrasonic Motor) also featuring full time manual focus override.
The zoom mechanism and standard EW-83F lens hood are cleverly designed to work together: the EW-83F attaches to the mid body of the lens and does not move, as the lens is zoomed wider the barrel lengthens preventing the hood from vignetting at wider settings, zooming towards 70mm shortens the lens barrel for ideal front shading (better than end mounted hood designs).
Most photographers need a high quality, solid go to lens that can be used for everything from group pictures and landscapes to portraits and tighter more detailed compositions, the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Macro is often the perfect all around solution.
