The Zoom Lens EF24-70mm f/2.8L USM was developed as the successor to the EF28-70mm f/2.8L USM lens released in November 1993. Featuring a new optical system design, the new zoom lens delivers an expanded zoom range with a 24 mm wide-angle focal length, ideally suiting it to digital image sizes, while also maintaining or improving on the outstanding image quality of the superseded model.Moreover, the power of the focusing lens group has been increased to allow a minimum focusing distance of just 0.38 meters, the shortest in its class at the time, throughout the entire zoom range. The new EF24-70mm f/2.8L USM also features a circular diaphragm, to give better background blur, and utilizes only lead-free glass optics in consideration of the environment.

The Canon EF 24-70mm standard zoom lens does what many pros thought couldn't be done--it replaces the L-series 28-70mm f/2.8 lens with something even better. The lens offers extended coverage to an ultra-wide-angle 24mm, making it ideal for digital as well as film shooters. The new processing unit, meanwhile, makes the autofocus (AF) faster than ever. And thanks to the two aspherical elements and a totally new UD glass element, the optics are far superior to the earlier lens. Sealed and gasketed against dust and moisture, the EF 24-70mm lens carries a one-year warranty.

• Focal length: 24-70mm
• Maximum aperture: 1:2.8
• Lens construction: 16 elements in 13 groups
• Diagonal angle of view: 74 to 29 degrees
• Focus adjustment: Front-focusing method
• Closest focusing distance: 1.25 feet
• Zoom system: Rotating type
• Filter size: 77mm
• Dimensions: 3.3 inches in diameter, 4.9 inches long
• Weight: 2.1 pounds