Brett Harkness Canon Photography Review: The Canon EF 24–70mm 2.8 L USM Lens
As one of the most sought-after social/wedding photographers in the UK and across the globe, Brett Harkness knows Canon cameras and lens very well, since they are the only equipment he uses. PhotographyTalk is pleased to share Brett’s insights and honest appraisals of Canon products.
Brett scores the Canon EF lens - 24–70mm 2.8 L USM lens 6.5 on a scale of 1 to 10.
There were 299 real customer reviews of the Canon EF 24–70mm 2.8 L USM lens, all giving it a 4-5 star rating. If you would like to read these reviews you can do so here.
I know the Canon EF 24–70mm 2.8 L USM lens has now been upgraded, but I am writing about the lenses I use every day when I wrote this article. I still rely on this lens, although my 50mm has somewhat replaced it. The 24–70mm is optically a good lens, but if used incorrectly, then it can make a bad composition worse!
People who know my work or have heard me talk about my work will know my thoughts about this focal length. Many wedding photographers use this lens, but often they are standing too close to the subject. I’ve seen many full-length group shots taken with the Canon 24–70mm at 24mm and they can look stretched.
Ultimately, any lens is only as good as the user! The Canon 24–70mm has often rescued me, especially during the shooting of a winter documentary if my 50mm f/1.2 proves to be too long. The 24–70mm is a good, overall workhorse of a lens, but it has to be used as it was intended. It is an easy lens to zoom, as it is quite a short lens to hold. Before I owned the 50mm, I would often tape the 24–70mm at 24, 35 and 50mm to see which focal length suited my style of shooting.
Zoom lenses are fantastic to use, but can sometimes cause confusion because many digital photographers are not sure which focal length to use, which results in missed shots.
The Canon EF 24–70mm 2.8 L USM lens is a good, versatile lens if you cannot afford prime lenses and if you are looking for a lens that, if used correctly, will work very well in the social and documentary market.
These are my opinions on how I use this lens every day of my life. If it feels good in my hands, then I use it! This equipment is an extension of my eye and how I see my world and the social world within which I work. That was why I started to use Canon products more than 20 years ago. If a piece of equipment allows you to capture your vision, then use it. It is only when a piece of equipment is a hindrance that you should change it.
If you would like to see more examples of my work please go to
www.brettharknessphotography.com.
You can also join me on Facebook, Twitter (@brettharkness), Instagram and Flikr. You’re also invited to visit our wonderful training site with a host of information to watch, read and download: www.brettharknessphotography.com/training
The opinions in this article are those of Brett Harkness and are not necessarily endorsed by PhotographyTalk.
About Brett Harkness: Brett Harkness is a highly regarded UK photographer, who, with Kristie, his wife and business partner, specialize in in all forms of social photography, both studio and outdoors, in the UK and overseas. Brett was born during 1972, and was graduated from Nottingham Trent University, where he studied photography. He spent the next 5 years working on board cruise ships in America and the Caribbean, where he learned the basics of working with a great diversity of people, as he photographed their vacation activities as guests. Couples around the globe seek Brett’s signature style for their wedding photography. He and his wife operate a studio and training facility in a converted wood mill outside of Manchester, England. They offer courses in lighting, lifestyle, and wedding photography.
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