is there an alternative to the 24-70 L Zoom ?

[Stefan_Randlkofer]

i am a nearly happy canon 24-70 user, nearly happy, because that thing is huge and heavy, makes carrying a big camera like the canon 1 series quite uncomfy, but the results are very good. but if you intend on using it at apertures around 8-11, i doubt you'll see much of a difference. this big baby starts to outshine other lenses wide open, but stopped down the advantage gets slimmer.

[DonLashier]

> but if you intend on using it at apertures around 8-11, i doubt you'll see much of a difference. this big baby starts to outshine other lenses wide open, but stopped down the advantage gets slimmer.

When I first bought my 1D I also ordered a 17-35L (primary lens for landscape shooter) but decided to skimp on the midrange initially and ordered the well regarded (and MUCH cheaper) 28-85 consumer lens. Two days later after comparing shots with it versus my L WA zoom, I sent the 28-85 back and ordered a 28-70L. The difference wasn't in sharpness (except perhaps wide open) but in color and contrast. If I hadn't had the L for comparision I might not have noticed.

- DL