The 24-70 mm F2.8: one zoom for the whole room

Every lens range has one zoom that does most of the work, and in this mirrorless line it is the 24-70 mm F2.8. At 24 mm it takes in a whole meeting room; at 70 mm it frames a half-length portrait; and a constant f/2.8 means there is no hurry to raise the sensitivity at an indoor event or at dusk. If a system is to have only one zoom, this is the one most photographers buy first.

The barrel is black, with two broad rubber rings, one for zoom and one for focus, and between them a thin copper-coloured band that marks the constant-aperture zooms. The zoom ring is evenly damped and travels from 24 mm to 70 mm in about a quarter of a turn. On the side are a focus-mode switch, a stabiliser switch and one button that can be programmed, and a gasket at the mount means light rain and dust need not stop work.

Inside are 18 elements in 14 groups, three of them aspherical and two low-dispersion. The centre is sharp wide open and the corners catch up by f/4; nine rounded blades keep points of light close to circular two stops down. A linear motor focuses quickly and quietly, with very little breathing in video. Stabilisation is worth about 4.5 stops at 70 mm, and at 24 mm the lens focuses down to 0.26 m, near enough for a small object on a desk or a plate of food.

• Wedding, conference and event photographers who need one lens for the whole occasion.
• Travellers who would rather not keep changing lenses.
• Video crews filming interviews and short documentaries.

In the box are the lens, a petal hood, front and rear caps, a pouch and a warranty card. The filter thread is 77 mm. At about 122 mm long and 820 g the lens makes itself felt after a day round the neck, and a wide strap is a sensible addition.