Sharpness at 50mm

The sharpness tests for this review were carried out using a real-world subject rather than a test chart. The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM lens was attached to a Canon 5D Mark III body, which in turn was mounted on a sturdy tripod. Self-timer mode was activated. Slight tonal changes are due to slight changes in natural light during the session.

The full frame at 50mm

Center sharpness is OK wide open at f/2.8, but nothing short of outstanding between f/4 and f/16. At f/22 sharpness across the frame is beginning to drop-off due to diffraction, but is still commendably high. The edges of the frame are excellent from f/5.6 to f/16, with f/22 again suffering from diffraction.

Aperture	Centre Crop	Edge Crop
f/2.8
f/4
f/5.6
f/8
f/11
f/16
f/22