I'm not saying you need this lens, but right now there just happens to be a very good (very very good) deal on the latest generation Canon 24-70mm F/2.8L II. If you've been eyeballing this lens, this may be the lowest it's been since it's announcement.
Here's the breakdown. The MSRP on this lens sits at $2300 dollars (too much for me), but right now if you drop it in your cart the price falls to $1999. Subtract another $200 with the current MIR (mail-in-rebate), and the FINAL PRICE JUST $1799 via B&H (found here)
Canon (Latest Gen) 24-70 F/2.8L II Lens
VanWeddings
this is a good deal in terms of discount if you are a photographer. for video though I'd still choose the tamron 24-70 for the VC/IS.
Emm
Post author@Simon - Don't forget that this $200 MIR is tacked on after an additional $300 price drop from B&H. This is pretty low for this lens. For video i'm happy with prime lenses and even old manual lenses. If you're a photographer who needs to move quick and doesn't have the luxury to switch lenses (weddings), the 24-70mm F/2.8 is a must have along with a 70-200mm F/2.8L IS.
Simon
Canon's fall rebate in late 2013 was for $300 - a little better than the current $200 rebate.
There has been considerable debate about the 24-70 2.8II and many feel it is in fact sharper than the canon L primes (24/35/50). It is probably the best (and most expensive) zoom in this range in production today.
I tend to agree, however you can't have your cake and eat it too - sometimes you just need 1.4 or 1.2 for that "look". Awesome bokeh and shallow DOF - just won't be as critically sharp as this 24-70 2.8L II.
rafa
Do you have any source or footage test comparing this version II with other lens like the 24 1.4 or others? I am curious to know how sharp is this lens.