5D all in one lens

I recently purchased a 5D mkII body and would like to purchase an all in one zoom to carry while backpacking. Something with decent wide angle capabilities to telephoto, and of course good optics Because of backpacking, it needs to be of decent weight and size, so my Canon 28-300 l is not a consideration.

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Richard - to be honest, there is no such thing as an all in one lens with good optics. Especially if you are going to be using it with the 5DmkII, which has such high resolution that it truly demands top of the line optics. The two most reasonably priced, low weight, good optics, and with decent range lenses are probably the 17-40 and 24-105. Though the 17-40 leaves a lot to be desired in the corners. If you're not willing to carry a few pounds of glass while backpacking, the Canon G series might be a better match for those trips (like the G10/G11)? I carry the Nikon 14-24, Canon 24-105, and 70-400/4 on all my backpacking trips. I almost always use all of them.

I have to agree with Floris. Using an 'all-in-one' zoom lens on a 5DII is like putting Sears tires on a Ferrari.
It'll work, but your performance may suffer. Consider the Canon 24-105 lens instead, which is an excellent quality lens for the 5DII.

I agree too. The 24-70/2.8 resolves very nicely, and if you need to zoom, you can crop as needed. Unless you're going for a 24x36 print, youll be amazed how much picture data still exists when cutting into a 5D2 image. I prefer the narrower dof from a 2.8 plus the brighter viewfinder, lack of IS doesnt phase me because ISO 1600 or even 3200 with a little noise ninja (or that awesome new noise reduction in ACR that ships with CS5) covers it very well. Just a suggestion!

I can't speak for the 5D2, but with my 5D1, the 24-70/2.8 there is noticeable vignetting at the wider angles. Since it the same size chip, I expect that this will also be seen in the 5D2, because it's a problem that relates to the image circle of the lens. If you truly want to carry only one lens, something like the 24-105 suggested by John is probably your best bet. As a former Olympus film camera user, I really appreciated the small size of their system when added to my backpacking gear.

I have to vote for 24-105 lens. I have used mine for two years and love it. I've tried other lens combinations to find a perfect "all-in-one" and no, it doesn't exist. The 24-105 is close. You won't regret it.

Another vote here for the 24-105mm lens. I have a 5D classic and use that lens much more than any of the other terrific lenses in my bag. You could also add a 1.4TC that would extend your length without adding much weight.

I appreciate the comments!
Looks like the 24-105 is a shoe in for my bag.

Thanks!

Good decision Richard. i also have the 24-105 and use it on my 7D with excellent results. it's a great all around lens. I have tried using it the 1.4 with it but doesn't work on the 7D, so I don't know if it work on the 5DII. I believe the 1.4 only works on lenses of 100mm+ which explains why the 24-105 doesn't connect.

24-105 is a great all-around lens. Excellent quality and good range. For the rare times I shoot digital, it is my walk-around lens and I have had good results with it.

Richard - I carry the 24-105L and it seems to do the job wonderfully. The IS is also great for on the go shooting of action or in a pinch I use a hiking pole or ice ax as a monopod. I am sell in a compact G12 (28-140mm) if interested, in mint condition. Much lighter! Using the 28-105L, I have stitched several verticals together to give me a much more wide angle feel to the image (close FG elements) without changing to a true wide angle lens for a horizontal shot.

I would say the 24-105. Shoot at or near its sharpest f stop of f/8 and I think you will be very happy with it's abilities!

For me, this one is easy: the 24-105mm f/4. I truly think it's an incredible lens and is definitely my first choice when I can only have one lens. It's reasonably fast, reasonably wide, has a very useful focal range and IS to boot. It's filter size is 77mm which is sweet because that's a common size. Plus it's an L, and that never hurts.

My second choice would be the 16-35, and if I knew I'd be shooting mostly landscapes and nothing else, it would be my first choice. Still, as a general purpose lens, the 16-35 doesn't hold a candle to the 24-105.

This review pretty much sums it up: http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-24-105mm-f-4-L-IS-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

EDIT: I should also add that I shoot on a full-frame camera. I think this really helps get the most out of the 24-105. If I were using a crop camera, the 24-105 wouldn't be my first choice -- I'd need something wider, maybe the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS.

Another vote for the 24-105. When I can only carry one with my 5D that is the one I take.

Another vote for 24-105. I think everyone told pretty much everything about it. I just want to confirm what Garry mentioned about 1.4. It doesn't work on 24-105. It works only on Canon's Grey lenses, stars from 70-200.
You have 5DII high quality camera, you shouldn't go for lower quality lenses.
I would go for 24-105 if I had to take one lens with 5DII nothing else. I just repeated what everyone said.

Yet another vote for the 24-105 on the 5D2. I rarely change for another lens, though I have added an extension tube for closer focus. If Canon made a Grey lens in the 24-200 focal length, I would be tempted to change to that. For longer lenses that I use for wildlife, I use a 7D and use the crop factor.

If I had to pick one lens it would be the 35mm f/1.4 or the 50mm f/1.2L
My all time favorite lens on the 5D2 is the 85mm f/1.2 L II

I think the 24-105 is mediocre for the $$. IMO it feels cheap for an L lens, the CA is horrible (Yes it's fixable in post, but at a sacrifice for acuity), and zooms tend to make people lazy (for lack of a better word).

A prime lens causes you to slow down, and use your feet. A prime lens gives you better bokeh and shallow depth of field opps, usually lighter, and IQ is usually better.

Need a 24mm FOV while using a prime ? Take a couple shots and stitch.