so i ended up going with the 24-70mm but it is not better. the only reason i went with it was because i didn't need f/2. but make no mistake, the 28-70mm is absolutely the better lens. the things you're listing are extremely negligible or not even relevant. if you're in this price range, you're going to have at least a ronin s or w/e which has plenty of room for this kind of lens. focus breathing is not really an issue. that f/2.0 for shallow dof and run and gun will be so much more valuable for this guys work. it'll make his life much easier. the main reason you don't get the 28-70mm should be price. if you can afford it, get the 28-70mm - just better overall.