If I had to own only one lens, it would be the 24-105 IS. This L zoom is very versatile thanks for the wide range of focal lengths and the image stabilization; it bright enough for low-light photography, and it has a superb built quality. It is the ideal lens for travel and landscapes, in particular on Fullframe (35mm) cameras.
Lens Specifications
Focal length: 24-105 mm
Lens construction: 18 elements in 13 groups
Number of Diaphragm Blades: 8 blades
Angle of view: 84.10º - 23.30º (on 35mm camera); 64.18º - 16.31º (on APS-C camera)
Max. Magnification: 0.23x (1:4.2)
Maximum Aperture: f/4
Minimum Aperture: f/22
Image stabilization: Yes
Autofocus: Inner ultrasonic motor
Full Time Manual Focus: Yes
Closest Focusing Distance: 0.45 meters
Filter size: 77 mm
Dimensions (Diameter x Length): 83.5 x 107 mm
Weight: 670 g
Weather sealing: Yes
Price: $ 1,200 at B&H
Announced: 2005
Accessories: Rear cap, front cap, lens hood (EW-83H), soft case (LP1219)
Description
The 24-105 is professionally built - the lens barrel is made of metal and it feels rock solid; moreover, it is weather sealed. I wouldn't hesitate to use it even in the most adverse ambient conditions. The body is a little larger than the 17-40 L, but smaller than the 24-70 f/2.8 L, and it weights just 670g: overall, it is a small and light lens, easy to carry everywhere.
The ring closer to the camera body is the zoom ring: it is tight enough to ensure that you don't move it unintentionally, but is not too stiff, and it allows precise and comfortable zooming between 24 and 105mm. The lens extends considerably at the longest focal, but you don't have to worry: to sealed body protects the lens elements from dust, sand, splashes and moisture.
Next to the ring, there are the AF and IS switches. These switches are slightly recessed in the lens body to avoid accidental changes: another nice touch, that demonstrates how well this lens has been designed. The autofocus is fast! It fast and very silent, thanks to the excellent Canon ultrasonic motor (USM). This lens has also full time manual focus: you can focus manually in every moment, even if the focus switch is set on AF. The minimum focusing distance is just 45 centimeters: at 105mm, it allows to get a macro ratio of 1:4.2, that is excellent for flowers and details.
The image stabilization is one of the most important features of this lens. The 24-105 has the latest generation IS - it allows to handhold the lens at shutter speeds three stops slower than what you could use without IS. Even tough I take the majority of my landscape photos with the camera mounted on a sturdy tripod, the stabilization is a great help for travel photos, and other occasions when there isn't the time or the possibility to mount the tripod. The IS unit of the 24-105 is able to detect the tripod, so you could keep it always active, even with the camera on tripod. This is an useful possibility when the tripod is placed on an unstable surface, but when the support is 100% still, there is no need to keep IS active: it won't harm the image quality, but it reduces (slightly) battery life.
The second ring is for manual focus. As already mentioned, if is possible to use it in every moment - even if the lens is set on "AF". The lens doesn't extend during focusing, nor it rotates the front element: all the focus operation are internal.
The Canon 24-105 is supplied with a bayonet mount lens hood EW-83H. I use almost always the lens hood; other than reducing flare, it protect the front element from the elements.
Similar Lenses (for Canon EOS)
The mid-range zooms are the most popular lenses - there are a lot of similar lenses, both from Canon and other manufacturers. That said, there isn't any lens that can really equal the 24-105 IS.
The Canon EF 28-135 f/3.5-5.6 IS USM was the only fullframe mid-range lens with image stabilization, before the introduction he the 24-105. It is not a bad lens, but is slower, it doesn't have the wide angle capabilities of the 24-105, it has first generation IS (less effective and unusable on tripod), and it has average image quality. Overall, a good lens for those who have limited budget, but it can't compete with the 24-105 L IS.
The Canon EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS USM equals to a 28-90mm lens on FF. It is not an L lens, but is has excellent built and image quality, fast AF and IS. That said, it is as expensive as the 24-105, and it is EF-S: in other words, you can use it only on the amateur bodies with 1.6x sensor. It is a good choice if you plan to use just these cameras, but if you plan to upgrade to a serious (professional) body as the 1 or 5 series, you have to consider a fullframe alternative.
The Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8 L USM is the only real alternative. It has the same built quality and top-level image quality of the 24-105, and it has the same fast USM motor. It has not the stabilization, but the IS version is coming (likely this fall or next spring). You have to choose what is more important for you: the f/2.8 aperture of the 24-70 or the wider zoom range of the 24-105? For me, the zoom was more important, so I've chosen the 24-105.
Image Quality
As I expected from a L-series lens, the image quality is excellent. It is very sharp at every aperture and focal length, even wide open at f/4. The distortion is well controlled, and there is just a little of chromatic aberration near 24mm - it is really not a problem, since it is barely visible and you can completely eliminate it with Photoshop. Thanks for the 8-blades aperture, it gives a pleasing, smooth bokeh.
The following samples show the image quality of the lens at the apertures that I use most often: small apertures for landscapes, and wide apertures from flowers and portraits. The photos had been taken in RAW format and converted with Photoshop CS2; I processed them to optimize the image quality (contrast, color, sharpness), and I saved them as high-quality JPEG for web display. You can download both the processed JPEG and the original, untouched RAW file.
Pros
. Excellent image quality, it is sharp at every focal length even wide open
. Superb built quality and excellent design; weather sealed
. Fast AF and very effective IS
. Versatile zoom range
Cons
. None, in my opinion
Conclusion
The 24-105 is one of the best lenses ever produced by Canon; it has everything I need: excellent image quality, versatility, fast AF, IS and professional built quality. I highly recommend it to every nature and travel photographer.
I'll add a con: the front element extends out when zoomed (as opposed to other "L" zoome that just move internal elements). This causes a big problem in dusty/sandy areas. My lens is only a couple of months old and I can already feel the crunch of sand when I zoom in/out.
Other than that it's a great all-purpose zoom.
Guy
Posted by Richard Wong on July 23, 2006 at 3:53 PM
Can someone please explain to me what "bokeh" means? I see it posted on various equipment forums but have never heard of it. Thanks.
Juza,
Sorry for the delay. I was sick the whole week and my prep for camping is gone heywire. I dunno how am I gonna survive.
I meant the lense at 24mm on a FF camera is not very good. (From what I have heard)
Hi Prashant,
I added a couple of samples taken with the 1Ds in my review. This lens is awesome on FF as it is on APS-C!
Posted by Kah Kit Yoong on September 27, 2006 at 8:48 PM
I agree, the best travel, walk-around lens that exists for full-frame. No problems with dust either. IS and longer reach make this a winner over the 24-70 2.8L for a main lens for me.
After using the lens on a couple of cold mornings recently I found another design flaw - the AF and IS switches are a pain in the neck. They are not like the ones on other lenses but rather are flat and flush against the barrel. They are impossible to operate or distinguish with gloves on - very very poor design.
I was hoping this would be a one-time miss on Canon's part but I noticed these same switches are also used on the new 70-200/4 IS.
A classic case of trying to fix something that was not broken... and making it worse. Much worse.
Guy
Posted by Ron Niebrugge on October 28, 2006 at 5:58 PM
Yeah, it seems like nothing is designed for glove use.
I imagine it was designed that way so that the buttons don’t get switched accidentally when going to and from the camera bag. Although personally, I can’t think of a reason why I would turn AF off, especially with my bad eyes. Likewise, with that lens it is rare that I turn IS off.
Posted by Don Miller on October 28, 2006 at 11:09 PM
Hmm, I'm trying to think why the buttons are a problem for landscape use. The IS can remain active on the tripod, and the lens will manual focus with AF set to "on".
I like that the buttons that are difficult to switch. On an older lens the IS would get switched off and I wouldn't notice.
I don't rate this lens as "awesome" - it's not good enough on the wide end. It is very useful, however.
Don, I only use AF when conditions make manual focusing difficult (e.g. dark'ish finder image, inconvenient camera angle etc.) I also suspect IS makes images somewhat softer though I have not done any tests to verify it. I only turn it on for hand-held work.
For what it's worth I found the switches on older Canon lenses much easier to work with or without gloves.
I also use manual focus except in unusual circumstances. The focus spots are not where I like them and I hate composing, then recomposing to accommodate the autofocus.
Since my subjects generally don't go anywhere fast and pixels are cheap, accidental switching is not really a concern to me. If I mess up one shot I'll figure it out and set the switches where they need to be. Doing so with cold blue fingers is another matter
Discussion
16 repliesIf I had to own only one lens, it would be the 24-105 IS. This L zoom is very versatile thanks for the wide range of focal lengths and the image stabilization; it bright enough for low-light photography, and it has a superb built quality. It is the ideal lens for travel and landscapes, in particular on Fullframe (35mm) cameras.
Lens Specifications
Focal length: 24-105 mm
Lens construction: 18 elements in 13 groups
Number of Diaphragm Blades: 8 blades
Angle of view: 84.10º - 23.30º (on 35mm camera); 64.18º - 16.31º (on APS-C camera)
Max. Magnification: 0.23x (1:4.2)
Maximum Aperture: f/4
Minimum Aperture: f/22
Image stabilization: Yes
Autofocus: Inner ultrasonic motor
Full Time Manual Focus: Yes
Closest Focusing Distance: 0.45 meters
Filter size: 77 mm
Dimensions (Diameter x Length): 83.5 x 107 mm
Weight: 670 g
Weather sealing: Yes
Price: $ 1,200 at B&H
Announced: 2005
Accessories: Rear cap, front cap, lens hood (EW-83H), soft case (LP1219)
Description
The 24-105 is professionally built - the lens barrel is made of metal and it feels rock solid; moreover, it is weather sealed. I wouldn't hesitate to use it even in the most adverse ambient conditions. The body is a little larger than the 17-40 L, but smaller than the 24-70 f/2.8 L, and it weights just 670g: overall, it is a small and light lens, easy to carry everywhere.
The ring closer to the camera body is the zoom ring: it is tight enough to ensure that you don't move it unintentionally, but is not too stiff, and it allows precise and comfortable zooming between 24 and 105mm. The lens extends considerably at the longest focal, but you don't have to worry: to sealed body protects the lens elements from dust, sand, splashes and moisture.
Next to the ring, there are the AF and IS switches. These switches are slightly recessed in the lens body to avoid accidental changes: another nice touch, that demonstrates how well this lens has been designed. The autofocus is fast! It fast and very silent, thanks to the excellent Canon ultrasonic motor (USM). This lens has also full time manual focus: you can focus manually in every moment, even if the focus switch is set on AF. The minimum focusing distance is just 45 centimeters: at 105mm, it allows to get a macro ratio of 1:4.2, that is excellent for flowers and details.
The image stabilization is one of the most important features of this lens. The 24-105 has the latest generation IS - it allows to handhold the lens at shutter speeds three stops slower than what you could use without IS. Even tough I take the majority of my landscape photos with the camera mounted on a sturdy tripod, the stabilization is a great help for travel photos, and other occasions when there isn't the time or the possibility to mount the tripod. The IS unit of the 24-105 is able to detect the tripod, so you could keep it always active, even with the camera on tripod. This is an useful possibility when the tripod is placed on an unstable surface, but when the support is 100% still, there is no need to keep IS active: it won't harm the image quality, but it reduces (slightly) battery life.
The second ring is for manual focus. As already mentioned, if is possible to use it in every moment - even if the lens is set on "AF". The lens doesn't extend during focusing, nor it rotates the front element: all the focus operation are internal.
The Canon 24-105 is supplied with a bayonet mount lens hood EW-83H. I use almost always the lens hood; other than reducing flare, it protect the front element from the elements.
Similar Lenses (for Canon EOS)
The mid-range zooms are the most popular lenses - there are a lot of similar lenses, both from Canon and other manufacturers. That said, there isn't any lens that can really equal the 24-105 IS.
The Canon EF 28-135 f/3.5-5.6 IS USM was the only fullframe mid-range lens with image stabilization, before the introduction he the 24-105. It is not a bad lens, but is slower, it doesn't have the wide angle capabilities of the 24-105, it has first generation IS (less effective and unusable on tripod), and it has average image quality. Overall, a good lens for those who have limited budget, but it can't compete with the 24-105 L IS.
The Canon EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS USM equals to a 28-90mm lens on FF. It is not an L lens, but is has excellent built and image quality, fast AF and IS. That said, it is as expensive as the 24-105, and it is EF-S: in other words, you can use it only on the amateur bodies with 1.6x sensor. It is a good choice if you plan to use just these cameras, but if you plan to upgrade to a serious (professional) body as the 1 or 5 series, you have to consider a fullframe alternative.
The Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8 L USM is the only real alternative. It has the same built quality and top-level image quality of the 24-105, and it has the same fast USM motor. It has not the stabilization, but the IS version is coming (likely this fall or next spring). You have to choose what is more important for you: the f/2.8 aperture of the 24-70 or the wider zoom range of the 24-105? For me, the zoom was more important, so I've chosen the 24-105.
Image Quality
As I expected from a L-series lens, the image quality is excellent. It is very sharp at every aperture and focal length, even wide open at f/4. The distortion is well controlled, and there is just a little of chromatic aberration near 24mm - it is really not a problem, since it is barely visible and you can completely eliminate it with Photoshop. Thanks for the 8-blades aperture, it gives a pleasing, smooth bokeh.
The following samples show the image quality of the lens at the apertures that I use most often: small apertures for landscapes, and wide apertures from flowers and portraits. The photos had been taken in RAW format and converted with Photoshop CS2; I processed them to optimize the image quality (contrast, color, sharpness), and I saved them as high-quality JPEG for web display. You can download both the processed JPEG and the original, untouched RAW file.
[image samples in full review]
Other Reviews
- Canon EF 24-105 L IS USM Review by The-Digital-Picture
- Canon EF 24-105 L IS USM Review by Luminous Landscape
Conclusions
Pros
. Excellent image quality, it is sharp at every focal length even wide open
. Superb built quality and excellent design; weather sealed
. Fast AF and very effective IS
. Versatile zoom range
Cons
. None, in my opinion
Conclusion
The 24-105 is one of the best lenses ever produced by Canon; it has everything I need: excellent image quality, versatility, fast AF, IS and professional built quality. I highly recommend it to every nature and travel photographer.
Note: this is the NPN version of the review. Full review (with photos and image samples) here: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Field Review
Other than that it's a great all-purpose zoom.
Guy
The bokeh is the rendition of the out of focus areas. Here is an excellent article with many samples:
http://www.rickdenney.com/bokeh_test.htm
BTW, I've just received the 1Ds from CPS, I can keep it for a couple of weeks...I look forward to use it on fullframe!
There are distortion and vignetting, but they are not nearly as bad as some says...moreover, they can be corrected with PS.
I'm going to add some new 24-105/1Ds samples in my review next week!
Sorry for the delay. I was sick the whole week and my prep for camping is gone heywire.
I meant the lense at 24mm on a FF camera is not very good. (From what I have heard)
I added a couple of samples taken with the 1Ds in my review. This lens is awesome on FF as it is on APS-C!
I was hoping this would be a one-time miss on Canon's part but I noticed these same switches are also used on the new 70-200/4 IS.
A classic case of trying to fix something that was not broken... and making it worse. Much worse.
Guy
I imagine it was designed that way so that the buttons don’t get switched accidentally when going to and from the camera bag. Although personally, I can’t think of a reason why I would turn AF off, especially with my bad eyes. Likewise, with that lens it is rare that I turn IS off.
I like that the buttons that are difficult to switch. On an older lens the IS would get switched off and I wouldn't notice.
I don't rate this lens as "awesome" - it's not good enough on the wide end. It is very useful, however.
For what it's worth I found the switches on older Canon lenses much easier to work with or without gloves.
Guy
I think that it is a matter of personal taste...personally, I really like the recessed switches, they reduces accidental switching.
Guy