Thoughts on Canon 24-105mm f/4 L Lens? Need advice.

[KCmike]

I want a better all purpose lens for my Canon 60d. I currently own the kit lens 18-55IS from my older xti, the 18-135IS from my Canon 60d, and the 50mm 1.8. I am really unhappy with the 18-135. I consistently don't come away with acceptable images. I am a frequent renter of lens while we go on vacation each year. I've rented the fun 10-22 and just recently the 24-70L 2.8. The L lens was simply amazing. The pictures straight out of the camera were more vibrant and I consistently had more winners than I do with any other lens. I find myself recently shooting more with the 18-55 than I do with any other lens. I would like to sell/trade in my 18-135 to acquire the 24-105L. Has anyone shot with this lens? I would love to own the 24-70L but my budget will never allow it.

Thoughts on the 24-105L? Does anyone own this lens? Am I safe to purchase a white box version on Amazon?

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

 

[photo_chick]

I love my 24-105 f/4 L. It is my walk around lens for both crop and full frame. It replaced a 28-105 f/3.5-4.5 that I'd had for a couple of decades so I was already well accustomed to the focal range. And that would be my only advice there.... make sure you're good with the wide end on a crop body.

As far as the lens goes it's sharp, has good contrast and color reproduction. It is not quite as sharp as the 24-70, but it's miles ahead of the 18-55 and 18-135.

Random samples shot with a 6D....

 

[SplashMo]

I would pick a different lens. The 24mm portion is not wide enough on a crop sensor and the f4 is not really fast enough. A couple of thoughts.

Sigma 18-35 /1.8 or perhaps a Nikon D3200, Nikon D5100, Nikon D5200, Nikon D7000 with the kit lens would be an improvement. I own and use your camera and Nikons and the mentioned cameras are a huge stepup. check out dealsrunner website and bensbargains website for good deals.

 

[photo_chick]

I would pick a different lens. The 24mm portion is not wide enough on a crop sensor and the f4 is not really fast enough. A couple of thoughts.

Sigma 18-35 /1.8 or perhaps a Nikon D3200, Nikon D5100, Nikon D5200, Nikon D7000 with the kit lens would be an improvement. I own and use your camera and Nikons and the mentioned cameras are a huge stepup. check out dealsrunner website and bensbargains website for good deals.

The f/4 is fast enough for many situations. And the IS on this lens is really good. I was a fan of IS before, never thought the gain was worth the price and weight (not to mention that it sometimes makes me feel a little nauseous) but this lens changed that. I can get 3 stops pretty consistently with it (when I'm still and not shooting faster action), which makes it fast enough for everyday situations like shooting indoors, kids awards at school, etc...

I've not had my hands on the Sigma 18-35 but by all accounts is is a great lens. And one I'd consider if I wanted that focal range. But to me part of the appeal of the 24-105 is that it has such a broad focal range. It all comes back to what you need from a lens though and if a wider aperture of extreme low light shooting is the top priority then the Sigma might be the answer.

 

[Shazzasmd]

I've been using the 24-105mm f/4 lens for a number of years, on a 40D, then 7D, and now also a 5DMIII.

The focal range makes it a perfect walk around lens; I found it worked well on both the crop sensor camera and full frame (but I do also have wide angle lenses for both).

Some people are disappointed with the sharpness of the 24-105; because it is an "L" lens, they expect it to be excellent in all aspects. I am happy with mine as a general vacation lens, but I do notice the difference when compared to a lens like the 70-200 f/2.8.

Note - one of my favorite lenses is the EF-S 17-55mm - too bad there's not a lot of zoom

 

[mom2rtk]

It's interesting to hear the discussion on this, Mike.

You know I love love love my 17-55 f/2.8 IS. But not surprisingly, I do find myself wishing I had that extra bit of reach offered by the 24-105. Not to mention, it would sure be nice to have something to use if I ever did take the plunge to FF.

 

[KCmike]

Thanks for so many replies so soon.

Janet that was my thoughts as well. I want something with reach/all purpose lens that I could keep it on my camera most of the time plus I can definitely see myself going to a FF camera in the future.

It seems to me that it would be my baby step into the L series Canon lenses in regards to price. I hope and expect this lens to be sharp for what it is so it concerns me to hear that it might not be as sharp as other higher end lenses. I just have to keep reminding myself though that they are comparing it to lens that are more than double the price. In comparison to simple kits lenses though I hope to see a dramatic difference.

I hope to hear from others than have used or own this lens.

 

[mom2rtk]

Thanks for so many replies so soon.

Janet that was my thoughts as well. I want something with reach/all purpose lens that I could keep it on my camera most of the time plus I can definitely see myself going to a FF camera in the future.

It seems to me that it would be my baby step into the L series Canon lenses in regards to price. I hope and expect this lens to be sharp for what it is so it concerns me to hear that it might not be as sharp as other higher end lenses. I just have to keep reminding myself though that they are comparing it to lens that are more than double the price. In comparison to simple kits lenses though I hope to see a dramatic difference.

I hope to hear from others than have used or own this lens.

The comment about sharpness got my attention too. I'm really spoiled with my 17-55 and sure wouldn't want to give up anything in that regard.

 

[photo_chick]

Thanks for so many replies so soon.

Janet that was my thoughts as well. I want something with reach/all purpose lens that I could keep it on my camera most of the time plus I can definitely see myself going to a FF camera in the future.

It seems to me that it would be my baby step into the L series Canon lenses in regards to price. I hope and expect this lens to be sharp for what it is so it concerns me to hear that it might not be as sharp as other higher end lenses. I just have to keep reminding myself though that they are comparing it to lens that are more than double the price. In comparison to simple kits lenses though I hope to see a dramatic difference.

I hope to hear from others than have used or own this lens.

The 24-105 f/4 L is widely regarded as one of the softer L series zooms currently in production. So no, it's not as sharp as other L series lenses. And I'd say to anyone looking at it that if sharpness is your main reason for going with it then there are better choices. And if you're a pixel peeper it may disappoint in the sharpness department, but that could be said of a lot of lenses. Now with all of that out of the way, it's still a very sharp zoom. I'd put it well above any of my mid level quality zooms. Above the high end third party zooms I've used. And in practical use it feels sharper than my entry level primes and most of my mid level primes. The contrast, clarity and decreased CA all contribute to the feel of more sharpness you get with the 24-105 as well.

Like all things it comes back to why you want this particular lens. There's a lot more than sharpness to it.

 

[havoc315]

May want to take a look at the new Sigma 24-105, particularly if sharpness is a priority. The reviews have been very positive

 

[boBQuincy]

I bought a 24-105 about 8 years ago and used it as my "go to" lens until late 2011 when I switched to micro 4/3. As for sharpness it is pretty good, unless we use a tripod I suspect camera shake will be the limiting factor, not the lens. The lens developed slight "lens creep" after a few years, where it would sometimes extend when carried face down, not a real problem. The barrel never developed any looseness over time and the zoom always felt smooth.

The IS works and is good for about as many stops as Canon claims, 2 to 3. F/4 is a lot better than it sounds when we have IS, I used this lens for low light often. 24 does not sound that wide on a crop body (which is what I carried) but it was hardly ever a problem and 105 was sure nice to have for a lot of photos.

I recently traded it in to B&H since I rarely use my Canon cameras anymore.

 

[KCmike]

The 24-105 f/4 L is widely regarded as one of the softer L series zooms currently in production. So no, it's not as sharp as other L series lenses. And I'd say to anyone looking at it that if sharpness is your main reason for going with it then there are better choices. And if you're a pixel peeper it may disappoint in the sharpness department, but that could be said of a lot of lenses. Now with all of that out of the way, it's still a very sharp zoom. I'd put it well above any of my mid level quality zooms. Above the high end third party zooms I've used. And in practical use it feels sharper than my entry level primes and most of my mid level primes. The contrast, clarity and decreased CA all contribute to the feel of more sharpness you get with the 24-105 as well.

Like all things it comes back to why you want this particular lens. There's a lot more than sharpness to it.

Thanks Danielle for the first post and then the follow up. Your always very helpful and so full of information.

 

[bob100]

I want a better all purpose lens for my Canon 60d. I currently own the kit lens 18-55IS from my older xti, the 18-135IS from my Canon 60d, and the 50mm 1.8. I am really unhappy with the 18-135. I consistently don't come away with acceptable images. I am a frequent renter of lens while we go on vacation each year. I've rented the fun 10-22 and just recently the 24-70L 2.8. The L lens was simply amazing. The pictures straight out of the camera were more vibrant and I consistently had more winners than I do with any other lens. I find myself recently shooting more with the 18-55 than I do with any other lens. I would like to sell/trade in my 18-135 to acquire the 24-105L. Has anyone shot with this lens? I would love to own the 24-70L but my budget will never allow it.

Thoughts on the 24-105L? Does anyone own this lens? Am I safe to purchase a white box version on Amazon?

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

I agree with some of the other comments in that a wider zoom like the Canon 24-105 will won't be as sharp as the 24-70 or other f2.8 zoom. The 24-105 is more of a "walk around" zoom on a full frame. The newer 18-135 STM is supposedly sharper than the older version. You can see comparison photos taken with the 24-105 here:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=142974&highlight=24-105&page=592

For more 'winners" on a crop model look at the 17-50 2.8 (Sigma, Canon, Tamron) But for indoor shots with a 60D I like the Sigma 30mm 1.4 - it's cheap ($200) and sharp enough for me

60D
Sigma 30mm 1.4
ISO 2500

 

[KCmike]

May want to take a look at the new Sigma 24-105, particularly if sharpness is a priority. The reviews have been very positive

I will scout this one out. Thanks for the heads up.

I bought a 24-105 about 8 years ago and used it as my "go to" lens until late 2011 when I switched to micro 4/3. As for sharpness it is pretty good, unless we use a tripod I suspect camera shake will be the limiting factor, not the lens. The lens developed slight "lens creep" after a few years, where it would sometimes extend when carried face down, not a real problem. The barrel never developed any looseness over time and the zoom always felt smooth.

The IS works and is good for about as many stops as Canon claims, 2 to 3. F/4 is a lot better than it sounds when we have IS, I used this lens for low light often. 24 does not sound that wide on a crop body (which is what I carried) but it was hardly ever a problem and 105 was sure nice to have for a lot of photos.

I recently traded it in to B&H since I rarely use my Canon cameras anymore.

Fantastic review. I'm only 8 years behind you Bob! When you traded it in do they give you an approx. price on their website? I would love to trade in my 18-135IS but I know I probably wouldn't get much for it as its a common kit lens.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Mike - Congrats with whatever lens you decide to get and it will be an awesome addition to your bag. At the end of the day, it is your decision and hip pocket that will be the deciding factor.

What about the Tamron as an alternative? I understand the 24 - 70/f.28 version is very nearly as good as the Canon or Nikon versions; but not as expensive as the Canon.


However, if you have thoughts about going FF in the future and want to stick with Canon, I would save up the extra money and head to the 24 - 70/f2.8 L. Longer term and knowing that you shoot low light at Disney (and probably at home), it may be the better lens to have.

Of course I do appreciate that you did start out the thread saying that this was not an option. But I guess you know how comfortable your couch is and if you're happy eating bread and water for a while.

 

[boBQuincy]

I will scout this one out. Thanks for the heads up.



Fantastic review. I'm only 8 years behind you Bob! When you traded it in do they give you an approx. price on their website? I would love to trade in my 18-135IS but I know I probably wouldn't get much for it as its a common kit lens.

B&H has updated their used trade-in dept, you click on what you have and they give you a quote instantly. If you are ok with the quote they email you a prepaid shipping label, you send it off, and if the equipment all checks out they mail you a check. It was pretty easy and took less than 2 weeks total.

Btw, most of my photos online up until Dec 2011 are from the 24-105.

 

[cisobe]

It really depends on what and how you like to shoot. 24-105 is a great walk around lens for full frame as it covers wide to tele. but as others have stated, it's alright as a walk around for a crop as you may find your self wanting wider.

I had this lens and a 17-55 2.8is. The 17-55 was on my 40d and 7d all the time unless I was shooting portraits or knew I didn't need wide angle and needed a little more reach. Now that I've gone full frame, the 24-105 is on my camera all the time. However I'm still looking for something faster, possibly a 24 f2.8 or 35 F2 is to give me some faster glass on the wide end.

The 24-105 is a great lens but I do miss my 17-55. F2.8 and is was really nice in that focal range (roughly 24-70).

Hope you find a lens that suits your needs. Maybe the efs15-85? Heard it's as sharp as the 17-55 but with more range, with the trade off being a varying maximum aperture.

 

[k5jm]

The 24-105 stays on my 6D most of the time. It is a great all-purpose lens.

You will lose quite a bit of wide-angle on your crop sensor.


IMG_3561 by k5jmh, on Flickr


IMG_3559 by k5jmh, on Flickr


IMG_2331 by k5jmh, on Flickr


IMG_3445 by k5jmh, on Flickr


IMG_3482 by k5jmh, on Flickr


IMG_3401 by k5jmh, on Flickr

 

[KCmike]

I know I will lose focal range on the wide end as I experienced it just a few months ago while renting the 24-70L 2.8. Loved that lens and only a few times did I wish I had the range to go to 18mm. I will still keep my 18-55IS in the tool bag just in case. I think the safest thing to do is rent the lens from here in town just to make sure its a wise investment.

Used I've found it for around mid $600's into the mid $700's.
Should I take $120 for my 18-135IS or just keep it for a backup?

 

[k5jm]

Got mine for about $725 on ebay from a store that breaks up new cameras and their Kit Lenses.