EF 24-105 f/4 L IS USM for general purpose lens

[eranda]

i intend to upgrade my kit lens EF-S 18-135 f/3.5-5.6 IS to EF 24-105 f/4 L IS USM, the previous lens helped me well to learn at the first beginning but then I considered the quality so i consider the 24-105, but before i do so I'd to have opinions about this 24-105 for general purpose lens. I mostly make photos on the beach.

[francongphotography]

Sounds like a good choice to me, since you have your 10-22mm to cover your wide angle, and 70-200 to cover the long end. Since you mostly take pictures on the beach, so I don't think 24-70 f/2.8 would be ideal for your use. I say go with the 24-105! The IS will come in handy.

[FastGass]

The 24-105mm will not be a very big jump in IQ from your kit lens because it's not optimised for 1.6 crop cameras like your rebel, a much better alternitave is the 17-55mm f/2.8 or 15-85mm. Both are sharper than the L.

John.

[Dave Throgmartin]

John may be right. It'd be worth taking back to back photos 18-135 versus 24-105 just to make sure you are getting the IQ jump you're after. The 24-105 will probably be significantly sharper in the corners wide open at any focal length.

Dave

[canonclix]

I am sure there are others with more experience regarding the L series sealing characteristics, but I know of people who have had issues with the sand and salt water spray negatively affecting the EF-S (non-weather sealed) lenses. If you are going to be at a beach, it might be a consideration.

Recently I was able to take some beach shots, and when I got home there was a film of salt spray on my lenses, one was the 24-105 and the other the 70-200. Both cleaned up very easily with a lens wipe, but not sure what the 17-55 would do in the same situation.

My 17-55 just arrived Friday, so haven't had much time to compare it, but so far it appears nearly identical IQ to my 24-105 and 17-40. My impression so far is that the 17-55 is a lot more fragile than either of the other two L lenses, but takes great pictures!

I am using a crop sensor camera (60D).

Hope this helps!
Brian

[conropl]

If you do get the 24-105 I am sure it can handle a lot of what you want to do at the beach, but, you may also want to invest in a lens in the 10-20mm range (Sigma or Canon, but the canon is prefered if you have the money). There are some shots that you may want to get were you need the wide angle lens for.

That is the beauty of the 17-55... it is very sharp, fast, and wider. However, you do need to be careful with the lack of sealing at the beach (bad weather is great for beach shots)

I find my 24-105 handles most everything I want for landscape on a crop body, but there are a few times when my 10-20mm comes in handy. When I first got the 10-20, I did not use it much, but I find myself using it more and more.

Pat

[Sean Setters]

...but there are a few times when my 10-20mm comes in handy. When I first got the 10-20, I did not use it much, but I find myself using it more and more.

Pat

I have the Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5. I don't use it very often, but when only a wide angle will do, I'm very glad it's in the camera bag.

[Dave Johnston]

Incidentaly you can get one at Adorama for 890 with USA warranty and free shipping. That isn't much more expensive than when it comes as a kit. Just food for thought.

Dave.

[Photog82]

I have the 24-105 on my 7D, had it on my 40d and am not sure what people are talking about with the IQ not being very well... don't believe it. It was awesome. Straight from the camera the contrast and sharpness is great! I still sharpen in a bit but it an excellent lens. I've had a couple of recent outings with the lens and what amazes me with it is that I can crop in a lot without affecting the image, unlike my 28-135. Let me know if you want any sample shots.

I should note that I have the Canon 10-22 lens as well for the times when I need for width.

[FastGass]

I have seen shots taken by Juza with a 60D and 24-105mm and it was good but not as good as a 17-55mm f/2.8 or 15-85mm, same holds true for the 17-40mm L except its even worst than the kit lens, check the ISO crops. If it's good enough for you thats great but there are sharper options out there if IQ is a deciding factor. FWIW unless you have a weather sealed body weather sealling is negated.

John.