Canon EF 24-105 f/4 L question

[Photog82]

I'm considering purchasing this lens to replace my Canon EF 28-135 lens. I've found that this lens has been around for 7 years now. I'm wondering, if this lens is aging now and should I wait for a MKII? I'm also concerned that the MKII will be much more as recent lens releases from Canon have gone up in price.

I have a 40D that I'm attempting to sell and want to either purchase the 60D or 7D. I'm not planning moving to a FF body as they cost too much for me and I'd rather spending the money on glass.

Any insight, advise, etc would be appreciated. Thank you!

Edit (added my lenses):
Canon 10-22
Canon 70-300
Canon 50 1.8
Canon 28-135

[HDNitehawk]

Since you are going from a Kit lens would this be your first lens upgrade? If so I think there are better choices since you are not going full frame, such as the EF-S 17-55mm F/2.8. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=CA175528IS&N=0

I think it will be a few years before you see a 24-105mm II. Canon is using it as a kit lens for the new 5D III, I would think if they were going to replace it they would have done it in advance of the 5D III release. Most likely it will jump in price like the 24-70mm did.

[neuroanatomist]

I think the 24-105mm f/4L IS is an excellent lens - the ideal general purpose zoom for full frame, but a nice outdoor walkaround lens on APS-C as long as you don't mind that it normal-to-tele and lacks the wide angle focal lengths (pr maybe you have an APS-C ultrawide zoom to cover that). I do agre with Rick that the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS is the best general purpose zoom for APS-C.

I'd not wait for a MkII of the 24-105 - the current lens is the kit lens for the 5DIII, meaning it's likely to be around in it's current form for some time, and a new version will certainly be a lot more expensive if Canon's recent trends are any sort of guide.

You might consider buying a resold new copy - especially with the 5DIII coming out, a lot of people who buy a 5-series body buy the 24-105mm lens too, and sell it new in the white box. The lens adds $800 to the kit price, so they're commonly sold for ~$900.

[Photog82]

I'm going to wait for the snow to melt here in Maine before I rent the lens, just to give it a good test but I am leaning towards it. You all have some good points on the lens being paired with the 5D MKIII.

I was more curious if the lens is showing it's age- it sounds like an odd question but I've never used it before. I'd love to buy the lens @ $800 new.

[Photog82]

I think the 24-105mm f/4L IS is an excellent lens - the ideal general purpose zoom for full frame, but a nice outdoor walkaround lens on APS-C as long as you don't mind that it normal-to-tele and lacks the wide angle focal lengths (pr maybe you have an APS-C ultrawide zoom to cover that). I do agre with Rick that the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS is the best general purpose zoom for APS-C.

I'd not wait for a MkII of the 24-105 - the current lens is the kit lens for the 5DIII, meaning it's likely to be around in it's current form for some time, and a new version will certainly be a lot more expensive if Canon's recent trends are any sort of guide.

You might consider buying a resold new copy - especially with the 5DIII coming out, a lot of people who buy a 5-series body buy the 24-105mm lens too, and sell it new in the white box. The lens adds $800 to the kit price, so they're commonly sold for ~$900.

I'm pretty happy with the lens, I have to send it back tomorrow however am hoping to set up a deal with someone purchasing the 5DIII.

[marcust]

Sell the 28-135. Put that money into the 24-105. You can get one from Canon refurb, for a tad under nine bills with the promo code on the home page. As others have said, dont look for an upgrade to this lens any time soon.

[MaartenOtto]

Used it for just a day and I already have a confirmation that one of the photo's will be published in a Railways related magazine, fingers crossed for the front cover...

But I'm not sure to buy it... It's a lot of money and I think a 28mm Canon Prime lens might offer the same quality at a more decent value.

[Photog82]

I updated my original post with my current lenses. I think the 17-55 is too short on the long end for what I'd use my "walk around lens" for. I generally like to use the 28-135 for sunsets, zooming out (and if that's not enough I use the 10-22) and then zooming in on interesting areas. I also use it for certain landscape shots as well, it varies as I swap between the 10-22 and 28-135.

[jrw]

have the 24-105. Use it on both 5Dii and 7D. I find it works very nicely on 7D, which takes advantage of the centre of the image circle. Biggest drawback is f4 limit. 24-70(v1 or 2) would fit nicely in with your other lenses if you think that f2.8 is an advantage for your intended usage. Otherwise it sounds like there aren't going to be too many other options that will meet your stated needs.

[neuroanatomist]

As long as you don't mind switching lenses, the 10-22 + 24-105 is a nice combo - great IQ and lots of versatility.