Canon EF 24-105mm f4L IS II USM release

[Sean Setters]

By the way, I used the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM paired with a 5D III for a photobooth at an honors banquet I shot this past weekend. The long focal range made it really easy to frame various groups from 1 - 9 people. The setup was definitely a hit at the event and the images turned out great.

[Anthony M]

By the way, I used the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM paired with a 5D III for a photobooth at an honors banquet I shot this past weekend. The long focal range made it really easy to frame various groups from 1 - 9 people. The setup was definitely a hit at the event and the images turned out great.

For such a great lens, it sure doesn't get a lot of love. Anymore, anyway. Granted, it's got loads of distortion at 24. So does my 24-70/2.8L II. CA? Yes, that's Canon feature it seems. It's also a bit soft, at least according to my Reikan FoCal software tests when compared to my other lenses.

However, more than once I've used this lens when also shooting with the 24-70, and been fooled when looking over my shots in Lightroom.

Honestly, if I've got to look at the EXIF data out of the corner of my eye - because everybody knows which lens is obviously better! - then I'm not fooling anybody including myself. Especially when I'm pixel peeping! And that's what I've got to do to see the difference. Ok, there's other telling factors such as a slight color difference from the newer Canon lenses (I'd guess something to do with the coatings), and a lack of micro contrast and less flare resistance.

This is why I've kept this lens. You can't beat the focal range. It's got IS. It's fairly small, light and compact. Most importantly it's got the red ring, which gives a handicap photo improvement factor of about a 5-7%. It's documented! And as Sean mentioned, for the nearly giveaway price in kit form it's really a no brainer. This is my "throw it on the camera when running out the door" lens. If I don't know what I'm going to run across it fits the bill most all of the time. Not once have I come back with a full card and said "boy, I wish I had my 24-70" instead.

If Canon decided to update the lens, they'd really have to outdo themselves. Their lenses have gone from some of the best to the best IMO. With the new 5Ds cameras it makes sense why they've upped their game since 2010. A new 24-105 will be a lot more expensive, I'd guess that $1600 would be about right, so probably more knowing Canon! And, it would be worth it.

Of course, there's the Sigma 24-105. A spectacular lens, and a moose. For $900 it's certainly the way I'd go if the Canon were the same price. (I'm a big Sigma fan). But with the low prices I'm seeing posted for the EF 24-105/4 L IS from time to time, I think it's a bargain and highly recommended.

Edon, as far as the 6D, I think laying hands on one is the way to go before making a leap. I've never let "on paper" specs sway my decision, although I admit it can be hard sometimes! When it first came out - I nearly went back to Nikon. The AF looked terrible. I couldn't believe they would do this! Since I wanted to move to full frame, the time was perfect to switch back. However, after shooting with Nikon for about 25 years, well I gave up on them for more than one reason. This includes owning a service bureau/photo studio (I know what you're thinking and no, I hired people that could actually take pictures! ). I've always admired Nikkor optics, but Canon has a wider range at better price points. That's one reason I went with Canon when I started with digital. (Although I did pick up an Elan II 35mm film camera when autofocus was becoming viable just to see what the hubbub was)

And now, Canon is making the best modern lenses out there. Period. I am so glad I didn't get the D600 I can't tell you. I like things that just work. Plus, Canon came out with their RT flash system. Suddenly, they've got an upper hand where Nikon used to have it. Canon may be very conservative when it comes to specifications and "cutting edge" performance, but I'm glad to be invested in this system, and more so in the past month! All of this stuff is going to trickle down. I have a feeling there's some more tricks up their sleeve as well. So I'll deal with a stone-age sensor and a tiny hole to look through.

There will be a 6D MkII, probably not too far off. But, expect it to be expensive. Who knows what sort of features or specs it will have. I'd pick up a 6D again at the prices I'm seeing in a heartbeat. Of course, I always like to buy my stuff halfway through its lifespan or later. Kinks are worked out and prices are lo-o-o-w.

Just my humble 2¢