Canon EF 24-105 f/4L IS USM Telephoto Lens Review

Typically when you go to buy a DSLR and you don’t have any lenses already, you would opt to buy one with what is called a kit lens. It is called a kit lens because with DSLRs, there are two main parts to the camera. The body and the lens. Together they form a “kit,” you need both in order for the camera to take photos. Usually, when I think of kit lenses I think of cheap, low quality optics and casing and worst of all, a variable aperture over the focal length range.

Canon EF 24-105-1

The Canon EF 24-105 f/4L IS USM forces me to change that perspective. Canon has been using this lens as the kit lens for their enthusiast full frame cameras for years now. It offers a broad focal range, decent features, the optics are far from low quality, and the casing can definitely take a beating. Best of all, it offers a constant f/4 aperture across its focal length range, but it is not cheap.

Canon EF 24-105 Side

SPECIFICATIONS AT A GLANCE

Type Standard Zoom
Focal Length 24-105mm
Aperture Maximum: f/4 Minimum: f/22
Diaphragm Blades 8
Lens Construction 18 elements in 13 groups
Diagonal Angle of View 84° – 23°
Autofocus Yes
Focus Adjustment Inner focusing system with focusing cam
Front Element Rotation No
Closest Focusing Distance 0.45m / 1.48 ft.
Image Stabilization Yes
Filter Size 77mm
Max. Diameter x Length, Weight 3.3 in. x 4.2 in., 23.6 oz. / 83.5mm x 107mm, 670g
Warranty 1 year

WHAT’S INCLUDED

The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM comes with both the front and rear lens caps, EW-83H lens hood, LP1219 soft lens case, Canon EF lens CD, the manual, and warranty card.

Canon EF 24-105-3

LENS BODY CONSTRUCTION

The body is built as solid as other L quality lenses and weighs in at 670g or around 1.47lbs. It does have weather sealing which is to be completed with a UV filter attached. I have personally shot with this lens in a few storms and have yet to have any issues with the water ruining it.

Canon EF 24-105 switche

The lens mount is EF, thus it will mount onto both Canon full frame and crop bodies. However, shooting on a FF will give you the best wide angle perspective. I find this lens very useful when shooting interior shots of cars as I am able to go wide enough to capture the whole dash in a single frame.

Canon EF 24-105-2

The ring-type USM focusing system in the lens is very quiet, fast, and accurate.  It is an inner focusing system with focusing cam design. For the most part, this allows for focal length adjustments without the need to refocus. When focusing, the front element does not rotate, which is good news for those who use polarizing filters.

Canon EF 24-105 Body

The zoom and focusing rings are both butter smooth and have no play in them. The focus ring is dampened very well, at times I almost do not even notice that I hit the bump stop at the focus ends. It also features full time manual focus, so you won’t have to worry about ruining your focus motor if you take over the autofocus.

Canon EF 24-105 thread size

The front lens filter thread size is 77mm.

Typically when you go to buy a DSLR and you don't have any lenses already, you would opt to buy one with what is called a kit lens. It is called a kit lens because with DSLRs, there are two main parts to the camera. The body and the lens. Together they form a "kit," you need both in order for the camera to take photos. Usually, when I think of kit lenses I think of cheap, low quality optics and casing and worst of all, a variable aperture over the focal length range. The Canon EF 24-105 f/4L IS…

Review Overview

Build Quality
Optical Quality
Warranty
Price
Availability

A Great Work Horse

The Canon 24-105 f/4L is a solid performing lens. Built with three stop image stabilization, high quality glass, and weather sealing, this lens is a great lens choice for most shooting situations, especially when traveling.

User Rating: 3.82 ( 5 votes)

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