The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens is an easy-to-use standard zoom lens that can cover a large zoom area ranging from 24mm wide-angle to 105mm portrait-length telephoto.
The EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM incorporates Canon's highest standards of precision optics. The L-series is Canon's flagship professional lens range, combining outstanding image performance and ultimate operability with dust and moisture resistant construction.
Canon's ring-type USM gives silent but quick AF, along with full-time manual focus. Moreover, with dust- and moisture-resistant construction, this is a durable yet sophisticated lens that meets the demands of advanced amateur photographers and professional photographers alike.
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 24 - 105 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/4 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Canon EF |
| Format Compatibility |
35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor Canon (APS-C) |
| Angle of View | 84° - 23° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 1.48' (45 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.23x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:4.34 |
| Groups/Elements | 13/18 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 8 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 77 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.3 x 4.2" (8.38 x 10.67 cm) |
| Weight | 1.47 lb (670 g) |
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Most Liked Positive Review
My Favorite Lens
I have used this lens since it was first introduced late 2005. I have used it for much editorial work (both magazines and newspapers including a magazine cover). It is an incredible, versatile...Read complete review
I have used this lens since it was first introduced late 2005. I have used it for much editorial work (both magazines and newspapers including a magazine cover). It is an incredible, versatile lens. I have used it almost exclusively for a two year book project shooting on Florida beaches. It is built well and well sealed. I wouldn't hesitate to buy it; you may never take it off of your camera again. Has some barrel distortion at 24mm on full-frame cameras and pin cushion at 105mm, but both are easily fixable with programs like PTLens. Also some vignetting at 24-28mm on full-frame cameras but easily fixable in ACR or Lightroom. This is my favorite lens (I own 8 Canon lenses, 4 are L Series). It's super sharp and because of the IS, it's hand-holdable and sharp at 1/4 second. I highly recommend this lens by far over the 24-70 f/2.8 (which I owned for three years prior) for everyday us (especially portraits). If you need the extras stop of light and shoot in very low light (like weddings), you may want the 2.8. If you occasionally shoot in low light (I do probably more than most since I am a photojournalist) the 24-105 is the clear winner to me.
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Most Liked Negative Review
Not good enough...
I wanted an L series lens to use with my Canon 50D, and thought that this focal length range would be a good fit. I was a little concerned about this lens based upon ...Read complete review
I wanted an L series lens to use with my Canon 50D, and thought that this focal length range would be a good fit. I was a little concerned about this lens based upon an increasing number of reviews that mentioned soft focus and poor quality control by Canon, but I had owned other L series lenses and was satisfied, and there were many positive reviews about the 24-105 lens as well, so I took the plunge. From the very first shot I knew that this lens could not measure up to my other L series lenses (or to cheaper lens that I've owned for that matter)- focus was soft throughout the focal length range, even after attempting to tweak focus manually, but especially soft in the corners at the lower focal length range. This lens is certainly not tack sharp. In addition, there was a greater degree of chromatic aberration than I expected in a lens of this quality. The clincher for me was to compare it side by side with my 17-40 mm L series lens, at an equivalent focal length. There was no comparison. The 17-40mm lens is sharp, with only a hint of chromatic aberration, compared to the soft results of the 24-105 lens. If you search the internet, you will see others complain of the very same thing about this lens (and I did not listen to them, because others said that it's the best lens that they've ever used). I strongly suspect that this relates to a quality control problem- if you are lucky enough to get a good one, then you will be happy. If you are not lucky, then you will have to either 1) return it for another (and hope that one is better), 2) return it to Canon so that they can repair your brand new lens, if you find that sort of thing acceptable, 3) return it for a refund, or 4) live with it. Sorry, but for over $1,000, there shouldn't be a need to do any of this. B+H Photo is great- I am in the process of returning this lens based upon my concerns about it. Will consider getting a 70-200mm L series lens instead (from B+H of course!), but I'm too leary of the 24-105 to risk another...
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Comments about Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Autofocus Lens:
I was looking for a lens to replace my Canon 18-135 that came with my T2i camera. I have gotten spoiled by the optical quality of my 100-400 lens. Although I like the range of the 18-135, I've found the 24-105 to be fine. What I'm most impressed about is that using the same settings and ISO with both lenses, well, the 24-105 gives me the quality I was hoping for. Yes, you pay for it and yes, it is not light weight, but if you are looking for serious quality of images, this will not disappoint. Makes me wish I had skipped the 18-135 altogether.
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Comments about Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Autofocus Lens:
I have been an EOS owner since 1987 (film then 30D), accumulating five lenses over the many years. I purchased a 100mm macro (non L) last year, and the incredible picture quality enabled me to visually demonstrate to the Boss, the value of great glass. I used the 24-105 almost exclusively on a recent trip. It was extremely versatile and tack sharp.
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Comments about Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Autofocus Lens:
Love this lens, very sharp with great IS. The IS does such a great job that I can do hand held shots as low as 1/8 shutter speed. Works great for low light shots when attched to a Canon 7D or 5D. Excellent lens for shooting video as well.
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Comments about Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Autofocus Lens:
This is a great lens. I've captured a lot of great photos with this. It is a very heavy lens. If you plan on using it for a long period of time I suggest using a tripod or give yourself a lot of breaks because you writs will start to hurt. Also I don't recommend using this lens for wedding or receptions. Unless they are well light. This lens isn't great in low light unless you boost up the ISO to 1000+ but then your photos will be grainy. Other than that this is a great lens!
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Comments about Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Autofocus Lens:
This is my all around lens. Yeah it's pricey and it took me months before I placed my order, BUT as soon as I received this lens (January 06, 2012) and snap-on to my camera body, since then I never take it off since then. Every single penny i spent to this lens is worth it. I'm really speechless about the performance of this lens (LOL). I will recommand this lens.
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Comments about Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Autofocus Lens:
I chose this lense for it's zoom capabilities and "IS" feature in hopes it would work indoors, low light, specifically group functions. It is GREAT in that it weighs less than the EF 24 - 70 L and is more compact, fits in my Tamrac backpack where the EF 16 - 35L and big brother EF 24 - 70L do not. And it's fantastic for outdoors in good light. But I errored in assuming it was an affordable alternative to a quality "L" lense for low light. Rent it if possible then buy it if it works for you.
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Comments about Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Autofocus Lens:
This is a great all around lens, which can be used for multiple applications. Wanted a professional quality lens that I could use for general applications with also some telephoto capabilities. Use it only once so far but love it.
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Comments about Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Autofocus Lens:
fantastic lens. this is the first L series lense, as i thought i would spoil myself, and boy am i impressed. The focussing ability and sharpness of the photos are a step above, and its much lighter than i thought.
This lens will stay on my camera permanently now.
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Comments about Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Autofocus Lens:
Cannot beat Canon's "L" lenses! I upgraded from my original kit EF-S 17-85 lens and while I do miss the wide end, this is a perfect walk-around lens and the image quality is great. Plus, I have absolutely no "lens creep" with this 24-105L. I also like the constant aperture - its only an f/4 but most of what I take is landscape (outdoors).
It is a shame that this lens never goes on sale and if you do buy it with the 5DII kit, its $300 cheaper than buying separately - but I didn't need the 5D body at this time.
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Comments about Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Autofocus Lens:
If you can live without an F Stop of 2.8 and appreciate it's IS feature, this lens will deliver great image quality specially above f4 (not that you will be very disappointed at this len's widest aperture either) not the best lens to shoot in darkness but at F8 my favorite aperture since I shoot fashion and portraits is tack sharp.
I believe this lens produces cleaner and a little crispier images than my old Canon 28-70/2.8L at very high ISO, specially above 3200.
Even at with a crop sensor camera at 24MM you will get a little more that the angle of view the human eyes sees and the 105MM range is something to consider.
Overall a great walk around lens.........
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Comments about Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Autofocus Lens:
I absolutely Love this lens. It is very sharp. I shoot videos and I do professional photography with it. It is light weight comparing to 20-70 2.8 and 70-200 lenses. And I love the zoom range. It is exactly what I need.
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Comments about Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Autofocus Lens:
This is a great zoom lens
The image stabilizer is excellent
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Comments about Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Autofocus Lens:
Very sharp and useful everyday lens. My new favorite. Will use it again and again. Just got this lens so have lots of plans for it.
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Comments about Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Autofocus Lens:
Maybe I got a bad copy but this seems sub-par for an L lens. I deal with agencies and they require sharp detailed images. On my 5D Mark II I've found that f/4 isn't overly sharp at any focal length and between 60-90mm isn't overly sharp at any aperture. So before I figured out the constraints of this lens I took a lot of photos that I'm now finding aren't usable for my needs. This limits my shooting to 24-50mm at f/5.6-11. I have several other Canon lenses including:
70-200mm f/2.8 II L
17-40mm f/4 L
50mm f/1.4
50mm f/2.5 macro
85mm f/1.8
100mm f/2.8 macro
They all have their optimal settings as well but for the most part I can get usable images with any of them and can trust them. I've been using the 17-40mm more often because, while the corners are soft, the center is really sharp without any trouble spots. The 24-105mm has been staying in my bag more and I will probably replace it with the new 24-70mm f/2.8 when it comes out.
On a positive note, the focus is fast, the IS works pretty well, and it produces some nice colorful punchy images. So if you shoot for fun or shoot commercially where the image requirements aren't overly high then this lens should be fine. For people who shoot full frame and have higher expectations of sharpness I wouldn't recommend this lens.
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Comments about Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Autofocus Lens:
Super sharp lens for a multitude of uses. Nice compliment to a 70-200 F2.8 and a 10-24 super wide.
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Comments about Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Autofocus Lens:
This lens is perfect for anything needed, I havent taken it off my camera since i bought it. It is not heavy at all and can be easily carried everywhere with you.
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Comments about Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Autofocus Lens:
Great lens to have in your camera bag. Very sharp photos. The IS makes taking photos in low light a breeze.
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Comments about Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Autofocus Lens:
WHY DID I WAIT 4 YEARS TO BUY THIS LENS? I MAINLY USE PRIME LENSES BUT BEING OLD SCHOOL THAT IS WHAT WE USED. THIS IS DEFINITELY THE BEST L LENS I HAVE.I HAVE A 5D MARK II AND THE COMBINATION OF THE TWO ARE A PERFECT MATCH. I AM GOING TO BUY A 7D SOON AND I CANNOT WAIT TO USE IT ON IT. I WILL DEFINITELY RECOMMEND THIS TO A FRIEND.
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Comments about Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Autofocus Lens:
Way too much barrel distoration.
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Comments about Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Autofocus Lens:
I love this lens. I use it as my walk around lens during the day, and a 17-50 2.8 at night. The constant f/4 is not quite fast enough in some low light situations, but it's generally my go to. The IS works wonders, and it's also a great lens for video. My first L lens, and so I'm very impressed with the build quality. It's so satisfying to shoot with!
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