As a photographer, it is important to have a multi-purpose lens that you can utilize for a myriad of purposes. Having a lens like this provides you with flexibility – you don’t have to continually change lenses for different compositions. The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM is one such lens – it is often considered one of the best multi-purpose lenses for Canon DSLR cameras.
The combination of fantastic image quality, large focal range, consistent aperture, and robust build make this a brilliant device. In this review, we look at what features this lens has, how it performs, and how it shapes up to similar third-party devices.
Main Features
The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM is classed as a standard zoom lens within the Canon L-series. It is certainly not ideal for telephone zoom situations, but it is a fantastic lens for wide-angle shots, portrait photography, and landscape photography. The following are the basic specifications and features of this lens:
- Weight: 795g
- Max Length: 118mm
- Viewing Angle: 74, 53, 84 (Horizontal, Vertical, Diagonal)
- Maximum Aperture: f/4.0
- Minimum Aperture: f/22.0
- Image Stabilization: Yes, 4-stop
- Lens Hood: EW-83M
The aperture range of this lens is fantastic – f/4 to f/22 offers amazing flexibility. Although some lenses have a higher maximum aperture, f/4 is still a great option. Furthermore, the aperture of f/4 remains consistent throughout the different zoom levels – this is a great bonus and allows for consistency when shooting at different focal lengths.
Design
This lens will most likely be used for a myriad of purposes including outdoor usage. To that end, it has a robust design that benefits from the L-series exterior design. The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM can withstand adverse weather conditions and also has shock and vibration resistance.
In addition to this, there is several official quality accessories including the LP1219 lens case and EW 83M lens hood. We would advise investing in both items for extra protection. The lens hood is particularly important due to the positioning of the lens glass – it is quite exposed, therefore a lens hood offers protection without compromising image quality.
The lens has a brilliant design and also benefits from a metal connection ring. In addition to this, at 795g, it is lighter than some other L-series Canon lenses.
Performance
So how does the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM perform? This lens certainly doesn’t disappoint – the image quality remains consistent throughout the different focal lengths. There is no softening or distortion even at the maximum aperture of f/4. The following are some features that improve the performance of this lens:
- Revised optical design for improved resolution
- Image stabilization for 4-stops lower than the shutter speed
- L-series design for robust usage
In addition to this, the lens just feels comfortable to use. The zoom function has a smooth transition. Moreover, when using the different zoom levels, the barrel doesn’t move or slip – it remains consistent at the desired zoom level.
The image stabilization is a huge benefit for this lens – it provides additional stabilization which is especially useful at the fully extended zoom of 105mm. Furthermore, the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM autofocus system really helps when focusing on moving subjects. The autofocus is generally fast and provides excellent benefits when shooting with this lens.
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM vs. Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2
Now that you understand what this lens has to offer, it is important to look at how it compares to a similar device. There is a range of multi-purpose zoom lenses available – one comparative device is the Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2. Tamron provides a superb range of third-party lenses for both Canon and Nikon cameras. The SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 is a similar device to the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM.
Both of these lenses have advantages and disadvantages. Firstly, the Canon 24-105mm has a higher maximum focal length of 105mm. This is a considerable difference and certainly gives this lens the advantage when considering zoom photography.
On the flip side, the Tamron offers a higher maximum aperture of f/2.8 which does offer greater flexibility when looking at depth of field and low-light shooting.
| Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM | Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 | |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Image Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 795g | 825g |
| Dimensions | 83 x 118mm | 88 x 116mm |
We would advise that the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM is the better “all-round” lens – the higher maximum zoom, and the overall quality of the lens are difficult to overlook in favor of the higher maximum aperture offered by the Tamron lens.
Should You Buy the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM?
This professional-grade lens has it all, but should you buy it? This depends on your situation and purpose. It is an expensive device, but it is a worthwhile investment. For professional photography, this is arguably the best lens available. It is versatile with a variable focal length of 24-105mm. Furthermore, the maximum aperture of f/4 remains consistent and provides flexibility.
In addition to this, this L-series lens has outstanding build quality. The zoom movements are smooth and fluid, and the lens feels robust. Moreover, due to the image stabilization, and USM motor, this lens is actually a great choice for movies too.
Many professional photographers favor this lens as their main workhorse. It has some excellent features including image stabilization and a constant maximum aperture of f/4. For landscape, travel, and portrait photography, this lens is a sure-fire hit and will never disappoint. While some lenses may feel overpriced, the value here is entirely justified.
