Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Lens Tested

Ken_Tanaka · #1 07-31-2006, 02:57 PM

For those interested in this lens, SLRGear has posted a test of its performance today.

diglloyd · #2 08-03-2006, 02:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken_Tanaka

For those interested in this lens, SLRGear has posted a test of its performance today.

Another sterile lens review...yawn.

I have used the 24-105 extensively. The size and weight are a perfect fit for the 5D and the image stabilization is a big plus. Bokeh is very good to excellent.

Corners remain soft at f11 and color fringing is present. But sharpness over much of the field is simply outstanding on full frame. On 2/3 frame it would be a stellar performer (at f8). It remains one of my favorites, and also offers excellent performance in infrared in which I have made some beautiful photographs.

AndrewCassino · #3 08-03-2006, 09:45 PM

Sterile, perhaps, but also comprehensive, not omitting mention of the annoyingly high levels of pincushion and barrel distortion at certain focal lengths. Fortunately for digital photographers, PTLens handily solves that problem (and the vignetting at the same time). But if I was still in the wet darkroom, this lens would have found its way to an eBay auction long ago.

Andrew

Michael_Greene · #4 08-03-2006, 11:15 PM

Mr. Cassino: Do you think the 24-70 f/2.8L would be a better choice?

Ken_Tanaka · #5 08-04-2006, 01:32 AM

Michael: I own, and use, both lenses (on 1DsII, 5D, and 1DII bodies) and can offer an opinion.

In my opinion the EF 24-70 f/2.8 has a slight optical edge in terms of contrast and generally sharpness. It is really a superb lens, the best of its range in the Canon line and, like all of the L lenses, it's built to be used hard. Its handicaps as a general walk-about lens are its weight/bulk (it's quite a bit heftier than the 24-105) and, of course, it's shorter focal length. I tend to select it when I know I will be shooting in a spacial environment that 70mm will reach and/or when I think I will really need that extra stop of speed. I also often reach for it if I know I will be shooting night scenes and need its optical edge. (Example, mounted, evening)

The 24-105 f/4 is an excellent, general purpose walk-around zoom. It's light, extremely well built, has image-stabilization (good for the 105 end), and compact enough to easily fit into a modest bag or just carry all day. I won't dispute technical test results but I will say that some of the data borders on, or lives squarely within, irrelevancy. The lens will vignette a bit (on full-frame bodies) when wide-open but that's really not the thunderous issue that Internet forum chatterers would lead you to believe. Optically, it's just a half-step behind the 24-70 for certain scenes. Yes, it's one stop slower than the 24-70 but, in compensation, its IS facility lets you shoot hand-held with shutter speeds at least a full stop slower than the 24-70. In short, the 24-105 is a top performer and is the better choice if you're looking for an excellent, general purpose zoom that can live on your camera most of the time. It would be (actually, it is) the lens I'd choose if I could only take one lens on a trip or just out walking. (Example, hand-held, evening.)

Hope this helps you make the best choice for your situation.

Michael_Greene · #6 08-04-2006, 09:58 AM

Thank you, Mr. Tanaka. I will certainly consider your comments in deciding which to buy. I loved your "Cloud Gate" photo.

diglloyd · #7 08-06-2006, 02:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael_Greene

Mr. Cassino: Do you think the 24-70 f/2.8L would be a better choice?

A nonsensical question...better for what purpose?

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