EF 24-105 f4 L IS as a walk-around lens

Mark_Cohran · 11th of July 2006 (Tue)

There's not really a question here, but I wanted share a few observations about this lens. I just purchased it last week and I have used it thus far for a glamour shoot with a new model and for photographing a large festival. I have the option of returning it within 30 days, but after these two shoots I'm definitely keeping the lens.

Here's what I like about it:

1. It's much lighter than my 28-70 f2.8L and although I haven't done any critical testing, it seems to be as sharp as, if not sharper than that lens as well.

2. The 28-70 always left me feeling short of reach at fairs/festivals, but using the 70-200 f2.8L was just too large and heavy of a lens to carry for hours on end, plus I couldn't go wide at all. The 24-105 focal length was perfect for the crowds, the festive groups of people, and for reaching out a isolating an individual. I've always liked that focal range, but I never cared for the quality of my 28-105 USM lens when compared to my L lenses.

3. The lens quite sharp, even wide open. The IS is almost silent, and there's very little vibration. It's sometimes tough to tell that it has kicked in. But, I can tell that it makes a significant difference.

4. The color quality of the lens is consistent with my other L's, and the bokeh at f4 is better than I expected.

What I didn't like:

Actually, I can't think of anything right now.

If this lens hadn't performed to meet my needs/expectations I was fully prepared to return it for a refund. I had read quite a lot of good reviews about the lens on this forum and others, and I'm pleased to say that the lens lives up to its well deserved reputation.

If anyone is interested, I'll post a few shots from the fair later.

Mark

steved110 · 11th of July 2006 (Tue)

It's a great lens, just doesn't go quite wide enough for my tastes as a main walk about lens. But I'd love to own one.

Stratrix · 11th of July 2006 (Tue)

Thanks for the mini review! I am planning to get the 24-105 as a walkaround lens. I would love to see some shots. I have a question tho, do you know how it behaves as a walkaround lens on a crop camera? i have a 350D, and was wondering if an L lens on my camera is worth it.

Thanks.

davidfig · 11th of July 2006 (Tue)

Portrait examples can be seen where?

davidfig · 11th of July 2006 (Tue)

Also, how does this all differ on the different cameras you have? EOS3, 20D, 1DMII

Cobra351 · 11th of July 2006 (Tue)

Well said about this lens, I couldn't be happier with mine!

kster · 11th of July 2006 (Tue)

I also use the 24-105 as my walk around lens, it's a great focal length for FF cameras.

GNMink · 11th of July 2006 (Tue)

It is perfect for FF, in fact it was released with the 5D in mind

Billginthekeys · 11th of July 2006 (Tue)

it may be born for the 5D, but i also find it has done a terrific job on my 20D. still pull out my 17-40 when i am doing landscapes. but for daily use, and when i dont want to haul all my gear around, it hasnt really let me down yet.

Mark_Cohran · 11th of July 2006 (Tue)

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidfig

Portrait examples can be seen where?

I'm on a business trip right now so I don't have access to all the photos I've taken with the lens, but I can post a few of the fair photos tonight (I'm on the West Coast).

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidfig

Also, how does this all differ on the different camreas you have? E0S3, 20D and 1DMII?

So far, I've only used it on the 1DMII, so I can't say just yet. I'm planning to shoot more this weekend, so if this thread stays alive I'll have more info later.

Mark

Mark_Cohran · 11th of July 2006 (Tue)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stratrix

I have a question tho, do you know how it behaves as a walkaround lens on a crop camera? i have a 350D, and was wondering if an L lens on my camera is worth it.

I haven't used it on my 20D yet. I'm planning to shoot again this weekend, so I'll probably throw it on just for the comparison.

An L lens is an L lens no matter what camera it's attached to, so if it's good on a 1DMKII, it will be just as good on a 350D, but with a different FOV.

Mark

Mark_Cohran · 11th of July 2006 (Tue)

Sample photos from the fair:

_CF_1693.jpg

_CF_1734.jpg

EOS_JD · 11th of July 2006 (Tue)

Does a great job on a 20D
Candid indoor Bridal Portrait

Forth Road Bridge, Scotland

Darling Harbour, Sydney

RAitch · 11th of July 2006 (Tue)

I've got a 30D and love it.
Sometimes I wish it had more "speed" than F4... but it hasn't let me down. Indoors I match it with a speedlight and get some very nice results (IMO).

It works well... and "YES" to the earlier question about whether L glass is worth it on an XT. Most people will tell you to buy glass first. Personally, I'd recommend a speedlight first (even if you don't do much indoor shots--fill flash), then glass, then body (as you grow out of it). Plus, glass holds value well.

Pinto · 11th of July 2006 (Tue)

I'm going to buy this lens this week because I need the minimal focusing distance that it offers for product work.
I've done a lot of research on this lens, and it appears that there are only two major opinions about its performance.
A. It's the best lens in the bag. Period! Excellent sharpness, color and contrast. As good as any L!
B. It doesn't even compare to the 18-55mm kit lens. It has horrible vignetting at 24mm and horrible CA and purple fringing. It is soft on the edges and corners. It is very soft at 105mm.
I sure hope I end up with a lens that falls into group A!!!

11th of July 2006 (Tue)	#1
Mark_Cohran Moderator Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 14,649	EF 24-105 f4 L IS as a walk-around lens There's not really a question here, but I wanted share a few observations about this lens. I just purchased it last week and I have used it thus far for a glamour shoot with a new model and for photographing a large festival. I have the option of returning it within 30 days, but after these two shoots I'm definitely keeping the lens. Here's what I like about it: 1. It's much lighter than my 28-70 f2.8L and although I haven't done any critical testing, it seems to be as sharp as, if not sharper than that lens as well. 2. The 28-70 always left me feeling short of reach at fairs/festivals, but using the 70-200 f2.8L was just too large and heavy of a lens to carry for hours on end, plus I couldn't go wide at all. The 24-105 focal length was perfect for the crowds, the festive groups of people, and for reaching out a isolating an individual. I've always liked that focal range, but I never cared for the quality of my 28-105 USM lens when compared to my L lenses. 3. The lens quite sharp, even wide open. The IS is almost silent, and there's very little vibration. It's sometimes tough to tell that it has kicked in. But, I can tell that it makes a significant difference. 4. The color quality of the lens is consistent with my other L's, and the bokeh at f4 is better than I expected. What I didn't like: Actually, I can't think of anything right now. If this lens hadn't performed to meet my needs/expectations I was fully prepared to return it for a refund. I had read quite a lot of good reviews about the lens on this forum and others, and I'm pleased to say that the lens lives up to its well deserved reputation. If anyone is interested, I'll post a few shots from the fair later. Mark __________________ Mark ----- Some primes, some zooms, some Ls, some bodies. Thirty-two years of shooting and still learning. My G&N Blog (NSFW)- My Complete Gear List - Mac-Photo Website G&N FORUM EARLY ACCESS & IMAGE POSTING RULES

11th of July 2006 (Tue)	#2
steved110 Cream of the Crop Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: East Sussex UK Posts: 5,744 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: EF 24-105 f4 L IS as a walk-around lens It's a great lens, just doesn't go quite wide enough for my tastes as a main walk about lens. But I'd love to own one. __________________ 20D, Eos 100 Canon EF-S 18-55 IS, Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 , Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 macro CanonEF 17-40 f/4 L and 70-200 f/4 L Speedlite 580EX and some bags'n pods'n stuff

11th of July 2006 (Tue)	#3
Stratrix Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 25	Re: EF 24-105 f4 L IS as a walk-around lens Thanks for the mini review! I am planning to get the 24-105 as a walkaround lens. I would love to see some shots. I have a question tho, do you know how it behaves as a walkaround lens on a crop camera? i have a 350D, and was wondering if an L lens on my camera is worth it. Thanks. __________________

11th of July 2006 (Tue)	#4
davidfig we over look the simplest things Join Date: May 2005 Location: Fremont, California USA Posts: 2,799 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: EF 24-105 f4 L IS as a walk-around lens Portrait examples can be seen where? __________________ David 5D \| (2) 550EX \| 17-40L \| Tammy 28-75 2.8 \| 28-135 \| 50/1.8 \| 85/1.8 \| 70-200L IS Sigma 18-125 \| (4)AB B400 \| Load of Pentax M42's

11th of July 2006 (Tue)	#5
davidfig we over look the simplest things Join Date: May 2005 Location: Fremont, California USA Posts: 2,799 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: EF 24-105 f4 L IS as a walk-around lens Also, how does this all differ on the different cameras you have? EOS3, 20D, 1DMII __________________ David 5D \| (2) 550EX \| 17-40L \| Tammy 28-75 2.8 \| 28-135 \| 50/1.8 \| 85/1.8 \| 70-200L IS Sigma 18-125 \| (4)AB B400 \| Load of Pentax M42's

11th of July 2006 (Tue)	#6
Cobra351 Goldmember Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Virginia, USA Posts: 2,918	Re: EF 24-105 f4 L IS as a walk-around lens Well said about this lens, I couldn't be happier with mine! __________________ Canon 5D Canon 40D - Infrared Modified (www.lifepixel.com) Canon Lenses: 17-40, 24-105 f/4 IS, 100 2.8 Macro, TS-E 90, 70-200 f/4 IS, 100-400 IS Canon EF25 II , EF 1.4x II Smith & Wesson M&P 340CT .357 Magnum

11th of July 2006 (Tue)	#7
kster Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: California, USA Posts: 551 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: EF 24-105 f4 L IS as a walk-around lens I also use the 24-105 as my walk around lens, it's a great focal length for FF cameras. __________________ 1DmkIII and some lenses

11th of July 2006 (Tue)	#8
GNMink Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Huntsville, AL USA Posts: 381	Re: EF 24-105 f4 L IS as a walk-around lens It is perfect for FF, in fact it was released with the 5D in mind __________________ Canon G7 & SD800 IS

11th of July 2006 (Tue)	#9
Billginthekeys Billy the kid Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Miami and/or Islamorada, FL Posts: 5,995	Re: EF 24-105 f4 L IS as a walk-around lens it may be born for the 5D, but i also find it has done a terrific job on my 20D. still pull out my 17-40 when i am doing landscapes. but for daily use, and when i dont want to haul all my gear around, it hasnt really let me down yet. __________________ Mr. the Kid. Go Canes! My Gallery My Gear what the L. just go for it.

11th of July 2006 (Tue)	#13
EOS_JD Goldmember Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Lanarkshire, Scotland Posts: 2,667 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: EF 24-105 f4 L IS as a walk-around lens Does a great job on a 20D Candid indoor Bridal Portrait Forth Road Bridge, Scotland Darling Harbour, Sydney __________________ All My Gear 40D, 20D + Grips\| 10-22 f3.5-4.5 \| 24-105 f4L IS \| 70-200 f2.8L IS \| 50 f/1.4 \| 85 f1.8 \| 100 f2.8 \| 300 f4L IS \| 1.4x MkII \| Tamron 17-35 f2.8-4 \| 28-75 f2.8 \| 580EX \| EF500 DG Super \| Lightsphere II \| Stofen Diffuser \| P-2000 \|Manfroto 055 ProB Tripod w/488RC4 Head \| R2400 \| C900 \| Nova 5 AW \| Mini Trekker AW

11th of July 2006 (Tue)	#14
RAitch Goldmember Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Sarnia Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,916 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: EF 24-105 f4 L IS as a walk-around lens I've got a 30D and love it. Sometimes I wish it had more "speed" than F4... but it hasn't let me down. Indoors I match it with a speedlight and get some very nice results (IMO). It works well... and "YES" to the earlier question about whether L glass is worth it on an XT. Most people will tell you to buy glass first. Personally, I'd recommend a speedlight first (even if you don't do much indoor shots--fill flash), then glass, then body (as you grow out of it). Plus, glass holds value well. __________________ See Through The Lens

11th of July 2006 (Tue)	#15
Pinto Goldmember Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: So. CA Posts: 2,332	Re: EF 24-105 f4 L IS as a walk-around lens I'm going to buy this lens this week because I need the minimal focusing distance that it offers for product work. I've done a lot of research on this lens, and it appears that there are only two major opinions about its performance. A. It's the best lens in the bag. Period! Excellent sharpness, color and contrast. As good as any L! B. It doesn't even compare to the 18-55mm kit lens. It has horrible vignetting at 24mm and horrible CA and purple fringing. It is soft on the edges and corners. It is very soft at 105mm. I sure hope I end up with a lens that falls into group A!!! __________________ Canon 5D MkII \| Canon 20D l Canon EF 50mm II f/1.8 l Canon EFS 17-85mm IS l Canon 85mm f/1.8 USM l Canon EF 70-200mm 2.8 L IS l Canon EF 24-105mm 4.0 L l Canon EF 100 2.8 MACRO l Canon 580EXII \| Canon 580EX \| Canon G3 l White Lightning lighting \| and a whole boatload of other stuff

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