24-105 vs 18-135

I have the 18-135 which came as the kit lens on my 60D...how does it stack up against the 24-105? Is the lens worth it on a crop body? Some part of me in the back of my mind is trying to get the L itch... But not sure it would be that huge of an improvement.

My 24-105 f/4 L IS is my go to walk around lens. Love the extra reach is provides.

The 24-105 is a great glass with constant F4 aperture over the whole zoom range. But this lens is a bit narrow on the wide end, much better suited for a full-frame body. I think you should rather consider the Canon EF-S 15-85, it´s a big step up from the 18-135 in terms of IQ and autofocus. It´s also cheaper than the 24-105. If you need a faster lens the Canon EF-S 17-55 is also a great choice, but it´s more expensive.

Yeah, I was looking at the others as well...although I find myself using the really wide of the 18-135 rarely, and usually going for the reach. The full frame compatiblity and dust/moisture resistance also are big + for the 24-105. Is the AF fast and accurate? Also, is the IS the older style that you have to selected between mode 1 and mode 2, or is it the newer one with automatic pan detection?

24-105 doesn't have the modes - it's either on or off. I've never tried tracking with mine, so can't speak how well it works for that. But I know it works well inside with no flash.

Or this guy? Tamron AF18-270MM F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD. Sometimes these all in one miracle lenses have other major drawbacks though - it seems like the max aperture fully zoomed is pretty narrow. Has anyone heard anything about it?

Keyan wrote in post #12470816
Or this guy? Tamron AF18-270MM F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD. Sometimes these all in one miracle lenses have other major drawbacks though - it seems like the max aperture fully zoomed is pretty narrow. Has anyone heard anything about it?

The Tamron I have heard good things, being a all in one. I just bought the 18-135 as my walk around for hiking, trails, and am surprised at how sharp it is. The rule kinda is the more glass you put in the package, the less sharp, so I would think the 18-135 would be sharper than the Tamron for that reason, but that is all on paper.
I am still trying to figure out people say the 18-55, 55-250 are great and sharp, but they put the 18-135 down. I have had them all, and see the 18-135 just as sharp.

Keyan wrote in post #12470718
Yeah, I was looking at the others as well...although I find myself using the really wide of the 18-135 rarely, and usually going for the reach. The full frame compatiblity and dust/moisture resistance also are big + for the 24-105. Is the AF fast and accurate? Also, is the IS the older style that you have to selected between mode 1 and mode 2, or is it the newer one with automatic pan detection?

The USM AF on the 24-105 is fast and accurate and will certainly be superior to the 18-135.

As for image quality, the 24-105 should be better across the range, though the difference may not be huge at all settings. It should definitely be better at the longer end, especially in the corners.

But since you say you usually shoot at the long end, maybe you should be looking for something longer like a 70-200? Or maybe even something like the 135L if you like the 135mm focal length.

I am loving the 24-105 on my camera. Great for a good percentage of my shooting style, but I also have other lenses wider and longer.

I traded the 18-135 for the 24-105L. In my opinion, the IQ is not even close between the two, especially at f4 to 5.6. It is a good walk around lens for a crop body. But it all depends on how you use it and what kind of pictures you take most often.