24-105 f/4L or ?

I recently acquired a 5D Mark III and am torn about a lens purchase. I have been using strictly crop cameras until now (7D and 60D.) The only lenses I own that I can use on the 5D III are a 50mm f/1.4, 85mm f/1.8, and a Tamron 70-300 f/4 - 5.6 VC. (I also own an EF-S 10-22 and an EF-S 17-55, as well.)

I was searching for a lens to go wider than 50mm. I would love to have a 24-70 f/2.8 II lens but it's out of my price range. While eBay browsing, I came across a great deal on a factory refurbished Tamron 24-70 f/2.8 VC and purchased it. Unfortunately, the first one they sent (it's a legitimate camera store) was back-focusing badly on both the 5D III and the 7D. The store replaced it with one that focuses very well and is very sharp. Unfortunately, I am getting a lens communication error from time to time. (Not often but enough to not be happy with it.) I spoke to the salesperson at the camera store and he recommended I return the lens for refund rather than trying to get it repaired. Considering how many issues people have had with their Tamron 24-70 f/2.8 lenses, I agreed.

So now I'm back to having to find something else to cover the wide range on the 5D III. I am considering the 24-105 f/4. I know it's not quite as sharp as the Tamron and it is a stop slower but I my research has led me to believe that the lens is sharp enough and focuses quickly and accurately. The focusing accuracy is really important to me. I shoot a lot in low light.

Optionally, I could go for a prime lens, like the 24 f/2.8, 28 f/1.8 or 35 f/2. That would give me the wide angle of view, although I wouldn't have the same versatility and would have to change lenses more often.

I know eventually I'll get a Canon 24-70 f/2.8 II lens but, until then, I'm wondering what others think. The 24-105 can be purchased for around $700. Here's what I shoot:

• Studio portraits (f/4 is no problem here)
• Event photos (low light might be an issue here with the 24-105)
• Live performances - dance shows and magic shows (f/4 might be a big issue here - I typically have been shooting at f/2.8 at the dance programs but I likely won't need to go wider than my 50 and I do have the 85.)

just save up some more, it doesnt look like you have a dire need for a 24-xx lens. Just save up till you have enough for the 24-70ii

The 24-105 is a great lens for the money. Its not as exciting as fast primes but its a very god all around lens. If you buy used or refurbished its likely that you can get most if not all of your monry back if you do decide to go for the 24-70. Many have kept the 24-105 after getting the faster zoom ss it weighs less and is a more versatile walk around lens.

I agree totally with this. Also, with your 5DIII you should not find too many situations where you can't raise the ISO a bit to compensate for the f/4 aperture. I have gotten great results with this lens, and really miss the extra reach it has when I am forced (by very low light conditions and the need for a high shutter speed) to use the 24-70L.

gonzogolf wrote in post #17192005
The 24-105 is a great lens for the money. Its not as exciting as fast primes but its a very god all around lens. If you buy used or refurbished its likely that you can get most if not all of your monry back if you do decide to go for the 24-70. Many have kept the 24-105 after getting the faster zoom ss it weighs less and is a more versatile walk around lens.

What the last to posters say.

24-105 is a must have lens. I shoot full frame & 1.3 crop. I have the 24-70 f2.8L II as well.

Tapeman wrote in post #17192325
24-105 is a must have lens. I shoot full frame & 1.3 crop. I have the 24-70 f2.8L II as well.

I use a 60D and a 6D. My primary lens on the 60D is the 15-85. For the 6D, I have an assortment of primes to choose from: 28 1.8, 35 IS, 50 1.4, 100 2. I can't wrap my brain around the 24-105 when cheaper, lighter, and smaller is available, and all of the choices are at least two stops faster. The 24-70 II is very expensive, a lot larger than any of my primes, and weighs more than any two of them together.

Tapeman wrote in post #17192325
24-105 is a must have lens. I shoot full frame & 1.3 crop. I have the 24-70 f2.8L II as well.

I totally agree, it really is a gem!

I have a BNIB 24-105mm sitting around for 2 weeks now. Let me know if you want me to send it to you. Willing to trade it with cash, check, paypal or money order. Happy Fri.

I use the 24-105 f/4L on both my 7D and 1Dx. The range, as expected, is excellent on the 1Dx, and so-so on the 7D. Optically, it's fine.

However, the lens creeps, which bugs me quite a bit. This seems to be a common problem with 24-105 f/4L. It is an operational issue for people who shoot long timed exposures, for example. To me, it is just an annoyance because I typically only use it for walk-around and/or events.

Some people accept the lens creep problem and it does not bother them much. Unfortunately, it annoys me enough that I know I will get rid of it some days (I have tried some popular remedies but they did not work in my case).

ldn323 wrote in post #17192404
I use the 24-105 f/4L on both my 7D and 1Dx. The range, as expected, is excellent on the 1Dx, and so-so on the 7D. Optically, it's fine.

However, the lens creeps, which bugs me quite a bit. This seems to be a common problem with 24-105 f/4L. It is an operational issue for people who shoot long timed exposures, for example. To me, it is just an annoyance because I typically only use it for walk-around and/or events.

Some people accept the lens creep problem and it does not bother them much. Unfortunately, it annoys me enough that I know I will get rid of it some days (I have tried some popular remedies but they did not work in my case).

A 2-cent rubber band can fix that.

The 24-105 f4 IS is a great bargain right now, but you should consider the Canon 24-70 f4 IS, which I find to have better IQ than the 24-105, and the macro function is a nice bonus. With the recent $500 price reduction, it is also a pretty good value.

I'd try another copy of the 24-70 VC. If that doesn't work out, get a 24-105.

24-105/4 is a vary good lens and just behind the more pricey 24-70/2.8 if you feel you don't need the extra speed i would stay with the 1st,i tend to always use the 24-105/4 as its vary useful to me,can be had for about $650.look around the net.

jrscls wrote in post #17192524
The 24-105 f4 IS is a great bargain right now, but you should consider the Canon 24-70 f4 IS, which I find to have better IQ than the 24-105, and the macro function is a nice bonus. With the recent $500 price reduction, it is also a pretty good value.

Canon has it as a refurb for 800 bucks right now.

http://shop.usa.canon.​com …mm-f4l-is-usm-refurbished