Canon EF 24-105 F4 IS L II = $1099

Now, now, George. Don't knock my picture, I just didn't want to post a masterpiece, that's all.

Who are Pink Floyd?

OK NQJUDO. Hmmm - well the reviews referred to are similar - true. But if a lens of 24-105 is needed and it is the latest, well, you only live once, just buy if you can. It seems it won't be upgraded for another 5 - 10 years anyway.
The constant ref to the 24-70, it may be sharper but it is a different animal. Yes the 2.8 f stop is nice to have but the lens only has 70mm reach. And for general purpose I would need to crop more. A couple of years ago I had the 24-70 2.8 and decided it was not an ideal walkabout for me, so I kept my more versatile 24-105 - 'horses for courses'.
I am not making hyperbolic statements to defend the24-105, because if I felt it was crap I assure you I would say so.

So to sum up my feelings on this lens (not a precis of other comments):-
1 An almost suitable zoom range for a walkabout - a bit longer preferable.
2 Build quality very good.
3 Sharpness better than mkI but could possibly be better.
4 Focus faster and quieter than the mkI.
5 weight - could be lighter, but not at the expense of quality.
6 It will not be returned to the shop.
IMHO don't be put off by the negative comments without first trying it.

Ray.Petri wrote in post #18213283
Now, now, George. Don't knock my picture, I just didn't want to post a masterpiece, that's all.

Who are Pink Floyd?

Not knocking

Pink Floyd are a 70s rock band that sold a LOT of records

Ray.Petri wrote in post #18213336
OK NQJUDO. Hmmm - well the reviews referred to are similar - true. But if a lens of 24-105 is needed and it is the latest, well, you only live once, just buy if you can. It seems it won't be upgraded for another 5 - 10 years anyway.
The constant ref to the 24-70, it may be sharper but it is a different animal. Yes the 2.8 f stop is nice to have but the lens only has 70mm reach. And for general purpose I would need to crop more. A couple of years ago I had the 24-70 2.8 and decided it was not an ideal walkabout for me, so I kept my more versatile 24-105 - 'horses for courses'.
I am not making hyperbolic statements to defend the24-105, because if I felt it was crap I assure you I would say so.

So to sum up my feelings on this lens (not a precis of other comments):-
1 An almost suitable zoom range for a walkabout - a bit longer preferable.
2 Build quality very good.
3 Sharpness better than mkI but could possibly be better.
4 Focus faster and quieter than the mkI.
5 weight - could be lighter, but not at the expense of quality.
6 It will not be returned to the shop.
IMHO don't be put off by the negative comments without first trying it.

Fair enough! FWIW I still consider the V1 heads and tails above the V2 in a benefit/cost analysis. The last V1 I had to send out for repair cost me about 300$. I just picked up a brand new white box V1 for 525$ Canadian that I plan to keep in the closet. I plan on having this model in my lineup for a long while so I figure I can't lose. In any case I'm glad you enjoy your purchase. That's the important thing at the end of the day. Enjoy.

I was only joking George - Although Pink Floyd did not interest me I knew who they were. I'd never seen that cover before.
Battersea Power Station - my father worked there during WW2 - with bombs falling all round him. What's new? Seems there are always bombs somewhere in the world - does no one ever learn?

Ray.Petri wrote in post #18213667
I was only joking George - Although Pink Floyd did not interest me I knew who they were. I'd never seen that cover before.
Battersea Power Station - my father worked there during WW2 - with bombs falling all round him. What's new? Seems there are always bombs somewhere in the world - does no one ever learn?

I thought you were but you can never be sure

Interesting story about your Dad. I bet he had some stories.

On a benefit/cost analysis you could be nearer the point.
But if you like the latest gadgets and technology it is not wise to think too much - while you are thinking you could be missing out.
Mind you - I had to think of some good reasons to explain it away to the wife - and she wasn't the slightest bit interest in the graphs and curves. I had to call on my highly developed use of BS.

Ray.Petri wrote in post #18213682
Mind you - I had to think of some good reasons to explain it away to the wife - and she wasn't the slightest bit interest in the graphs and curves. I had to call on my highly developed use of BS.

... or just show her great kids pictures made with the X lens, where X is the lens to buy
It works great but with ultra wide primes.

Trouble is, as they get older, they get wiser. She hasn't realised it's her credit card I'm using yet. Still she can use the lens if she wants.