Canon 24-70mm L or 24-105mm L???

I am really torn at this decision. I will be buying a Canon 30D next week and the rebates take into affect. This is will be my first DSLR after taking a B&W film class at the university. Much easier for me to review my photos before printing, which takes a bit of time for me.

Now I am looking for a good all purpose lens, something I can keep on the 30D for almost anything I shoot. I will also be going on a road trip with some friends and I don't want to carry too many equipment. Maybe the 30D, an all purpose lens, a 70-200mm f/4 L IS, and flash.

I've read many threads about these 2 lenses and the review at http://www.the-digital-picture.com, and heard many good things about them. I like that 24-70 is a faster lense at f/2.8 but doesn't have IS. 24-105 on the other hand is a bit slower at f/4 but has IS. Both of these are similarly priced so that wouldn't make much of a different, but I will be getting during the rebate period with the 30D. Which should I choose and why?

Speaking in terms of the f/2.8, twice the shutter speed would help freeze a moving subject, and also the background blur is more pronounced at a wider aperture.

If shooting at f/4 isn't a concern for you, though, then you might find the greater focal length range more enticing.

Yeah, one of the reasons I am considering the 24-105 is the range, but I'm not sure if it is worth accepting range over speed.

ungx0013 wrote in post #2093604
I am really torn at this decision. I will be buying a Canon 30D next week and the rebates take into affect. This is will be my first DSLR after taking a B&W film class at the university. Much easier for me to review my photos before printing, which takes a bit of time for me.

Now I am looking for a good all purpose lens, something I can keep on the 30D for almost anything I shoot. I will also be going on a road trip with some friends and I don't want to carry too many equipment. Maybe the 30D, an all purpose lens, a 70-200mm f/4 L IS, and flash.

I've read many threads about these 2 lenses and the review at http://www.the-digital-picture.com, and heard many good things about them. I like that 24-70 is a faster lense at f/2.8 but doesn't have IS. 24-105 on the other hand is a bit slower at f/4 but has IS. Both of these are similarly priced so that wouldn't make much of a different, but I will be getting during the rebate period with the 30D. Which should I choose and why?

get neither. if you want f2.8 and IS get the 17-55. and then get the 70-200f4 and you'll have your range covered.

ed rader

I share your dilema. I too am planning on picking up the 30D soon and I have been debating these two lens. It really does depend on what you shoot, but for those reasons I am leaning toward the 24-70. Here is my thinking (for what it is worth):

1. I have four kids and they will be my primary subject matter. Therefore a fast lens will be preferred.
2. I really like to have good bokeh and from what I have read the 24-70 is better in the bokeh department than the 24-105.
3. When I shoot the kids much of it is in darker areas so the extra stop will be helpful.
4. I am also hoping to eventually pick up the 70-200 (hopefully 2.8f) so the 24-70 will complement perfectly in regards to focal range.

Well, that is some of my thoughts so far. Looking forward to what others have to say...

Will

The 17-55 IS will only work with a crop camera, like the 30D, but not if you eventually move to a FF camera.

I would say both lenses are very good, depending on your needs, as it has been discussed many times. I picked the 24-70L because a faster lense in that focal range works better for the type of photography that I do.

if you decide to consider f4 zooms, I would suggest adding a fast and small prime (like the 50mm 1.4) to help with low light situations involving action, people moving... IS will not be of help then... Of course, you can always use a flash.

Good points by all. I think I going to have to try them both out at a local shop before buying, or just buy both and return the one I don't want. Or heck with it, just buy and keep both of them...when I get the money. This is going to be hard, but I think 24-70mm L might win this one.

I'd get either the Canon 17-55 or a Tamron 17-50. A 24-70 or a 24-105 on a cropped sensor is not wide at all and would make a poor general purpose walking around lens IMO.

amarasme wrote in post #2093875
if you decide to consider f4 zooms, I would suggest adding a fast and small prime (like the 50mm 1.4) to help with low light situations involving action, people moving... IS will not be of help then... Of course, you can always use a flash.

That is something that I'm considering and I'm not the only one. By purchasing the 24-105 I get the focal range and IS and by getting the 50 1.4 I get the beneits of a fast lens.

ungx0013 wrote in post #2094808
Good points by all. I think I going to have to try them both out at a local shop before buying, or just buy both and return the one I don't want. Or heck with it, just buy and keep both of them...when I get the money. This is going to be hard, but I think 24-70mm L might win this one.

i've owned both and now i own the 24-70L. the 24-105 is more convenient and the 24-70 is more creative.

ed rader

With a crop sensor, I'd go for the 24-70 hands down. I had it, sold my MKIIN and bought a 5D and found that 70 wasn't enough range...and used my 24-105 all the time. SO I sold the 24-70, later bought the 30D as a back-up and wished I hadn't sold the 24-70....

...in other words, with a 30D I'd go for the 24-70...the speed is great and the range is good, though a little narrow on the wide end....

The 24-70 is much heavier than the 24-105 though, if that would be an issue, test them out at a shop with the 30D and see how you feel about the comparison.

Get the 24mm-70mm f/2.8. This coming from a 24mm-105mm f/4 IS L user.

Unless you have a FF camera.

350D_Noob wrote in post #2095243
Get the 24mm-70mm f/2.8. This coming from a 24mm-105mm f/4 IS L user.

Unless you have a FF camera.

Could you please tell us why you think He should get the 24-70 2.8? I have been wrestling with the same question and haven't decided. I have a 20D and am looking for a good walkaround lens.

Question, by cropped camera you mean a camera that isn't full frame right?

cali wrote in post #2095361
Could you please tell us why you think He should get the 24-70 2.8? I have been wrestling with the same question and haven't decided. I have a 20D and am looking for a good walkaround lens.

i've used both with the 20d and now i have the 24-70L. i prefer the wider aperature for DOF control but the 24-105 served me very well for 8 months and hundreds and hundreds of pictures.

there is no right answer. get the one that works for you and there are tons of threads on the subject.

ed rader