just got my Canon EF 24-105mm f/4, need some advice...

I've had mine for a little over a year and love it... Have fun with it...

Excellent lens! I love mine. I find that stopping it down to just 4.5 or 5 (from f/4) increases contrast and sharpness quite a bit on the telephoto end. Just some "hints" for better photos.

I always put mine at f5.6. F4 are pretty good but f5.6 are just better. congratulation this is a very good walk around lens.

Agree - f/5.6 and smaller and this lens really shines - Still very usable at f/4 though!

I agree also - f/5.6 is my standard aperture. f/4 is very usable though.

How do you like the lens so far? I thought about getting one of those as well.

I don't know who he question is aimed at, but I can tell you that I love mine. 90% of my pictures are taken with it.

I really like the 24-105.

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I have to agree, using f5.6 or tighter really makes the picture sharp. Even I can hand hold at 1/30 and get really good pictures of static objects. Hope my 70-200 f4 on the way works this well

netog wrote in post #9795874
Don't use a filter unless it is really necesary. I mean, don't use a "protective" filter.

umm.. whut?

I think netog means don't use something like a UV filter unless it's really necessary as even a high quality filter could degrade the image.

Roy Mathers wrote in post #9802635
I agree also - f/5.6 is my standard aperture. f/4 is very usable though.

+1 use aperture priority, at around f/5.6.

Go to f/4 when the light starts falling, that extra stop can help. Similarly, start increasing ISO as the light starts falling.

For a larger depth of field (focus on foreground without blurring background) try smaller apertures, f/11 thru f/18 but keep in mind you need much more light for smaller apertures or else you'll get motion blur due to longer exposure.

+1 'Understanding Exposure' book & practice

(breathless...) Just bought my 24-105 today!

Roy Mathers wrote in post #9806049
I think netog means don't use something like a UV filter unless it's really necessary as even a high quality filter could degrade the image.

yes, exactly what I mean. Sorry I didn't explain it before.
Just my personal opinion

I can see NO IQ difference between my 24-105, 70-200 and the 17-85mm when I had it, taking before/after comparison photos with and without filters on. As long as you use high quality (B+W, Hoya, etc... High end filters), IQ is non-issue. If you could find the IQ difference, and SHOW me proof using GOOD filters, I would love to be proven wrong.

The only time I know a filter can cause issue is at night with flare, but as far as normal everyday shooting, not so much.

Also, the 24-105 "requires" a filter per manual to complete weather sealing... FYI.