Quick question on 24-70 vs 24-105 OPTICS

24-70 has a better optics, but 24-105 has a better feature (IS).

I have both. Purely optic point of view, 24-70L is better. It is also built better. I use it when I shoot events where my main purpose there is to shoot pictures. For all other casual situation, I don't use this lens due to its size, weight and profile. I much prefer something smaller

As for 24-105L, I think it is just a OK lens amougst what I have. I usually use it when I travel where I don't know what I will be shooting, so it is like a jack of all trade lens. If I know I will shoot low light, I will use prime. If I I will be in tight space, I will use 16-35II

I've been debating on this topic for quite some time. Thanks for the thread, this has been a help.

It is clear from this and many other threads that decision to chose between these two lenses has to be based on other factors than optical quality

I have been shooting the 24-70 for about a year. I do not even think about the lack of IS. The camera/lens settings will relieve one of the IS issue - I shoot both tripod and handheld. I rarely see anyone who shoots this lens even discussing IS.

I have and still shoot this lens with a crop camera and ff camera. There really is no comparison, the 5DII and this lens win hands down compared to the 7D. Although the 7D does provide reach that beats the 105mm of the 24-105 shot with ff camera...

I have and still shoot this lens with a crop camera and ff camera. There really is no comparison, the 5DII and this lens win hands down compared to the 7D. Although the 7D does provide reach that beats the 105mm of the 24-105 shot with ff camera...


Not with the 24-105 it doesn't.


I rarely see anyone who shoots this lens even discussing IS
Check the boards...its the most desired upgrade with this lens!

I have both and prefer the 24 105

It is super sharp and has a superb range. Most of my shots tend to be outside so the extra stop of the 24 70 isn't that valuable to me most of the time

I have more shots that I love from the 24 105 than the 24 70 but maybe thats because I use it more often

Also there mare be more variability between individual lenses with the 24 70. There are loads and loads of threads about softness etc on it but not so many on the 24 105. Possibly I have a super sharp 24 105 and a mediocre 24 70

JohnHemlock wrote in post #11752307
Optically I prefer the 28-70 but I own the 24-105. Go figure.

I'll second that. The 28-70L is often stated to be optically superior to both of the ones you're talking about. I've not owned or used a 24-70L, but have owned a 24-105L and shot with it for about a year. Moved to a 28-70L, knowing I could go back to the 24-105L if I wanted (they're for sale all the time here). Hard to beat the 28-70L, especially on a full frame camera. But big-picture wise, we're splitting hairs.

These are all very very good lenses. The one thing I've read about the 24-70L that bothers me is the sample-to-sample variation. I don't often see that comment about the 24-105L.

Intresting information presented. Thanks for everything, i'm gonna look at some of the features posted and hopefully deside soon. Thanks again. I realize there are tons of threads on these two lens but not many on optical quality.

Optically they are pretty close, I prefer the 24-70 but other then the stop any real difference would be splitting hairs. I think the 1 big advantage of the 24-70 is the bokeh.

big_g wrote in post #11754781
I have both and prefer the 24 105

It is super sharp and has a superb range. Most of my shots tend to be outside so the extra stop of the 24 70 isn't that valuable to me most of the time

I have more shots that I love from the 24 105 than the 24 70 but maybe thats because I use it more often

Also there mare be more variability between individual lenses with the 24 70. There are loads and loads of threads about softness etc on it but not so many on the 24 105. Possibly I have a super sharp 24 105 and a mediocre 24 70

i agree. 1 stop for me doesn't not trump range and 3 stops of IS. I don't shoot too much action so the IS is much more beneficial to me. Also, when I shoot the 24-105 im usually outside... and inside 2.8 is too slow anyway. I take out my 35 1.4 for indoors.