Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM Lens: A Comprehensive Review

The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM lens is a versatile and widely respected standard zoom lens, known for its excellent image quality, robust build, and reliable performance. This lens is a staple for many professional and enthusiast photographers, offering a useful focal length range for a variety of shooting scenarios. This review will delve into the lens’s key features, performance characteristics, and overall value proposition. The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM lens has earned its place as a workhorse in many photographers’ kits.

Key Features and Specifications

The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM lens boasts several features that contribute to its popularity:

• Focal Length Range: 24-105mm, providing a wide-angle to short telephoto perspective.
• Aperture: Constant f/4 aperture throughout the zoom range.
• Image Stabilization: Improved Image Stabilization (IS) system offering up to 4 stops of shake correction.
• Optical Design: Advanced optical design with four aspherical elements to minimize aberrations.
• USM: Ultrasonic Motor (USM) for fast and quiet autofocus.
• Build Quality: Part of Canon’s L-series, indicating a durable, weather-sealed construction.
• Coatings: Fluorine coating on front and rear elements to repel water and dust.

Build Quality and Handling

As a member of Canon’s prestigious L-series, the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM lens exhibits exceptional build quality. The lens feels solid and well-constructed, designed to withstand the rigors of professional use. The weather-sealing provides protection against dust and moisture, making it suitable for shooting in challenging environments. The zoom and focus rings operate smoothly, offering precise control. The lens is a bit heavier than some other standard zooms, but the weight contributes to its overall feeling of robustness.

Image Quality

The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM lens delivers impressive image quality across its entire focal length range. Sharpness is excellent in the center of the frame, even at f/4, and remains very good towards the edges. Chromatic aberration is well-controlled, and distortion is minimal, especially when using in-camera corrections or post-processing software. The constant f/4 aperture allows for consistent exposure throughout the zoom range, which is beneficial for video recording and maintaining a consistent look in your photos.

Sharpness

Sharpness is a key characteristic of any good lens, and the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM lens excels in this area. Center sharpness is excellent, and edge sharpness is very good, particularly when stopped down slightly. This makes it suitable for capturing detailed landscapes, portraits, and other subjects where sharpness is crucial.

Chromatic Aberration

Chromatic aberration, also known as color fringing, can be a distracting issue with some lenses. However, the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM lens effectively minimizes chromatic aberration, thanks to its advanced optical design. This results in cleaner, more accurate colors in your images.

Distortion

Distortion is another optical aberration that can affect image quality. The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM lens exhibits minimal distortion, especially when using in-camera corrections or post-processing software. This is particularly important for architectural photography and other applications where straight lines are essential.

Autofocus Performance

The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM lens utilizes Canon’s Ultrasonic Motor (USM) technology for fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus. The USM system allows for quick and precise focusing, making it suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects. The autofocus is also very quiet, which is beneficial for video recording.

Image Stabilization

The improved Image Stabilization (IS) system in the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM lens provides up to 4 stops of shake correction. This allows you to shoot at slower shutter speeds without introducing blur, which is particularly useful in low-light situations. The IS system is also effective for stabilizing video footage, reducing camera shake and producing smoother results.

Versatility and Applications

The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM lens is an incredibly versatile lens that can be used for a wide range of photography applications. Its 24-105mm focal length range makes it suitable for:

• Landscapes: Capturing wide scenic views with the 24mm end.
• Portraits: Shooting flattering portraits with the 85-105mm range.
• Travel Photography: A great all-in-one lens for capturing a variety of travel scenes.
• Events: Covering events such as weddings and parties.
• General Photography: A versatile option for everyday shooting.

The constant f/4 aperture allows for consistent exposure and depth of field across the zoom range, making it suitable for both stills and video.

Alternatives to the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM Lens

While the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM lens is a top performer, there are alternative lenses to consider, depending on your specific needs and budget:

• Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM: Offers a wider aperture for better low-light performance and shallower depth of field, but with a shorter zoom range and higher price.
• Canon EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM: A more affordable option with a variable aperture and STM motor for smooth and quiet autofocus.
• Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art: A third-party option that offers comparable performance at a competitive price.
• Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2: Another third-party option with a wider aperture and vibration compensation.

[See also: Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Lens Review]

Pros and Cons

To summarize, here are the key pros and cons of the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM lens:

Pros:

• Excellent image quality with good sharpness and minimal aberrations.
• Durable, weather-sealed construction.
• Fast and quiet autofocus.
• Effective image stabilization.
• Versatile focal length range.

Cons:

• Constant f/4 aperture may not be ideal for low-light situations or shallow depth of field.
• Relatively heavy.
• Can be expensive compared to non-L series lenses.

Conclusion

The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM lens is an excellent all-around lens that delivers impressive image quality, reliable performance, and robust build quality. Its versatile focal length range makes it suitable for a wide range of photography applications, from landscapes to portraits. While it may not be the fastest lens in terms of aperture, its constant f/4 aperture and effective image stabilization make it a great choice for both stills and video. If you’re looking for a high-quality standard zoom lens that can handle a variety of shooting situations, the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM lens is definitely worth considering. For many photographers, the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM lens represents a solid investment, balancing quality, versatility, and durability. The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM lens’s popularity is a testament to its overall performance and value. The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM lens remains a top choice in its class. This lens, the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM lens, is a workhorse for many photographers. Investing in the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM lens is investing in quality. The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM lens is a versatile and reliable tool. Many professionals trust the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM lens. The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM lens is well-regarded for its sharpness. Consider the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM lens for your next purchase. The performance of the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM lens is consistently praised.