Canon EF zoom lens - 24 mm - 105 mm F/4.0

I purchased this lens brand new to accompany my then new Canon EOS 5D around 18 months ago. I have to confess, I spent over two weeks prior to making my purchases deciding just which lens I should choose as my 'standard' zoom - this, or the also highly regarded Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 USM. In the end, I chose the 24-105 for reasons which I will divulge as we go along. This lens is designed primarily for use on FF (Full Frame) DSLR's or 35mm film SLR cameras, the 4.4x zoom range presenting a somewhat less attractive 39-168mm focal length range when used on Canon APS-C DSLR camera due of course ... more

Overview ------------- I bought this lens to replace a EF 28-135mm IS USM lens. Build Quality ------------------ Typical high build quality of Canon L series lenses. The 24-105 does feature an extending barrel at the outer end but it does not rotate so polarisers and the like can be used. The controls are firm and have a pretty good feel but compared to the EF 17-40 f4 L and the EF 70-200 f4 L IS, which have non-extending bodies, it does seem less solid and slick in operation. In bad weather and very dusty locations I do worry that moisture or dust may get in through the moving barrel seal but ... more

Great lens; excellent Canon L (L = Luxury) quality! The zoom range is perfect for a carry-around lens; when travelling this is likely to be in front of your camera 90% of the time. Build quality is great, feels solid in your hands. Not the same of course as a Canon white lens made out of metal, but much better then a consumer grade cheap plastic tube. Picture quality is superb - will work well with any apperture, even wide open. Perhaps might have wished for a f2.8 version, but this would certainly have been much heavier.. not to mention much more expensive. The 3 stop IS is great as well - so ... more