PDA

View Full Version : In-depth comparison between Canon 24-70/2.8L and 24-105/4L IS



Xenedis
01-08-2010, 3:38pm
As many people know, the 24-70/2.8L vs. 24-105/4L IS issue comes up with frightening regularity on photography forums, so I have decided to produce an in-depth study of these two lenses so that people caught in the difficult situation of having to choose between them can go in armed with plenty of information, thus making a more informed choice.

I have written this article on my blog (http://xenedis.wordpress.com/), but have reproduced it here for the benefit of AP members.

I hope it is helpful to those choosing between these two lenses.


Canon Standard L Zooms: 24-70/2.8L vs. 24-105/4L IS

Canon presently offers two L-series, professional-grade, constant-aperture standard zoom lenses:


Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM; and
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM.

Very frequently in photography forums, the issue of which lens to choose arises -- often enough that it is worth an entire article to break down each lens's strengths and weaknesses in order to provide an objective assessment.

For some people, choosing between these two lenses is quite difficult, so hopefully the information I provide will help people make the choice that suits their circumstances.

Firstly, let's look briefly at the pros and cons of each lens before going into finer detail.


Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM - Pros


one-stop wider aperture (f/2.8 vs. f/4);
smaller minimum focus distance (0.38m vs. 0.45m); and
lens hood size suits all focal lengths (more on this later).



Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM - Cons


larger;
heavier;
more expensive; and
has less telephoto reach at the long end.



Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM - Pros


smaller;
lighter;
less expensive;
has longer telephoto reach; and
has image stabilisation.



Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM - Cons


one-stop narrower aperture (f/4 vs. f/2.8);
larger minimum focus distance (0.45m vs. 0.38m); and
lens hood is fixed and designed for the 24mm focal length.


A word of warning: do not look at the number of items in the above lists and draw the erroneous conclusion that more points on the positive side means the lens is a better choice; it is far from that simple, and as is the case with so much in photography, one size does not fit all.

Before going further, let's look briefly at some features common to both lenses:

77mm filter thread;
non-rotating objective element;
weather sealing;
rugged construction;
constant aperture across all focal lengths;
fast, quiet, ultrasonic focus motor;
inner/rear focusing;
full-time manual focus;
aspherical elements (minimum of two); and
distance gauge.

Let's now look in further detail at the differences between the features of both of these lenses.


Aperture

The 24-70 offers a brighter f/2.8 aperture (the brightest available in any Canon or Nikon zoom lens), whereas the 24-105's widest aperture is a stop narrower at f/4.

For some people, f/2.8 is the be-all and end-all.

A brighter aperture offers a few advantages; namely:


the ability to achieve a shutter speed twice as fast;
easier focusing and composing in lower light; and
more diffused background blur.

Depending on the type of photography, the need for a faster shutter speed may be paramount. Such photography includes bands, stage performances, weddings or any other photography of moving subjects (mostly people) in dimly lit environments.

Now, the difference between f/2.8 and f/4 is one stop. It could be said that simply increasing the camera's ISO sensitivity by one stop is a legitimate work-around, and in some cases it is. Current DSLRs have much better noise handling than earlier generations, and even at ISO 1,600, some cameras produce very decent results.

Depending on the ambient light, the ISO adjustment may be insignificant (eg, 200 to 400), but when shooting at higher ISO settings such as 1,600, the difference between one ISO setting and the next may be quite significant in terms of sensor-induced noise.

While the same exposure at a particular shutter speed can be maintained by increasing the ISO by one stop to compensate for the one-stop narrower aperture, one thing this cannot do is increase the diffusion of the background blur.

Depth of field is affected by three things: aperture, focal length and subject distance. Where the focal length and subject distance remain the same, the aperture is the differentiating factor, and the difference between f/2.8 and f/4, especially at longer focal lengths, can be quite significant. If background blur is an important quality, the 24-70 would be a better choice.

Similarly, for low-light shooting where people are subjects, the 24-70 would be a better choice.


Focal Length Range

Without a doubt, the 24-105 is the superior lens if having more reach in a single lens is important to the shooter.

However, many people who own a 24mm L zoom also own a 70-200mm L zoom (especially one of the f/2.8 offerings), so to those people, having an extra 35mm may not be a big draw-card.

Where the 24-105's extra (and quite useful) focal range is particularly beneficial is for travel photography. Some travellers may be quite constrained by size and weight, and when travelling, particularly on a non-photographic trip, swapping lenses may not be ideal.

We all know that the main benefit of buying an inter-changeable lens-based camera system is the ability to change lenses, and that buying one lens and never changing it is akin to buying a convertible sports car and always driving with the roof closed; but there are some circumstances in which changing lenses is either impractical or completely undesirable.

A wet or dusty environment is a classic case. When it comes to travel, a traveller may be in a tour group or need to be able to move quickly, and changing lenses could waste time and delay people, or, worse from a photographic perspective, cause the shooter to miss a time-critical shot.

For other people shooting in environments not constrained by size, weight or time, having a separate telephoto zoom lens in the 70-200mm range may mean that the extra 35mm of reach in the 24-105 is not a highly attractive feature that would tip the scales in favour of the 24-105.


Size, Weight and Cost

For many people, the issues of size, cost and weight are significant enough to tip the scales in favour of one lens over the other.

Let's look at the differences between size and weight.

The 24-70 weighs 950 grams, whereas the 24-105 weighs 670 grams. For a lens of this size, that 280 gram difference is substantial.

The 24-70's maximum length is 123.5mm, whereas the 24-105 has a maximum length of 107mm. 1.65cm probably doesn't make a huge amount of difference, but the 24-70 is noticeably longer. It is surprisingly narrower, but by a very small amount (83.2mm vs. 83.5mm).

Cost is variable depending on where you buy and when, but without getting into specifics, the 24-70 is generally going to be $400-500 more expensive in the Australian market. This may be the most significant factor for some people in choosing between these two lenses.


Image Stabilisation (IS)

The presence of Canon's image stabilisation in the 24-105 adds complexity to the decision-making process when evaluating these two lenses.

What IS allows is for up to three stops of hand-holdability. This means that it is theoretically possible to achieve the same shutter speed an f/1.4 lens would allow, and achieve a sharp shot, which makes the 24-105 more desirable than the 24-70.

What's crucially important to understand about image stabilisation is that it is only useful for static subjects; it does not freeze subject movement. The only way to freeze subject movement is with a sufficiently fast shutter speed, which requires more light, or more light-gathering ability.

When shooting static subjects, IS is fantastic. When shooting moving subjects in low light, the only way to achieve a sharp image is with more light, either from flashes, a brighter aperture, a higher ISO sensitivity or any combination of those three factors.

Some people claim that IS is not useful on standard or wide focal lengths. I disagree. I believe that IS is useful at any focal length. It is to be remembered that not all photographers have good lens handling technique, and that a shutter speed for one person may be too slow for another to achieve a sharp image.

IS also helps when instability is introduced by external factors, such as gusty wind, or being on a boat or jetty which may move with the water. IS can also be beneficial when standing on uneven ground or when otherwise placed in an unstable or awkward position on order to land the shot.

If IS is more important than light-gathering ability and subject motion in low light is not a consideration, the 24-105 makes for a better choice.


Minimum Focus Distance

There is an 8cm difference between the minimum focus distance (MFD) of both lenses, with the 24-70 having a shorter MFD at 38cm.

While neither lens could remotely be considered a macro lens (the 24-70 has a maximum magnification of 0.29x at 70mm, and the 24-105 has a maximum magnification of 0.23x at 105mm), it is possible to get quite close to a subject for a larger view.

To that end, the 24-70 is the superior lens because it allows the lens to be closer to the subject, increasing the apparent size of the subject in relation to the frame. Additionally, the f/2.8 aperture allows a narrower depth of field (if this is important to the image).


Lens Hoods

It might seem strange to discuss lens hoods when comparing two lenses, but the differences between the hoods of both 24mm L zooms are significant enough to warrant particular mention, notably because the 24-70's lens hood mechanism is unique to that lens.

The 24-70 has a very large hood that is designed for the 70mm telephoto focal length. How does it work at 24mm? Good question. The hood attaches to the lens barrel, and not the rim of the lens which extends and contracts.

The 24-70 uses a "reverse-zoom" feature, where the lens is physically longest at its shortest focal length. To zoom out to 24mm, the barrel extends. To zoom in to 70mm, the barrel contracts.

Because the hood is not attached to the moving part of the barrel, when zooming out to 24mm, the objective element extends towards the end of the lens hood, and is positioned at a suitable distance from the edge of the lens hood to match the 24mm focal length.

When the lens is zoomed in to 70mm, the objective element is recessed deeply, and the hood therefore provides a greater depth suitable for that focal length.

This is unique to the 24-70; no other zoom lens with an extending barrel (including the 24-105) in the Canon EF lens lineup incorporates this clever design feature.

Because of the lack of this design in the 24-105, its hood is only useful (for preventing flare and increasing contrast) at 24mm. It is a shallow hood, meaning that at 70mm, it is not useful or suitable for the focal length.

I do not consider the hood design of either lens to be a differentiating factor in choosing between the two lenses, but I do consider the "reverse zoom" a very clever and practical design feature, and in the case of the 24-70, flaring is far less likely to be an issue.


But Wait, What About Optical Performance?

Astute readers will have noticed that I have not discussed the optical qualities of both lenses. That alone is a separate subject, and there are plenty of reviews out there, some of which go into considerable detail.

What I will say is this: both lenses are sharp and produce nice colour and contrast. I have not compared in any detail the differences between them, as for my (fussy) liking they are both excellent. Some say the 24-70 is superior, but that's an individual assessment.

I have owned one of these lenses and shot with both; neither one of them left me wanting more image quality.

If the finer points of optical quality are of particular interest, I recommend reading The Digital Picture's Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM review (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-24-70mm-f-2.8-L-USM-Lens-Review.aspx) and Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM review (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-24-105mm-f-4-L-IS-USM-Lens-Review.aspx).


Conclusion

Both lenses are solid performers.

While the individual's needs, wants and constraints are very much variable, I can offer a few general points of advice.


If low light capability and subject movement is an issue, choose the 24-70.
If background blur is important, choose the 24-70.
For general-purpose outdoor/travel photography, choose the 24-105.
If size, weight and cost alone are limiting factors, choose the 24-105.

Choosing between these lenses is not an easy task, and having been there myself, I can speak first-hand of the difficult choice it is.

Hopefully the points I have discussed here will make it easier for you.

twister
01-08-2010, 6:14pm
Excellent post!

I will probably face the same dilemma when making glass purchase in a couple of months (it might be a different call if the rumoured 24-70 f/2.8L IS materialises)...

Xenedis
01-08-2010, 10:12pm
I will probably face the same dilemma when making glass purchase in a couple of months (it might be a different call if the rumoured 24-70 f/2.8L IS materialises)...

People have been discussing the possibility of a 24-70/2.8L IS for years, but I don't see it happening. Time will tell, of course.

wattsgallery
01-08-2010, 10:40pm
Great summary - it is a choice I had to make also. I read everything I could find online about it and still couldnt really decide. It was only when I actually had the chance to extensively use the lenses that I really made up my mind. In the end I was lucky enough to borrow a 24-105 for a 2 week holiday. While it is a capable lens for its purpose I realised that it was too much of a compromise for me and it steered me to the 24-70 (which I picked up second hand) which I am more than happy with.

I was probably most worried about the weight of the 24-70 but let me tell you - get a Black rapid strap (or similar if there are) as it completely changes your weight holding capabilities (ie it is no problem when I use the RS7).

Just my experience and I know there are heaps of people very happy with the 24-105. In a nutshell - getting to test one or the other (or both) is the real way of deciding what you should get.

rwg717
01-08-2010, 10:46pm
As usual, well written and instructive, as for me....well I couldn't help myself and bought both some years ago, really good stuff and I can appreciate why the 24-70 is known as "the brick", but its Ok once you get used to it!:)
Richard

ausguitarman
01-08-2010, 11:54pm
Brilliant post :th3:.

For me it came down to 4. The weight and the IS with my hand shake was the deciding factor.

vk2gwk
02-08-2010, 12:29pm
I have the 24-105mm and am very happy with it. As I have never used the other lens I cannot compare but only confirm some of the points mentioned by the OP. The 24-105mm is an ideal travel lens and has just that little bit of extra reach that comes in handy. My main body is the 5D MKII and I use the higher ISO settings a lot to compensate for the comparitive slowness (at f/4). On the other hand - unless you are in birds or flowers at low light - the lack of DOF at f/2.8 can be an issue when shooting larger subjects (like a group of people).

One of the things not mentioned yet is that for owners of a crop frame camera the situation is different than for full frame owners. With a crop frame the max focal length of 70mm is about the same as the 105mm for the FF camera! On the other end of the scale 24 mm for crop frames is not as wide as on the FF.

twister
02-08-2010, 5:36pm
One of the things not mentioned yet is that for owners of a crop frame camera the situation is different than for full frame owners. With a crop frame the max focal length of 70mm is about the same as the 105mm for the FF camera! On the other end of the scale 24 mm for crop frames is not as wide as on the FF.

In the same vein, the 24-105 has a long end that equates to 168mm on a crop body...As far as reach goes, the 24-105 is the winner...


People have been discussing the possibility of a 24-70/2.8L IS for years, but I don't see it happening. Time will tell, of course.

That is true...but last time I was at the CameraHouse outlet on lonsdale street (near QV), the guy said it might make sense to wait for Photokina...

even if they don't release an IS version, a rehash of the 24-70 is long overdue (the current one was released in 2002)...I don't want to plonk $1700 on it at the moment because I've heard a fair bit about quality control issues with that model...

I dont intend to purchase till october or so, and by then if conditions dont favour the 24-70 (e.g. if Canon jacks the price up for a rehashed model like the 70-200 f/2.8 IS-II) I might go for the 24-105 and a nifty fifty for low light...otherwise the 24-70 remains a worthy contender in my books...

Xenedis
02-08-2010, 5:48pm
In the same vein, the 24-105 has a long end that equates to 168mm on a crop body...As far as reach goes, the 24-105 is the winner...

Yes -- when dealing with longer focal lengths, a lens with more reach at the long end will win on any camera. On an APS-C camera, the framing is tighter, which is beneficial, as it's not necessary to throw away pixels to achieve a tighter crop.



That is true...but last time I was at the CameraHouse outlet on lonsdale street (near QV), the guy said it might make sense to wait for Photokina...

I personally don't invest much in what some guy said. Those who know don't talk, and those who talk don't know.

While Canon traditionally does announce new products soon before or at a major photographic trade show, it doesn't always do this; and even so, the occurrence of a trade show doesn't mean a 24-70/2.8L IS will be forthcoming.

A lot of people would like such a lens to materialise, but I just cannot see Canon releasing a lens which would potentially cannibalise sales of either or both of its current 24mm L zooms.

I am happy to be proven wrong about this, of course.



even if they don't release an IS version, a rehash of the 24-70 is long overdue (the current one was released in 2002)...I don't want to plonk $1700 on it at the moment because I've heard a fair bit about quality control issues with that model...

Slight soap-box moment: A lens being "old" doesn't mean it needs a refresh. Sure, some lenses do, but consider this: the 300/2.8L IS, 400/2.8L IS, 500/4L IS and 600/4L IS were all introduced in the latter half of 1999, which makes them even older. As an owner of one of them, I can assure you that it's not in any way lacking. :-)

Sure, Canon has introduced its subwavelength structure coating and four-stop IS in recent years, but IMO these improvements don't relegate a previous-generation lens to a lower status level.

My view is that a person should buy a lens or camera when (s)he needs it. IMO, people get too caught up in a vicious, self-imposed obsolescence cycle, believing that the next version of some product will be released any day now, thus turning the existing model into mustard.

Imagenif
02-08-2010, 5:58pm
Very helpful post & timely for myself as I'm looking at a 105 now. Thanks

I @ M
02-08-2010, 6:50pm
Yeah I know, I don't have Canon gear but I thought I would just stick my nose in and say thanks for a well thought out analysis that may help people looking at either lens. :th3:




Slight soap-box moment: A lens being "old" doesn't mean it needs a refresh. Sure, some lenses do, but consider this: the 300/2.8L IS, 400/2.8L IS, 500/4L IS and 600/4L IS were all introduced in the latter half of 1999, which makes them even older. As an owner of one of them, I can assure you that it's not in any way lacking. :-)

Sure, Canon has introduced its subwavelength structure coating and four-stop IS in recent years, but IMO these improvements don't relegate a previous-generation lens to a lower status level.

My view is that a person should buy a lens or camera when (s)he needs it. IMO, people get too caught up in a vicious, self-imposed obsolescence cycle, believing that the next version of some product will be released any day now, thus turning the existing model into mustard.

Thank you for that, the soap box moment applies to many brands, when a company gets it very right the first time there is usually no reason to upgrade or redesign a lens for many years. A lens may have been first released 'last century' but if you buy a new one today the chances are it will have only been manufactured in the last year or so.

Many a good tune has been played on an old fiddle. :rolleyes:

dulvariprestige
02-08-2010, 7:06pm
Thanks for putting in the time to write this Xenedis, lately i've been tossing up whether to sell my 105 and get the 70, the IS and extra reach is nice on the 105, but 2.8 can be very handy sometimes.

I was thinking about the sigma 24-70, but then I'd have to buy more ND and polarising filters, and 82mm aren't cheap, so that brings the price difference no so bigger difference.

I think it's time to rent 24-70 and see which one will suit my needs.

Craftypics
02-08-2010, 7:36pm
Good summary - it should be stickied.

Ive got the luxury of having both lenses and although it would be nice to just have one I use the 24-70 F/2.8 for Gig photography where F/2.8 is a must have and then the 24-105 when I want a single general purpose lens for walkabout, holidays or "museums" with static objects

twister
02-08-2010, 8:55pm
Slight soap-box moment: A lens being "old" doesn't mean it needs a refresh. Sure, some lenses do, but consider this: the 300/2.8L IS, 400/2.8L IS, 500/4L IS and 600/4L IS were all introduced in the latter half of 1999, which makes them even older. As an owner of one of them, I can assure you that it's not in any way lacking. :-)


That's there...but I've come across people on forums complaining that the 24-70 simply doesnt have the resolving power to match the density of the sensor on the likes of the 7D...


Sure, Canon has introduced its subwavelength structure coating and four-stop IS in recent years, but IMO these improvements don't relegate a previous-generation lens to a lower status level.

Agreed again. But the 70-200/2.8 IS received a major bump in sharpness with the Mk-II version, and it was no slouch back when it was released...


My view is that a person should buy a lens or camera when (s)he needs it. IMO, people get too caught up in a vicious, self-imposed obsolescence cycle, believing that the next version of some product will be released any day now, thus turning the existing model into mustard.

Agreed again. I have to hold my purchase for a couple of months anyway (looking to TRS the lens when I fly home for summer)....


I'm not in any way saying that the 24-70 in its current form is a bad lens...just that it could do with a bump up in sharpness (the 17-55 f/2.8 is sharper, so obviously better optics can fit in within a similar price), and better quality control...it was released back in the days of the D60 an 10D, and since then, sensors have gotten a lot more dense, and tend to out-resolve some lenses...

One fellow forum member on Whirlpool reported issues with CA on the 24-70 when mounted on a 7D...on the internet there's plenty of people going around with complains of 24-70s back-focusing as well...

Regardless of whether canon updates it or not, I will purchase a suitable lens from whatever's available at time of purchase...

Xenedis
02-08-2010, 9:24pm
That's there...but I've come across people on forums complaining that the 24-70 simply doesnt have the resolving power to match the density of the sensor on the likes of the 7D...

That's the critical point, and one I had on my mind when posting, but completely forgot to mention!

The replacement of a lens may be driven by the potential or actuality for a sensor to out-resolve it.

And thanks to all for the nice comments; I hope this article clears the waters re these two lenses.

Andrew: Thinking of jumping ship? :-)

I @ M
03-08-2010, 6:30am
Andrew: Thinking of jumping ship? :-)

From, the Queen Mary 2 to the Titanic?
Nope, happy sailing all the way here. :D

Darvidanoar
03-08-2010, 6:48am
Thanks. I'm having this debate with myself right now, so this is quite timely.

mikew09
03-08-2010, 7:25am
Excellent review, I am looking at the 24-105 as my next lens and your review is helpful in the decision process. Thanx.

Steve Axford
03-08-2010, 7:36am
I have used both and I prefer the 24-105. I have used it as a travel lens and I think it is better for that because"
A - it is lighter
B - it has a greater zoom range
C - it is about the same quality as the 24-70

I use primes almost exclusively now, so the f2.8 holds no great attraction and the 24-105 is sharp at f4. At least it was with a 5D.

Darvidanoar
03-08-2010, 1:22pm
When shooting static subjects, IS is fantastic. When shooting moving subjects in low light, the only way to achieve a sharp image is with more light, either from flashes, a brighter aperture, a higher ISO sensitivity or any combination of those three factors.

Having never owned an IS lens, this is something I'd never thought of until you mentioned it. However, the genre I'm interested in is more corporate event than sport, so perhaps the 25-105 would be fine?

wattsgallery
03-08-2010, 2:00pm
Having never owned an IS lens, this is something I'd never thought of until you mentioned it. However, the genre I'm interested in is more corporate event than sport, so perhaps the 25-105 would be fine?

Not sure what sport your into but unless its elephant polo (apparently it exists) you might find 105 too short. :)

JzB
03-08-2010, 4:51pm
Excellent post and very timely for me too.

One question, do you (or anyone else) consider re-sale values?

Cheers,

JzB

Xenedis
03-08-2010, 5:56pm
One question, do you (or anyone else) consider re-sale values?

I've personally never bought a pre-owned lens before.

My article doesn't delve into price any deeper than stating that the 24-70 is generally hundreds more expensive (new, but not stated as such) in the Australian market.

Prices can vary, and with the pre-owned market, that's an even bigger minefield.

Darvidanoar
03-08-2010, 7:22pm
Not sure what sport your into but unless its elephant polo (apparently it exists) you might find 105 too short. :)
erm, I think you read that fack to brunt :)

JzB
03-08-2010, 8:30pm
I've personally never bought a pre-owned lens before.

My article doesn't delve into price any deeper than stating that the 24-70 is generally hundreds more expensive (new, but not stated as such) in the Australian market.

Prices can vary, and with the pre-owned market, that's an even bigger minefield.

Yep and understand. I was more curious of the on sale value of a lens. ie; buy new and then sell used after a period of time. Do some lenses hold their values better than others? My question is more generic than to your review above.

Cheers,

JzB

wattsgallery
03-08-2010, 9:50pm
erm, I think you read that fack to brunt :)

Whoops sorry - read the "than" as an "and"

thinkimages
05-08-2010, 9:11pm
have had the 24 to 105L for two years,very happy with it!

flyfisher
06-08-2010, 6:11pm
Very thoughtful precis of the two lens. Thank you very much.

elrobbo
08-08-2010, 12:17pm
Very appreciative of the review - thankyou!
: )

bartt_06
09-08-2010, 11:03am
Great review Xenedis. I am considering getting a lens along these lines pretty soon, so this has been very usefull for me.

Cheers!

[\edit] Great Blog too!

katiedransfield
23-09-2010, 12:21pm
I have been trying to make my way through the minefield of information on these two lenses for a while now, and this review really cemented by choice. Thanks for the detailed analysis. Very helpful.

electricmic
23-09-2010, 2:59pm
Thanks for the write-up. Much appreciated.

Allan Ryan
25-09-2010, 8:26am
Thanks Xenedis

I purchased the 24-105 based on price and extra reach - sounds simple but it wasn't :)

at the end of months of worrying about which one to by I realized that the 24-105 was being called thing like
" the most versitle walk around Lens "
" if i could have only one lens this would be it "
and other comments like that were in the reviews

Bottom line is
I don't know if i will ever spend that much on a lens again,
so i went for the 24-105 based on it being considered as one of the best lens to have if you cant afford or carry more lens..... does that make sense?

sonofcoco
26-09-2010, 3:24pm
I've been debating the same issue. Will probably upgrade my kit lens at the end of the year to one of these two...am currently angling towards the 24-70mm f2.8 as I've found myself at festivals etc with the 70-200 f4L wishing I could shoot at faster speeds to get decent shots of what was happening.

I have a 40D though, and realistically probably won't be upgrading to full frame for at least 2 or 3 years...so am also thinking about the 17-55mm f2.8.

The 24-70 would sit nicely with the 10-22mm, 70-200mm, nifty fifty and 100mm Macro though.

James Axford
27-09-2010, 8:46am
I used to have the 24-70 but sold it for the 24-105 hoping for some higher IQ at the 24mm end.
I believe it is better but i ended up buying a 24mm mkII and there is no comparison. the 24 primes is worlds apart from the zoom.
I hardly ever use the zoom these days as i have the range covered by primes, but it does come in handy for the occasional event now and then. I wont sell it.

ZedEx
28-09-2010, 8:12am
I went with the 24-70 for my 5D, over the 24-105 for a number of reasons. Majorly, it will be used for weddings and that extra stop of light really plays a part when indoor lighting gets dim. I'm not at all fussed by the bulk of it, I'm a fairly strong lad so it's really of no concern :p IQ has been absolutely superb, obviously not as good as a prime but pretty damn good and I have no complaints

wattsgallery
28-09-2010, 10:07am
My experience is opposite to James' re the 24mm end of the zooms - after using both I found the 24-70 far better at the 24 end than the 24-105. Obviously neither would compare to the primes - v jealous James. As to the weight I agonised over it before I bought it but (with the Black Rapid strap) the weight is fine.

Xenedis
28-09-2010, 11:31am
My experience is opposite to James' re the 24mm end of the zooms - after using both I found the 24-70 far better at the 24 end than the 24-105. Obviously neither would compare to the primes - v jealous James. As to the weight I agonised over it before I bought it but (with the Black Rapid strap) the weight is fine.

While it's generally true that primes are sharper than zooms, the f/2.8 Canon L-series zooms are very sharp, close enough that for most people the difference will not be noticeable or significant.

I have five L primes and two of the three fast Canon L zooms, and with the zooms I've never found myself displeased with sharpness. I like fast primes for light-gathering ability; while they are exceptionally sharp, the sharpness they offer wasn't a big factor in my decision.

electricmic
28-09-2010, 3:42pm
I just bought the 21-105L on the weekend and I am at about 50 shots.

So far it does exactly what I want it to do, keep it on the body as an everyday walk around lens. The extra focal length has been great as I previously used the 18-55 that comes with the kit.

Once I have a look at the images on the computer I will throw a few here for everyone.

Canon500D
21-06-2011, 9:54pm
Very good thread.
Still can't decide tho as I want the 105 focal length and IS, but want the /2.8. they need to combine the 2 :D

Xenedis
03-07-2011, 2:51pm
Still can't decide tho as I want the 105 focal length and IS, but want the /2.8. they need to combine the 2 :D

Lots of people have wanted that, but I cannot see Canon ever doing it, as it would cannibalise sales of both lenses.