Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L Is USM Zoom Lens, Black - 2963C002
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AI Verdict
This 1.54-pound, constant f/4 zoom lens with 5-stop optical image stabilization is for Canon RF users needing a single lens for diverse shooting scenarios.
This lens is a strong fit for Canon RF system owners seeking a single, high-quality lens for a wide range of everyday and travel photography. Its 24-105mm focal range, constant f/4 aperture, and 5-stop image stabilization make it a capable workhorse for various scenarios, from wide landscapes to tighter portraits. It's particularly well-suited for those who value convenience and optical performance without the bulk of multiple lenses.
If f/4 isn't fast enough for your low-light or bokeh needs, look for an RF zoom lens with an f/2.8 constant aperture or a fast prime lens.
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Pros
- Delivers sharp images across most of its 24-105mm focal range.
- Optical image stabilization provides up to 5 stops of shake correction, effective for handheld shooting.
- Autofocus is fast, accurate, and quiet due to Nano USM technology.
- Covers a broad 24-105mm focal length, suitable for wide-angle to short telephoto shots.
- Features a customizable control ring for direct setting changes like aperture or ISO.
- Its 1.54-pound weight and compact design make it manageable for travel.
Cons
- Exhibits noticeable barrel distortion, requiring in-camera correction for some users.
- Image quality can be soft in the corners, particularly at wider focal lengths.
- The f/4 maximum aperture limits performance in very low light conditions and restricts background blur compared to faster lenses.
- Close-up image quality is reported as poor, especially when shooting wide open.
- The control ring can be accidentally activated due to its proximity to other rings.
Dimension Scores
Users report 'crazy sharp' images and 'professional sharpness' across most of the zoom range, though some corner softness is noted.
The Nano USM motor provides 'brilliantly fast,' 'snappy and accurate,' and 'near instant' autofocus performance.
The fast and quiet Nano USM autofocus, combined with 5-stop optical image stabilization, makes it a strong performer for video.
At 1.54 pounds, it's considered relatively compact and manageable for an L-series zoom, making it suitable for travel and everyday carry.
Best For
- Travel photography, covering diverse scenes from landscapes to street photography.
- General walk-around photography when a single, versatile lens is preferred.
- Studio work and portraits where consistent f/4 aperture is sufficient.
- Situations requiring a broad focal range without frequent lens changes.
Not Recommended For
- Dedicated low-light event photography where apertures faster than f/4 are critical.
- Professional wildlife photography, which often demands longer focal lengths and faster apertures.
- Users prioritizing extreme background blur (bokeh) for portraiture.
Watch Out For
- Barrel distortion is quite noticeable, requiring users to enable in-camera correction for straight lines.
- The control ring, while programmable, is sometimes hit accidentally, leading to unintended setting changes.
- Some users report softness in the corners of images, which might be an issue for landscape photographers.
- Close-up shots can lack sharpness, especially at f/4, which impacts detailed macro-style photography.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B07H489XDQ |
| Brand | Canon |
| Lens Type | zoom |
| Item Weight | 1.54 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Canon Cameras US |
| Item model number | 2963C002 |
| Product Dimensions | 3.3 x 3.3 x 4.2 inches |
| Compatible Mountings | Canon RF |
| Camera Lens Description | RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM |
| Focal Length Description | Zoom 24-105mm |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
What Buyers Say
Many users who were skeptical of the 24-105mm range, especially the older EF versions, have been converted by this RF lens, calling it 'crazy sharp' and a 'workhorse'. The constant f/4 aperture and 5-stop image stabilization are frequently highlighted as key benefits for its versatility across various shooting situations, from travel to studio work. However, some photographers note noticeable barrel distortion that needs in-camera correction and occasional softness in the corners. The customizable control ring is a polarizing feature; while useful, its placement can lead to accidental adjustments.
“Man, I was so over the 24-105mm from my old camera, but this RF version is actually legit. It's sharp, focuses super fast, and I can just leave it on for everything when I travel. Just wish that f/4 was a bit faster for my blurry background shots, and that control ring sometimes gets in the way.”
Common Praise
- Images are 'crazy sharp' and deliver 'professional sharpness' across most of the focal range.
- The 24-105mm focal length covers a wide range, making it a single-lens solution for many scenarios.
- Autofocus is 'brilliantly fast,' 'snappy,' and 'accurate' due to Nano USM.
- Optical image stabilization provides up to 5 stops of shake correction, aiding handheld shots.
- Considered an improvement over previous EF 24-105mm versions.
- Relatively compact and light at 1.54 pounds for an L-series zoom, making it easy to carry.
Common Complaints
- Noticeable barrel distortion requires in-camera correction.
- Image quality can be soft in the corners, especially at wider focal lengths.
- The f/4 aperture is limiting for very low light or achieving significant background blur.
- Close-up image quality is reported as poor, particularly when wide open.
- The control ring is prone to accidental bumps, leading to unintended setting changes.
Ownership Tips
- The lens has a lock mechanism to prevent zoom creep when carrying it around.
- Users often find themselves using this lens most of the time due to its versatility.
- It pairs well with Canon's R-series bodies, especially those with in-body image stabilization.
- Keeping the lens hood on is recommended to prevent scratches, as it's an expensive piece of gear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this lens suitable for video recording?
Yes, its fast and quiet Nano USM autofocus, combined with 5-stop optical image stabilization, makes it suitable for both photo and light video work.
How does this compare to the older EF 24-105mm lenses?
Many users find the RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM to be a significant improvement over its EF predecessors in terms of sharpness and overall performance.
Can I use this lens on an older Canon DSLR camera?
No, this is an RF mount lens designed specifically for Canon's mirrorless EOS R system cameras and is not compatible with DSLR bodies.
Does this lens have a lock to prevent zoom creep?
Yes, it features a lock mechanism to prevent the lens barrel from extending when not in use, which is useful for travel.
Is the f/4 aperture limiting for portrait photography?
While f/4 provides consistent exposure, it offers less background blur than lenses with wider apertures like f/2.8 or f/1.8, which some portrait photographers prefer.
Buying Guide
When looking at zoom lenses like this, you're trading a bit of aperture speed for flexibility. This lens covers a huge range, from wide-angle for landscapes to a decent telephoto for portraits, meaning you don't have to swap lenses constantly. The constant f/4 aperture means your exposure won't change as you zoom, which is super handy for video and consistent photography. Also, 'L-series' from Canon means it's built tough and uses high-quality glass, so it's a step up from their non-L lenses.
24-105mm focal length
This number tells you how 'zoomed in' or 'zoomed out' your photos will be. 24mm is wide, great for capturing big scenes like landscapes or group photos. 105mm is more zoomed in, good for isolating subjects in portraits or getting closer to distant objects. It's like having multiple prime lenses in one.
f/4 constant maximum aperture
The 'f/4' indicates how much light the lens lets in and how much background blur (bokeh) you can achieve. A constant f/4 means it stays f/4 across the entire 24-105mm zoom range. While f/4 is bright enough for most daylight, it's not as bright as f/2.8 or f/1.8, which would let in more light for dark scenes and create creamier background blur.
Optical Image Stabilization (5 stops)
This feature helps reduce blur from camera shake, especially when shooting handheld or in lower light. '5 stops' means you can theoretically shoot at shutter speeds 5 times slower than usual and still get a sharp image. It's like having a steadier hand built into the lens.
Nano USM autofocus
USM (Ultrasonic Motor) is Canon's technology for fast and quiet autofocus. 'Nano USM' is an even newer, more refined version, making focusing almost instantaneous and silent. This is crucial for capturing moving subjects and for video recording where motor noise can be distracting.
Alternatives
If this lens doesn't fit, consider searching for a zoom lens with a faster constant aperture like f/2.8 for better low-light performance and background blur, or a prime lens for ultimate sharpness and widest apertures.
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