Which 24-105mm lens? Finding the best zoom for Canon EOS R 

I have the f4 versions of the EF and RF. Keeping both… The RF for when I am using the R5 and keeping the EF for when using the C300 M3 and the C70 with the 0.71x speedboaster. The best of both worlds

My agency has just re-equipped with R5 and the 24-105mm RF f4 lenses, and I have to say I'm mighty impressed. The image sharpness is excellent, and seems consistently better/sharper than the well used 24-70mm f2.8 EF lenses I had before. And the 24-105mm focal range is so useful!

I found the Tamron 35-150 to be a very pleasant compromise, offering good image quality wide open (very good stopped down), as well as weather sealing, accurate auto focus, excellent stabilization and a light weight for what it covers. Considering it remains a F2.8-F3.2 (the difference in light is negligible) up to ~65mm, it covers the more action oriented aspect of the 24-70 quite well, while providing a longer range than the standard 105mm used by F4 lenses (though of course both the standard f2.8 and f4 lenses go wider). However, the one other zoom I (and no doubt many others) tend to carry is something covering either X-24 or X-35mm which mitigates this factor somewhat.

A thought; if you have been a long term Canon shooter, then, the EF L lens with a RF adapter could be the best choice provided the lens is already in your bag. I own a lot of EF L lens and they work extremely well on my R6 body. Selling the EF glass to purchase the newer RF seems wasteful unless money doesn't matter. I have an excellent Sony stereo condenser mic which I clip to my belt if I have a noisy focusing lens. It prevents the pickup of the noise and is easy to use. The cost of the adapter, once allocated over all your legacy glass is minimal and the extra length minor compared to the upgrade costs. Thanks for your review.

The smart money is on the 24-105 non L for travel and keep a 50mm 1.8 in your pocket/bag for portraits/low light as f4 is still bad for these scenarios anyway

I chose the Sigma 24-105 f/4 Art when I compared it with the Canon EF 24-105 f/4 for my Canon 5D Mk3 a few years ago - worth a look although it's built (and weighs) like a tank.

I recently bought the STM version as my first RF glass (I had only a few EF primes to pair w/my RP using the commlite adapter) and I have to admit that this kit lens has reallly surprised me. It is decently sharp, cheap and lightweight, Definetly worth the money! The only downside is the fact that it is a extremely low lens but very fun to use for daylight photography

I still use my old ef 24-105. Not the best lens for my eos r but still gets the job done. Happy i did not sell it.

Here's a bit different perspective: The "kit" lens is much lighter and cheaper - that is correct. BUT, eventually, you'll encounter less than optimal light conditions but would still like to take the shot with your "pro camera" rather than resorting to your iPhone. To match the shot you'd be able to take with the F/4 L, you'll need a flash. I'd rather get the heftier lens and be able to take a beautiful shot, than going cheap and being unable to do so. Or have to bother with lugging a flash around. I am still on APS-C DSLR but moving from a F/3.5-4.5 zoom lens, to a fixed aperture 1.8 lens (although a bit bulkier, heavier and with less range) completely changed my experience. I'm now able to take shots that I could never take before and even at F/1.8 I'm often forced to go to 3000-4000 ISO which is more than I'd normally want to shoot at with the 7d2.

Very nice video--practical real world experiences with each of the lenses considered. I've been using the 24-105 f/4L for most of my walk around work, and have found it to be both versatile and reliable. That said, as someone who used the Olympus OM-D E-M1 for many years prior to obtaining an EOS R, I still don't find the Canon options as convenient, or versatile, as my Olympus kit. In that case, the 12-40mm and 40-150mm f/2.8 Pro lenses matched with the E-M1 body, provided far more range, as a set, while not incurring a weight penalty. In the end, I am forced to concede that for day to day use, in decent to good light, the Olympus was a better solution for me. The Canon comes into its own in indoor, or challenging lighting scenarios, which frankly, I don't encounter as often as I thought I would. For my Canon kit to offer versatility on par with my Olympus, I would need the 24-105 f/4 L, and another lens to cover the range from 100 to 300mm and at a constant maximum aperture not less than f/5.6. With those limitations in mind, I'd be looking at some serious weight penalties, and some serious cost as well. I do hope that Olympus, or OM Digital, as the case is now, will continue to invest in that system, and offer some new pro bodies with upgraded video specs. Ultimately, for me, I think future photography will be defined by a smaller sensor form factor unless, by some miracle, Canon opens up its RF ecosystem to third party manufacturers who can offer smaller, lighter, and more versatile lens options.

I was just wondering this exact same thing!! So glad you’re ahead of the game! Thanks Gordon!!

I got the non L 24 105 and I am quite happy with the decision after Gordon's video. I also use the 70 200 for long end so I don't mind having a darker aperture

The RF L for $1795ca + tax or Used EF L for $450ca + $100 adapter 🤔

What a well summarized comparison - thank you!

u don't recommend me buying the EF lens for my R10? it gives almost the same results as the RFs ...? even with the adopter it would normally still be perfect for what i need it (photography in pitboxes , pitlane ,... ?) plus doesn't cost me an arm and a leg

You can get the EF 24-105 that's in a good condition for the same price you can an RF non L that's practically brand new on MPB. EF L wins for me hand down!

I really don't understand the argument that the EF lenses are not worth buying in 2021 if you have an R-series camera? You can still use your EF glass with an adapter on your R camera! Why wasting money for new RF glass if you're not entirely convinced of its quality (like here)? Simply wait for Canon or third party to give you your required quality lens! ;)

So, the low end kit lens is good enough for most of us. If this is what we can expect from Canon in the future, l may have to buy RF instead of EF as I planned.

I think the weather sealing is the answer ... especially as an architecture and landscape shooter. That's the ONLY one that matters that one has over the other. The other AF mode vs. not with switch is just a creature comfort. I go with the variable 24-105, vs. fixed f4. IQ is always the key .. IQ = IQ .. then next is weather sealing.

Thank you for the good review, and thanks to Ben in particular. Just one question: Doesn‘t the „Focus/Control“ switch on the kit lens turn AF off or on respectively?

I got the kit lens, but I splurged on the RF 14-35 f4 and its a dream.

I have owned both of the RF 24-105mm lenses for quite a while. My daughter and I shoot together quite often, and share equipment. As I purchased my first EOS R in the beginning of 2019, the 24-105mm f/4 L was the only native kit option available to me. It wasn't until later when I purchased a second EOS R, that the 24-105mm f/4-7.1 was available, and at the time the f/4 L was not available. In your comparison, you mentioned that the images didn't look great at 24mm. I think this is mainly due to distortion correction needed at 24mm. However, last year I had the focus of our camera bodies calibrated and then the lenses calibrated to the bodies. Afterwards my daughter, who is more of a pixel peeper, noticed that the images we shot at 24mm were improved. However, it did not seem to make much, if any, difference at 105mm. All that said, we rarely shoot at 24mm. Most of our collection is shot at 35mm or narrower, so we accept the quality as is at 24mm. (over 99% > 35mm) If we plan on trying to get important shots at wide angle, we find it best to use a prime anyway. We recently opted to get a second 24-105mm f/4 L, when one was available used at the local camera shop. For us, after using both lenses for several years, the choice was not hard to make. The f/4 L is much better choice when used indoors. We found that the contrast and color rendition seems to be better in many situations, especially in lower light situations, regardless of stopping down to the same fstop or not. It might not be something I can measure or prove, but I find with photography, subjective things are important too. That said, if you are only concerned with overall sharpness, the "kit" lense is just as good, if not better.

I sold my RF 24-105 f4 and picked up the RF 24-240, same image quality and more range.

13:05 problem: what if you already have a EF24-105 coming form a Dslr? Is it worth to upgrade? Apparently not. Is it worth to pay the full price for the RF F4 if you can find the EF version for 1/4 of the price? Again, is there really any benefit from the RF version for the difference in price if you don't own a R5 with 45MP? Debatable...

stupendous presentation - I think I'll stick with my Tamron 35 - 150 f 2.8 / 4; I've been getting awesome photos with it. Thanks for the great review it did help me make this decision....

There is a Custom Setting on page 2 called “Same Expo. for new Aperture.” This will allow you to shoot in Manual mode with a variable aperture lens and then it will change your ISO and/or shutter speed to compensate for the zoom changing your aperture. Thanks for the excellent review.

Hi, Greetings from Norway. Great presentation! R5, mostly photos, no vlogging but some family filming. I bought the RF 24- f4-7.1 because of weight, and I'm very satisfied. (I earlier replaced my EF 24-105 f.4 with the EF 24-70 for the same reason on the 5DIV. Better to carry around.) I can even bring my RF 70-200 f.4 without being overloaded on hiking. I can even put the RF 35 f 1.8 in another pocket for blurring backgrounds or macro. Portraits: I'll keep my EF 85 f.1.4 for a while.

I just bought the EF version of the f/4L (but the mark II) for use with my M50. I am impressed.

very helpful review-thanks!

The EF 24-105 F/4 L severely dims when zoomed. So it's not a constant t/4 lens.

It’s like you’re reading my mind. I bought a Gen 1 EF 24-105/4 but it kept throwing a code so I returned it the next day. Two weeks later I got the RF 23-105/4.

I think theirs one lens you forgot here the 24-105 stm 3.5-5.6 lens. I use it all the time ideal for video. coupled with the ef 16-35mm f4.

I sold all my RF glass, including the heavy 28-70 f/2, and bought used EF L series. Used EF here in Brazil is so cheap right now, it makes no sense paying so much for RF. I also sold Canon's EF to RF adaptor and got the chinese Commlite adaptor with variable ND. It's so easy to change from videos to photo right now and swap lenses without having to unscrew ND filters, step up rings, etc. Also, I found out that the EF 16-35mm 4 IS is great for vlogging, no strange sensor wobbles with the R5, and it's a great combination with the RF 50mm 1.2, that I can also use in crop mode.

i buy the kit lens as it was only 150quid more than the body only on my gray import R6 thinking i would make a bit of profit on it ..but i was pleasantly surprised how good it is and thers a few on eBay now and for the price of the L 24-105 you can buy the kit 24-105 a new RF 50mm f1.8 and the now available Yungnuo 85mm F1.8AF thats a little better than the old EF85 F1.8 for the same money and have a much more versatile kit .... when the delayed RF 18-45 non L comes out there not much you cannot do EDIT i am mistaken about the Yungnuo will have to keep using the EF 85/100

Pretty good review, sir. Pretty good. Liked and subbed.

@gordon Could you further describe "low light"? Is everything indoors low light? Is it a normal family meal or a dimmed romantic dinner? Or even a cozy tv evening? Oh and the f/4 costs €1474 which is still more than the 24-105 f/4.0-7.1 + 50 f/1.8 + 85 f/2.0 combined (€1387) !!

I was able to save a bit on the RF 24-105 f/4 L by getting it as a kit lens with my R6. But it is a hefty lens indeed.. not so much as many other L lenses, but still. I thus also recognize the arm fatigue when trying to vlog ;-) Actually I got the battery grip shortly after this combination for the purpose of balancing the lens a bit better. And for more battery life and comfortable portrait shooting off-course :-)

I own the 24-105 F4 L mark II and it's not a lens I shoot wide open with it often. For best results, I shoot at F6-8.

I’m hooked on a Contax Zeiss 24-85, converted to full EOS.

Interesting that the EF 24-105 Version 2 was not in the mix.

Can't wait for the newest video of this comparison

What about the RF 24-70mm f2.8? In comparison

Canon EF 24-105 STM Is the best.

Have never understood that someone chooses this lense, when all 24-70 are much better (and if you need a little more length, just take a few steps forward).

Gosh, I had both EF L 24-105mm versions and thought they were awful, soft and never really sharp. Ive seen other reviews not saying the RF is any better. I believe the Sony 24-105mm is a better lens when they are compared. I doubt any of these will cope with a 100mp sensor when it comes

You have a great allied in Ben. Thanks to both of you

The very best 24-105mm is the RF 24-240mm IS STM.

none of them! Buy a Tamron EF 24-70 with stabilization at constant 2.8, preferably used as i did for 700 euros, at a Meike VND EF to RF adapter for 180 euros, mount it to your EOS R and go shoot in any condition, rain, snow (the camera, the vnd and the lens are now weathersealed) or go out in the sun use your now integrated ND filter with no xpatern due to ND being used behind the lens... that feature alone made me SELL my 35mm and 85mm prime RF lenses (non L obviously). yeah, go do exacty that... you re welcome

hi i have a canon eos 5d mark III camera and i have the ef 24-105mm zoom lens but when i use it to make videos it doesn't stay focused on the subject as i move the camera around forward back etc..is there something im doing wrong anything in the camera menu i need to adjust?

I own a EF 24-70 f4 L IS and sold my RF 24-105 L f4 IS. It’s night and day in the image corners. The older 24-70 f4 EF lens, which replaced my EF 24-105 f4 L IS for exactly the same corner issues, is considerably sharper. Even the at 70mm where is maxes out the zoom reach and lenses get usually softer the old EF is at least equally sharp as the RF lens. So I’m giving up the 24-105 concept. The 24-105 kit dark zoom, without owning i, has some wild distortion and therefor more likely it has to be in the corners considerably softer.

Dont buy them. Not worth it. Unless for documentary video where you have to walk around and film... Other than that, but literaly ANY prime lens, and its gonna be better than these...

I'm too lazy to look at prices, but I'm thinking if you buy the "kit lens", you'd have enough money left over, to, IN ADDITION to the kit lens, buy TWO fast primes - the 16/2.8 for very comfortable vlogging, and, the 85/2 for gorgeous portraits, and, STILL have about $150 (U.S.) left over. And, that's IF you paid retail for the 24-105 kit, which you shouldn't, as there are many used/refurbished options.

What about mounting the FE DSLR version on Canon RP and test eye tracking with continuous auto focus for portraits

my 2nd Lens i wish or Tamron 35-150mm 2.8-F4.. i have 50mm 1.8, with this Lens plus 85mm..F2 or Viltrox 85mm RF 1.8 i think its Enough to capture the World.. in daily life.

Since the F4 24-105mm RF [L-series] does not differ much from the regular 24-105mm RF, I wonder if the F2.8 24-70mm RF L-glass is significally sharper than the F4 RF 24-105mm L from an optical *quality* point of view?

I've had the EF Version and thr RF Kit-Version, but ended up with the SIGMA 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM Art and never look back. The new RF-Version is too expensive in comparison and not enough advantages for the price and I don't support Canon's politics against third party glasses for the RF mount....

F4 is not bright

While every one is entitled to their own opinion, I have to dissagre that the EF version is a bad investment. The EF version has already deprciated and if you buy a mint S/H one it will serve you many more years to come and it will always be worth what you paid for it. The RF L version is massively overpriced and it's only going to drop in value S/H. The Value is with the EF version in my opinion. I also think that the ability to use a Drop in CPL filter with a EF to RF adapter is astonishingly useful and something that the RF version can't offer.

I, too, still have the EF version - it's been my "walkaround" lens for more than 15 years. I was an early adopter for the EOS-R - my trusty old EOS1 DS-ii died, and I had to replace it. Getting a couple of RF lenses with it stretched my budget, so, I looked at the tests and reviews, and kept my EF. The kit lens didn't exist at that time. So long as I don't mind the size and weight, there's still no reason to change out my EF. It still gets used at least once a week. :D

You can grab the EF 24-105 F4L used at same prices as a new RF 24-105 kit. I suggest the EF F4L all the way, it is simply better, and at the used price very good value. On top of that, the RF kit lens is one of the hardest lens to resell on the used market. No one is buying it, even at $100. I never recommend anyone to buy any gear that's hard to resell.

I bought the 24-105 RF F4 yesterday. Am hoping that I get great results with it. Was able to snap a bargain and get it $400 off In Australia. $1699. Enjoyed watching your video on it.

Guess it depends what kind of casual shooter you are. How picky you are......are they both "made in Japan"? ...Are all Canon lenses Made In Japan?

You forgot to talk about the macro capabilities of the kit zoom which is superior to the L version. I bought it just for that reason, I took many small jewelry product shots, so it is perfect for that.

I'd go for the Sigma 24-105 mm f4 OS ART

Very well done. I have got the kit lens with R6, it is light and sharp. Just shot some flowers with it.

Gordon you read my mind by releasing this video as I was asking the same question

Now do it again with the 2.8 version

I will still be here watching your videos, watching videos that you want to make 😊 Yes seeing a van project come together sounds interesting and fun. See you for your next video 👍🙂

I've got the EF 24-105 f4 L lens and the RF 24-105 f4-7.1which I bought with my RP. Both are fantastic lenses, but f7.1 really is a disappointment when the light goes down. Wish they stuck with f5.6 as max aperture. I have lots of EF lenses that will work perfectly for now, I might invest in the control ring adapter, I have the canon simple adapter, which I find to be flawless. I really would like the RF lens with a bit more light gathering ability. High ISO does have it's limitations. I am looking for a clean used copy of the old EF 28-105 or EF 28-135 for walking around. I would love Canon to build a RF 24-70 f4 to keep the price down. The RP with a small lens is very easy to take along. They will probably have one available in a few years. I can wait.

Bens a bloody legend!

Always stop the lens down to 5.6 or “more” for comparisons like the brick

Not sure if I'm the only one to remember one more model - *24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 STM for DSLRs* . So it makes five of them. But the forgotten one is probably the worst, so it wasn't worth mentioning...

Great video, very useful and very much appreciated!!

Great video, thanks for all the time spent to do so many different tests

How about the EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 STM?🤔

R6 can handle 16k ISO.. just use some NR later.. excellent video btw :)

2 years and nobody picked up the Withnail & I reference ... you need a better class of subscribers 😆

Well done!

Hi Mr Gordon, have you updated your R5 with the new firmware update? Would love to see you making a video about it 😊

RF24-105mm f2.8L is usm Z is the best Zoom For eos r。

Quick Timmy review: the affordable RF lens has an absolutely horrendous maximum aperture at most of its focal range, whereas the f4 RF lens is expensive. Get the EF lens used. 😜

One question - lens for 4 days trip to London, heavy EF24-105L I or STM RF ;) 4-7,1 for my R8

don't have a full frame camera i have a crop sensor camera the canon 80d i guess when the prices goes down I'll buy me a full frame camera but for right now i only have the 80d and i want a good lens that can do everything with. I want a few pointers. I want to know how good this lens is and would it fits my canon 80d

Get the canon rf 35mm 1.8 or 85mm rf f2,for low light, both have image stabilization and macro capabilities.

Brilliant!. This answers a question I have been asking myself for the last few weeks. Thank you Gordon & Ben

hey rf24-105/4 is too expensive for me - so i should choise 24-105 is stm or ef24-105? i made photo inside and outside

Epic opening Gordon! And all in one take! Great video Ben!

Would you say the EF is totally unusable on an R-serien mount?.. Personally, i can afford a used EF version, but the RF version is quite out of my reach.

I am happy as I have the F4. Good review Gordon. That was an easy one for you. Ben did all the work.😊😊

So the 24-105 f4L is a magic lens. well worth the money. I used it on my Canon R initially. I then sold the R and bought the R8. The R8 with this lens is magic.

I'm amused by what qualifies as "sun is out" in Norfolk.

How about auto focus Is EF L series better than Kit RF ?

The F4 is a lovely walkabout lens, it covers all the bases and is rarely off my camera.

My first 24-105 EF got a little dark around 50mm, does the RF version do that? (I had to zoom in during a take, (lens was set to f4), and it just got dark from 60mm-ish to 45mm-ish; I fixed the take in post, but don’t think it’s a true f4. I did not try version2 of the EF version).

Thank you for the review. I am going to grab the kit lens for travel. I can use my existing EF prime lenses if i need fast glass.

TOM Cruise photographing his family

And now they have another one of these 😂😂

Interesting. The photo of the wind turbine for the comparison may not be a good idea because of heat simmer. No lens can perform well in that situation. I am surprised the RF f4 version is not very sharp at the center at 24 mm. Other youtube reviews showed very sharp result at the center at 24 mm.

Not fair! Comparing an f4 image to an f7 image... yes, show the difference but then please also include a sample with both lenses at the same f value. Otherwise this comparison is incomplete 🤔

I’ve owned the EF 24-105mm f4L, the EF 24-105mm f4L II and the RF 24-105mm f4L. My next door neighbour has the RF 24-105mm f4 -7.1 which I’ve used and compared shots to the f4L version on both a EOS R and on a R6 and my results are different the f4L is definitely better in the centre and in the corners even at 24mm so the versions both Gordon and you used must have been worse than mine. As to the EF versions the MKII was almost identical to the RF f4L version.