Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM vs 24-105mm f/4L IS USM
Both are Canon EF lenses for full frame. Here is what actually differs.
Pick the 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM if
- You need 1 stop more light for low light or background blur (f/2.8 vs f/4)
- You shoot close-ups: it focuses down to 0.38 m vs 0.45 m
- You care about the shape of out-of-focus highlights: 9 aperture blades vs 8
- You prefer a newer design: released 2012 vs 2005
- Our notes say it suits: Weddings and events, photojournalism, portraits
Pick the 24-105mm f/4L IS USM if
- You want the lighter lens to carry: 135 g lighter (670 g vs 805 g)
- You need more reach: 105mm vs 70mm at the long end
- You shoot handheld in dim light or video: it has optical image stabilization and the 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM does not
- Our notes say it suits: Travel, events, landscapes
Spec differences
12 differences| 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM | 24-105mm f/4L IS USM | |
|---|---|---|
| Type |
Zoom
|
Superzoom
|
| Focal length |
24-70mm
|
24-105mm
|
| Max aperture |
f/2.8
1 stop faster
|
f/4
|
| Weight |
805 g
|
670 g
lighter
|
| Length |
113 mm
|
107 mm
shorter
|
| Diameter |
88.5 mm
|
83.5 mm
slimmer
|
| Filter thread |
82 mm
|
77 mm
|
| Min focus distance |
0.38 m
closer
|
0.45 m
|
| Max magnification |
0.21×
|
0.23×
larger
|
| Aperture blades |
9
more blades
|
8
|
| Image stabilization |
No
|
Yes
stabilized
|
| Released |
2012
|
2005
|
5 identical specs hidden: brand, mount, format, optical design, autofocus motor. Show all
- Brand
- Canon both
- Mount
- Canon EF both
- Format
- Full frame both
- Optical design
- 18 elements / 13 groups both
- Autofocus motor
- USM both
Our notes
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
The second generation of Canon's pro standard zoom, with a constant f/2.8 aperture and weather sealing for demanding full-frame work.
Pros
- Constant f/2.8
- Sharp across the zoom range
- Weather-sealed
- Wide-to-short-tele range
Cons
- No image stabilization
- Heavy (about 800 g)
- Large 82mm filter thread
Our notes
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM
A constant-f/4 standard zoom with image stabilization. Canon sold it as a kit lens with several full-frame bodies, and it remains a common general-purpose choice.
Pros
- Useful 24-105mm range
- Constant f/4
- Image stabilization
- L-series dust and moisture resistance
Cons
- Noticeable barrel distortion at 24mm
- Vignetting wide open at the short end
- Not fast enough for dim light
More comparisons
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM vs Tamron SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD
295 g lighter vs wider (15mm)
Tamron AF 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di LD Macro vs Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM
more reach (300mm) vs wider (24mm)
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM vs Tamron SP AF 70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD (IF) MACRO
wider (24mm) vs more reach (200mm)
Tamron SP 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di VC USD vs Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM
more reach (300mm) vs 95 g lighter
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM vs Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC
more reach (70mm) vs wider (18mm)
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM vs Tokina 12-24mm f/4 AT-X 124 AF Pro DX
more reach (105mm) vs 100 g lighter