Canon EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM vs Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM

Side-by-side comparison from our catalogue data. Better values are highlighted only where a clear difference exists.

Canon

EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM

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Canon

EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM

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Verdict at a glance

Canon EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM is faster by 4.1 stops (f/24.0 vs f/100.0), letting in more light.
Canon EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM is lighter by 1045g.
Canon EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM goes wider (24mm vs 100mm).
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM reaches further (400mm vs 105mm).

Specification comparison
Spec	EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM	EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
Brand	Canon	Canon
Mount	Canon EF	Canon EF
Type	Superzoom	Telephoto Zoom
Focal length	24-105mm (wider)	100-400mm
Max aperture	f/24.0 (faster)	f/100.0
Released	2014	2014
Blades	7	9
Format	full-frame	full-frame
Groups	13	16
Af motor	STM	USM
Elements	17	21
Weight g	525.0 (lighter)	1570.0
Filter mm	77	77
Length mm	104.0	193.0
Stabilized	Yes	Yes
Diameter mm	83.4	94.0
Min focus m	0.4 (closer focusing)	0.98
Max magnification	0.3	0.31

Canon EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM

A lighter, non-L alternative to the 24-105mm f/4L with a stepping motor, stabilization and full-frame coverage. Aimed at video-friendly kit use.

Pros

Lighter than the L zoom
STM focusing suits video
Image stabilization
Closer minimum focus distance (0.4 m)

Cons

Variable aperture limits low-light use
No weather sealing
Barrel distortion at 24mm

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM

The EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM is a telephoto zoom with a twist-to-zoom design, improved optics and image stabilization. It replaced the push-pull original and suits wildlife and sports.

Pros

Twist zoom ring
Sharp across the range
Effective stabilization
Weather-sealed

Cons

Variable aperture
Heavy for a zoom (about 1.6 kg)
Large

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