Photo: Charles Lanteigne (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Quick answer
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
Verdict
A practical one-lens kit for full-frame bodies. Software corrections handle most of the distortion and vignetting.
About this lens
A 24-105mm f/4 superzoom lens, the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM is designed for Canon EF mount bodies, from the Canon L series with Image Stabilizer and ultrasonic-motor autofocus. A versatile L-series general-purpose zoom with image stabilization, often bundled with full-frame bodies.
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM specifications
- Brand
- Canon
- Mount
- Canon EF
- Focal length
- 24-105mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/24.0
- Lens type
- Superzoom
- Format coverage
- full-frame
- Released
- 2005
- Optical construction
- 18 elements in 13 groups
- Aperture blades
- 8
- Image stabilization
- Yes
- Autofocus motor
- USM
- Minimum focus distance
- 0.45 m
- Maximum magnification
- 0.23x
- Filter thread
- 77 mm
- Weight
- 670 g
- Length
- 107 mm
- Diameter
- 83.5 mm
Specification source: global.canon
What can you shoot with the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM?
- Travel
- Events
- Landscapes
- General full-frame use
Its smaller maximum aperture favours daylight shooting and keeps the lens compact.
Full-frame equivalent and field of view
Calculated from the focal length and crop factor. Not measured.
| Sensor | Crop | Equivalent | Horizontal FOV | Diagonal FOV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full frame | 1.0x | 24–105mm | 19.5–73.7° | 23.3–84.1° |
| APS-C | 1.6x | 38–168mm | 12.2–50.2° | 14.7–58.8° |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM weather sealed?
Yes, as an L-series lens it has dust and moisture resistance, though fitting a front filter improves protection.
Does the EF 24-105mm f/4L work on APS-C cameras?
Yes. It covers full frame and also fits APS-C EF bodies, where the 1.6x crop gives roughly 38-168mm equivalent.
EF 24-105 f/4L IS USM vs II: what's different?
The II has a newer stabilizer rated at four stops and improved coatings. The optical layout is related but refined.
Alternatives for Canon EF from other brands
All Canon EF lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.
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