Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM review

The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM is a sharper and altogether better upgrade

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM
(Image: © Canon)

Digital Camera World Verdict

The original edition of this lens was something of a kit zoom classic but left plenty of room for improvement. With its redesigned optical layout, improved build quality and uprated image stabilizer, the Mark II is a much more appealing proposition and pretty good value at the price.

Pros

  • +

    Improved image quality

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    Enhanced optical stabilization

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    Weather-sealed construction

Cons

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    Mediocre long-zoom sharpness

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    Pricier than the equivalent Sigma

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Upgraded and uprated, the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM picks up the baton from the first edition, which was launched back in 2005. The original was available as a ‘kit’ zoom option with the first three editions of the EOS 5D, as well as the 6D. However, it wasn’t sharp enough to make it onto Canon’s approved list of lenses for use with the high-resolution 5DS and 5DS R, unlike the revamped Mark II edition, launched in 2016.

Specifications

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Matthew Richards

Matthew Richards is a photographer and journalist who has spent years using and reviewing all manner of photo gear. He is Digital Camera World's principal lens reviewer – and has tested more primes and zooms than most people have had hot dinners! 

His expertise with equipment doesn’t end there, though. He is also an encyclopedia  when it comes to all manner of cameras, camera holsters and bags, flashguns, tripods and heads, printers, papers and inks, and just about anything imaging-related. 

In an earlier life he was a broadcast engineer at the BBC, as well as a former editor of PC Guide.