Camera Labs

Hey guys,

I currently own a Canon 30D and looking to upgrade my lens. I have been looking at the following two, however, not sure which one I should choose as an all around lens.

Does anyone have any recommendations or comments on a choice?

EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

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Roger,


Canon 7D, Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM , Canon EF 70-200 f/4 L IS, Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, Canon Speedlite 580EX E-TTL II, Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod and Manfrotto 322RC2 grip ball head, Lowepro SlingShot 200 AW

Hi, we did a group test of various Canon lenses including the 17-85mm here:

http://www.cameralabs.com/features/Cano ... s_upgrade/

And also a test of the 24-105mm here:

http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon24105mmL/

Note the 24-105mm review is targeted at full-frame Canon owners but we'll be doing one for cropped Canon bodies in the near future.

The 24-105mm is much better in build quality to the 17-85mm, but it all boils down to which range you prefer. The 24-105mm doesn't get that wide on a cropped Canon body...

Gordon

Thanks Gordon, and by the way I love your site. It's extremely educational, and your reviews are great.

I will check the revies you forwarded. Thanks,

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Roger,


Canon 7D, Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM , Canon EF 70-200 f/4 L IS, Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, Canon Speedlite 580EX E-TTL II, Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod and Manfrotto 322RC2 grip ball head, Lowepro SlingShot 200 AW

Hi Roger,

I bought the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM at the same time as my 400D/XTi and have never regretted it. The lens quality speaks for itself through the various reviews and feels very comfortable in hand. If you have a look at this image (caution - 1MB file size) you can pixel peep at an unprocessed image of some stars and see another example of how sharp this lens is at 24mm and f/4.

If budget permits I would suggest this is the perfect everyday lens, even for a cropped body sensor like the 30D or the new 40D. I presume that if you need a wider angle of view then your camera's original kit lens can be pressed into service. Whether that is likely depends on your own shooting style - I have never felt the need.

Bob.

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OM-D E-M5 + ED 12-50mm, H-PS14042E, H-F007014E, L-RS014150E, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8.
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head.
Astrophotography: TEC 140 'scope, FLI ML16803 camera, ASA DDM60 Pro mount.

Hi Bob,

How about the darker edges. Would you have a sample picture where this may be a problem? I was leaning towards this lens myself, however, I'm unfamiliar with the type and quality of lens i should get. That lens in Canada is going for $1350.00, which is fine because most likely this lens will outlast the camera.

_________________
Roger,


Canon 7D, Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM , Canon EF 70-200 f/4 L IS, Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, Canon Speedlite 580EX E-TTL II, Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod and Manfrotto 322RC2 grip ball head, Lowepro SlingShot 200 AW

Vignetting isn't an issue with this lens on a cropped frame sensor. See this review for the figures. See Gordon's review for results with a full frame sensor.

And you are right: the reason I am investing slowly in L glass is in the expectation (or hope) of the camera it will be attached to in 5 or 10 years!

Bob.

_________________
OM-D E-M5 + ED 12-50mm, H-PS14042E, H-F007014E, L-RS014150E, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8.
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head.
Astrophotography: TEC 140 'scope, FLI ML16803 camera, ASA DDM60 Pro mount.