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Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM review tested with Canon EOS 5D Gordon Laing, June 2006 / updated August 2007
 
Canon EF 24-105mm design and build quality

Pictured below are the Canon EF 24-105mm on the left and the Canon EF 24-70mm on the right, with both lenses zoomed-out to their widest 24mm setting. The EF 24-70mm is quite unique in that the barrel is extended at its widest focal length and shortest when zoomed-in to 70mm.
 
 


Canon 24-105mm with Canon 24-70mm zoomed-out


Both lenses share essentially the same diameter of just over 83mm, and the same filter thread of 77mm; users of polarisers will be pleased to learn both employ internal focusing with non-rotating end sections.

Once each barrel is retracted, the Canon EF 24-70mm is noticeably longer at 123mm compared to 107mm for the Canon EF 24-105mm model. Set to its widest angle, the 24-70mm barrel extends by 34mm.

Pictured below are both lenses zoomed-in to their longest focal lengths. Here the EF 24-105mm barrel extends by 33mm, while the EF 24-70mm retracts to its shortest configuration.

Canon 24-105mm with Canon 24-70mm zoomed-in

From the photos, both lenses appear to share similar build quality, but compare them in person and the older EF 24-70mm feels tougher with more metallic body parts. This build coupled with the faster f2.8 focal ratio unsurprisingly results in the EF 24-70mm weighing more, although you may be surprised to learn it's almost 50% heavier. Indeed the EF 24-105mm feels relatively light at 670g compared to the 24-70mm at a somewhat hefty 950g.

While the older lens undoubtedly feels better equipped to stand up to the knocks - and indeed our sample had previously seen some rough action - the EF 24-105mm is in no way badly constructed. It looks and feels similar to the build of other modern Canon optics like the EF 17-40mm f/4L or EF 70-300mm DO IS.

In terms of focusing, both lenses are quick and quiet thanks to their USM motors, although compared side-by-side the older EF 24-70mm definitely had a measurable edge in speed. With a faster focal ratio, it's also better equipped for focusing under poorer light conditions.


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