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.
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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.
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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