Review: Canon RF 24-105mm f2.8 L IS lens

For me, 24mm-105mm is a perfect general range for so much of photography, whether you photograph corporate events, weddings and headshots. That 105mm focal length is perfect for portraits! Lenses with this range is pretty standard for every brand as an f/4 option … but with events, we are often working in low light … and that faster f/2.8 becomes somewhat of a necessity.

Now that Sony has its own superb version of the modern legend by Canon – the 28-70mm f/2 lens — here’s another lens that I think Sony needs to have in its line-up … the Canon 24-105mm f/2.8 stabilized lens. (B&H)

I love my f/2.8 zooms exactly because of the extra light-gathering capabilities over f/4 optics. For the same amount of light, you can have a faster shutter speed to help stop action or camera shake … or you can use the extra stop to have a lower ISO setting. With that, I immediately eyed the Canon 24-105mm f/2.8 RF zoom (B&H) when it was released. My friends at B&H kindly loaned me this lens for review purposes. And here we have it … the Canon 24-105mm f/2.8 … it is a stellar optic. And expensive. Currently selling for $3,000

I’m a fan of zoom lenses, especially for photographing business events and events such as weddings. Your movement might very well be limited and a prime lens will limit your framing. With a portrait session with a client, you can more easily work with a prime lens … but for events, a zoom is preferred.

Example photos

Check the video for lens test charts shot at f/2.8 to see how sharp this lens is to the very edges.

Specs & features of the Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8 L

internal zoom! zoom ring moves easily because the lens isn’t pushing a lot of air in and out. So it won’t be sucking dust into the lens every time you zoom.
internal focus! Same considerations then for fast focus
even then, the specs say the lens features good protection against moisture and dust
tripod foot
82mm filter thread
stabilization – specs have it as 5.5 stops of stabilization.
Minimum Focus Distance : 17.7″ / 45 cm
de-clicked aperture for video
videographers will appreciate the good correction for focus breathing
Weight : 2.9 lb / 1.3 kg
it’s a big lens! It’s as tall as my Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 GMii

Summary

I am very impressed! This is genuinely as close to a do-lens for the type of work that I do. It is also a lens that is perfect for any videographer that shoots with Canon. Seriously, this is the lens you want.