Is the 24-105 IS really that bad? Please share...

[kiwi2]

Been reading reviews on this lens and it's very confusing if not controversial to me. There are some who have priases for it, while quite a number complained it has many problems (besides the high price tag). Eg: CA, noticeable distortions, soft at f/4, vignetting even after stop down, even underexposure at f/4!! (Never heard of this last problem b4!)

Some even recommended 3rd parties like Sigma's 24-135mm or cheaper consumer lenses which exhibit less of those problems.

Now that's surprising for me given that it's not a cheap lens and it's an L, suposed to be good. Those who like the lens tend to praise the IS, built quality, color/contrast. But I find these are basic stuffs that an L is usally expected of.

So for those who have used this lens, cud u pls share if u also encounter those problems?

[jeryltan]

I have it.. I love it.. And I've never noticed these problems..

Originally Posted by kiwi2 Been reading reviews on this lens and it's very confusing if not controversial to me. There are some who have priases for it, while quite a number complained it has many problems (besides the high price tag). Eg: CA, noticeable distortions, soft at f/4, vignetting even after stop down, even underexposure at f/4!! (Never heard of this last problem b4!) Some even recommended 3rd parties like Sigma's 24-135mm or cheaper consumer lenses which exhibit less of those problems. Now that's surprising for me given that it's not a cheap lens and it's an L, suposed to be good. Those who like the lens tend to praise the IS, built quality, color/contrast. But I find these are basic stuffs that an L is usally expected of. So for those who have used this lens, cud u pls share if u also encounter those problems?

[fWord]

Check out these two links and it'd probably convince you to buy it:

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/R...ns-Review.aspx

http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/len...4_is/index.htm

In fact, I nearly did, but found that this lens just doesn't go wide enough on my camera. Use it on a film body or a FF camera and you're all set.

Otherwise, the Tamron 24-135mm f/3.5-5.6 seems to be another good value lens with around the same focal length range. Of course, it has no IS and is slower, but it costs a lot lens. Consider first if the focal length range of the lens is good enough for your needs.

[ricleo]

I don't own this L lens, but i would say that for underexposure, I think it's more camera body related rather than lens related, since it is the body that decides the shutter speed (assuming P mode or A mode).

Vignetting at F4, for full frame or for 1.6x crop cameras? Almost all wide angle lens will have vignetting on the full frame lens, even the 16-35 F2.8L, 17-40 F4L and 24-70 F2.8L.

Hehehe hoping to get a 5D with the 24-105 F4L as the perfect travel lens combi in the future when full frame prices come down too

[saperboy]

I have and I love it too.

You know there has been a lot of discussion on this Lens, I think better do a search rather starting a new thread.

[kiwi2]

Originally Posted by ricleo I don't own this L lens, but i would say that for underexposure, I think it's more camera body related rather than lens related, since it is the body that decides the shutter speed (assuming P mode or A mode). Vignetting at F4, for full frame or for 1.6x crop cameras? Almost all wide angle lens will have vignetting on the full frame lens, even the 16-35 F2.8L, 17-40 F4L and 24-70 F2.8L. Hehehe hoping to get a 5D with the 24-105 F4L as the perfect travel lens combi in the future when full frame prices come down too

For the underexposure that's what I thot so too. But it's not like what u said which is puzzling indeed. Several reviews said the lens cause 1/3 under, one guy even report -1! I kinda doubt it.

Vignetting... I think it's more for FF bodies. Anyway, I tink what they mean is that it's more serious than expected.

Anyway, I'm taking all the comments with a pinch of salt as I tink some people may have blown the problems out of proportion. However, it still remains one controversial lens as usually we hear more positives than negatives for L lenses but the 24-105 seems to generate fairly equal +ve and -ve.

Oh, my bad also... Didn't realize there has been a huge discussion on the 24-105 b4. Just read it. But it's really messy there with all sorts of unrelated discussions.

[Stoned]

Sometimes vignetting occurs because you stack filters on it, with C-PLs being the main culprit. I can't speak for the 24-105, but for the tamron 24-135, it's perfectly fine on a FF and has no vignetting, without any filters on. but place a non slim C-PL on it and you will see that it vignettes slightly at the edges.

[solarii]

Its a great lens if it suits your needs.

It suffers from the usual problems that plague zoom lenses of its class. CA, distortions, vignetting, softness wide open are problems ALL zoom lenses have, even Ls.

Qn. is how severe the problem is. Reviews, being reviews, will present both the good and the bad. Even if its a minor flaw, they'll discuss it and probably make a meal out of it if they've got an axe to grind.

Impt thing to remember is that:

1) No lens is perfect - There's always a trade off somewhere.
2) Every review is subjective. There is no absolute way to "rate" a lens, since many factors cannot be measured quantitatively.

You'd be surprised how inaccurate reviews actually are... about 75% of it is based on what the reviewer thinks, his personal preferences (and bias) etc. Only 25% of it involves actual scientific tests which can be "measured" and hence used as a comparison btw lenses.

That said, remember that the 24-105 covers a much larger range than most of the other Ls. Some L zooms are virtually prime lenses when you consider the relatively short range they cover, so if you want the versatility, you must trade of some image quality.

[bowwow]

have it and happy with it.

no problems whatsoever yet.

[Sandman77]

I dun have it ..

And that is a problem ..... :P

[kiwi2]

Thanks all for the feedback. Yes, solarii well said. I was confused initially after reading contradicting reports but I guess some reviews are over biased. I believe the 24-105 should live up to its L name... only prob for me is the price.

[mutabor]

I've being owning 24-105 for about 4 months now and I love the lens. These are great walk around lens.
Here a sample shot taken with the lens:
http://galleries.wickedweasel.com/co...t.asp?popup=10

[tanwn]

own one myself. Let me tell you, this is one hell of a fantastic piece of L lens, probably the best walkaround L lens. Sharpness, color, contrast u name it. If u have a good copy like i did it should deliver the goods in spades. In my opinion, the sigma doesnt even come close.

[matthewgjs]

Just a review on my lens...

Its great, no problem with it .. sharp and love it !

[bowwow]

Originally Posted by Sandman77 I dun have it .. And that is a problem ..... :P

yes.... can empathise with u on that..

slowly... bit by bit...

[trucatus]

I am using this lens and I love it. There is a problem of vignetting (as usual with the other wide angle) when shoot full open with the 5D.

No complain besides that.

[kenrai]

Have one and like many others, I love it too ... nearly sold it but held back ... can't bear to part with it

[kiwi2]

Whoa, overwhelming +ve responses! How much did u guys pay this lens for? How come the price guide in this forum states the average price to about $1980? Before GST? I called to check and it's in the region $2050-2100.

[Sandman77]

Originally Posted by kiwi2 Whoa, overwhelming +ve responses! How much did u guys pay this lens for? How come the price guide in this forum states the average price to about $1980? Before GST? I called to check and it's in the region $2050-2100.

Check with Uncle Joe ..

He got Pretty Good Deal ..

And Up For uncle Joe ..

[EiRiK]

i am undecided between this lens and the 24-70 2.8...