This lens was frequently used for Canon’s kit lens for high end DSLRs, such as 5D Mark iii and 6D. Many consumers assume this lens like an ordinary cheap kit lens. However, this is not, rather it’s L lens costing about $1,000. But why have Canon used this lens as a kit lens? Is it bad? Let’s test it out.
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Specification
Let’s go over the specs. It covers variety of focal length from wide angle (24mm) to telephoto (105mm). It doesn’t stop there. It has Canon’s famous Ultra Sonic Motor autofocusing motor with three stop Image Stabilization. Spec wise, it is nearly perfect lens for those who do not want to carry multiple lenses.
Build Quality
Most L lenses are made out of metal and built like a tank. However, this particular lens is made out of plastic, but it doesn’t feel like cheap plastic. It felt like Audio Technica ATH-M50, it’s made out of plastic but solidly built with great performance. I think this lens is capable of surviving accidental drops. It’s considerably heavy and you will not be disappointed purchasing this lens. It feels like L lens.
Image Quality
Image quality was superb. It’s sharp and full of details. I have noticed vignetting and distortion throughout the images when zoomed in all the way, but this can be easily fixed during post using Lightroom.
Both images are shot on the tripod using 7D Mark ii at 1/250@f/11, and have identical Lightroom adjustments without cropping.
As you may see on the images, Canon 24-105mm f/4L IS USM has superior sharpness over Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM lens. However, this lens suffers from focusing breathing. Focusing breathing is decrease in effective focal length due to focusing. You can see slightly smaller size of the lens on the right image. It may not be an issue with such a small difference, but when zoomed to 105mm, it’s quite a lot.
Conclusion
This lens may have some issues on technical side of the lens. However, I could careless about it because this lens produces such a great image. I would recommend this lens to anyone who’s willing to spend big money on their camera.
I think Canon made this lens as a kit lens because the price make sense. If you are spending couple thousand dollars on the camera body, why not put this great lens at a discounted price. I recommended this kit, Canon 6D and Canon 24-105mm f/4L IS USM, to one of my close friend, and she was satisfied with the purchase.
