Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II review (Photozone)

At a glance:

• EF-Mount L-Series Lens/Full-Frame Format
• Aperture Range: f/4 to 22
• Four GMo Aspherical Elements
• Air Sphere Coating
• Ring-Type Ultrasonic Motor AF System
• Optical Image Stabilization
• Internal Focus; Full-Time MF Override
• Zoom Lock Switch; Fluorine Coating
• Dust- and Water-Resistant Construction
• Rounded 10-Blade Diaphragm

After LensRentals’ not so exciting MTF figures on the new Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II, we have another review by lens reviewing authority Photozone, which also doesn’t really praise this lens.

While Photozone confirms the good build quality of this “L” grade lens, they are pretty disappointed by the overall performance. From the conclusion:

Let’s be honest – the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 USM L IS (mk I) was not the greatest lens Canon ever produced. Unfortunately neither is the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 USM L IS II. While there are differences on detail level, the performance is roughly similar which is a little depressing given all the years that passed by since the mk I was designed. 50 megapixels are a torture ground for all lenses but it’s too much for the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 USM L IS II really. The center quality is sufficient but the corner quality just isn’t there at the extreme ends. The amount of CAs is acceptable. The lens performs, of course, much better on 21 megapixel cameras with very decent results from f/5.6 at least. However, you have to live with the outlook that the glory ends once you decide to upgrade you camera. […] The quality of the bokeh is comparatively decent for a standard zoom lens at least. Read the review…

In other words: there are no improvements over the predecessor, the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS, which at least has a street price of $623, compared to the $1,099 of the new EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II (the price is likely to go down in the next months). Photozone clearly states they “would recommend to skip this lens”.

Price check:

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA