Photozone reviewed Canon’s new EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens for full-frame DSLRs. This isn’t an “L” grade lens, it’s a more inexpensive version of this for full-frame sensors very popular zoom range. So how does it perform? Better than you may expect, especially if you take in account that this lens costs $599 on Amazon.

In the verdict they write:

The Canon EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 STM IS has a couple of the “right ingredients” for being a potentially good performer – it doesn’t really have an ambitious zoom range, the max. aperture is very moderate and despite all this, it is a comparatively big lens resulting in only moderate optical constraints. So how’s the end result ? Pretty good … although not flawless. Technically the lens is surprisingly sharp. The image center is especially impressive at mainstream aperture settings. The borders/corners are also decent. However, the field curvature can spoil the corner results at the wide end of the range and near infinity focus. Distortions are visible at the extreme ends of the zoom range. Lateral CA are generally moderate except in the corners at 24mm. The 24mm setting is also a bit of a weak spot with respect to vignetting at max. aperture. The EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 STM IS is obviously a slow lens and as such you shouldn’t expect wonders regarding its bokeh potential but the technical quality is comparable to other standard zoom lenses.

It’s a pretty good lens for those who are on a budget or just want to carry around less weight, and it has virtually silent, STM-driven auto-focus (good for the videographers). The EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens is the new kit option for the EOS 6D. Tech specs:

• The first standard zoom EF lens for full frame sensor cameras to include a lead screw-type stepping motor (STM).
• The focusing mechanism employs an inner focus lens, a stepping motor and lead screw to support the Canon EOS Movie Servo AF function and provide smooth and quiet continuous AF during video recording, as well as when shooting photos.
• Optical Image Stabilizer provides up to four shutter speed stops of correction*.
• New 7-group zoom optics allows for a conveniently compact design and outstanding optical performance.
• Two aspheric lenses plus a UD lens combine to provide high-quality results for both still images and movies.
• Circular aperture (7 blades) delivers beautiful, soft backgrounds.
• Optimized lens placement and coatings deliver exceptional color balance, while minimising ghosting and flare.
• Inner focusing system, high-speed CPU and improved AF algorithm allow high-speed autofocus.
• Full-time manual focus allows manual focus adjustment while in AF Mode.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA [via Photozone]

It appears Canon made another killer lens with their new EF 11-24mm f/4L lens. Sure, this isn’t a lens anybody can afford to buy, and it has a focal length that’s rather specialized, but it is another example of how well Canon manages the craft of lens making. After Roger Cicala’s verdict on the 11-24mm f/4L, today I feature PetaPixel’s opinion about this lens.

PetaPixel’s review comes with lots of samples and considerations about the use of the EF 11-24mm f/4L, the widest rectilinear full-frame lens you can get on the market. The Canon is also compared to the Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 DG II HSM (which costs a third of the Canon). In the conclusion they write:

The Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM is heavy and bulky. It is also thrice as costly as the Sigma [12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 DG II HSM], which offers slightly narrower focal length and less brightness. However, if image quality (in terms of distortion and sharpness) and flare control is important to you, then there is really no contest between the two lenses. The Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM is an outstanding performer in the rarefied group of ultra-wide SLR zoom lenses, by itself or compared to other super wide zooms.

It is not for every photographer though, given its ultra wide focal length. General photography has limited use for ultra wide focal lengths, given the potential for distortion in the corners and requirement for careful composition to include foreground interest. And viewers tire easily of converging perspective shots, no matter how dynamic they are, if you shoot more than a handful of them.

But for landscape and architectural photographers, the Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM is a lens they have been waiting for. Sharp, contrasty and virtually distortion-free, the Canon lens stretches your photography potential as much as it stretches your wallet. For the other Canon photographers who need an ultra-wide occasionally, there is always the option of the Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 DG II HSM.

High resolution samples from the Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM are available in PetaPixel’s Flickr gallery. Canon’s new EF 11-24mm f/4L is now available for pre-order at Amazon US. The Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L is available and ships for $2,999. More pre-order link: Adorama | DigitalRev | B&H Photo.

Sample pics at ephotozine, product images at Photography Blog and DPReview. David Norton on the EF 11-24mm f/4L. Sample pics at Canon UK.

[via PetaPixel]

DigitalRev’s Kai compares the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L II to the Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD. That’s $2,200 (Canon) vs $1,500 (Tamron). I won’t spoil the video review but let’s say that the Tamron holds up to 95% of the Canon. If you want the best of the best go for the Canon, otherwise the Tamron is an excellent choice.