Sterling Photos

I bought this lens as part of the Canon 5D kit for a very reasonable amount of money. After using it for more than six months, I have to say, I am quite impressed with its performance.

The first question everyone would ask is obviously how does it compare to 24-70mm f2.8 L USM.

The answer would be, It has exactly the same image quality. The only advantage of the 24-70mm is the wider maximum apperture with f number at 2.8, all the other characteristics of the 24-70mm are a disadavantage compared to the 24-105mm.

The 24-105mm lens has Image Stabalizer which will compensate for the apperture difference in terms of hand shake.

It also has a bigger range up to 105mm, which is very useful. And let's not forget that it is much much smaller and compact than its sister.

The Zoom extension is logical, whereas the 24-70mm extends in length when it is at the wide angle and compacts when it is at the long end, which is confusing. The latter also has a very big and inconvenient lens hood. Once attached you cannot reach the lens to put on or remove the lens cap.

For portrait photography, you would always need an apperture of f4, f5.6 or smaller in order to get the detail and focus the face correctly. So for that reason, I prefer the 24-105mm.

At f2.8, the depth of field is so shallow that it can be useless in most situations.

Of course, you could turn up the ISO to high values if you want the extra stop, you get with f2.8. That situation is probably only and exculsively needed when photographing inside churches with little light, or indoors where flash is not allowed to be used.

I hope this review Helps.