The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM is one of the most versatile lenses in the RF lineup and serves as a cornerstone for Canon’s mirrorless EOS R system. Designed as a successor to the EF 24-105mm f/4L Mark II, it builds upon the legacy of its predecessors while embracing the advantages of the RF mount. This lens strikes a balance between practicality, optical refinement, and robust construction, making it a staple choice for both enthusiasts and professionals seeking an all-purpose zoom with consistent performance.
The Legacy and Appeal of the 24-105mm Range
The 24-105mm f/4 zoom range has earned a reputation as one of Canon’s most dependable focal lengths over the years. It has become a familiar sight among photographers because of its adaptability, covering wide-angle to short telephoto in a single piece of glass. The combination of a constant f/4 aperture, reliable autofocus, and quality optics has made it an indispensable tool for a wide range of genres, including travel, events, and portraiture.
Canon has sold more lenses in this category than almost any other full-frame option except the iconic 50mm f/1.8. The reason is simple: this focal length combined with Canon’s engineering offers a balance of reach and brightness that suits everyday shooting. The RF 24-105mm f/4L continues this legacy while incorporating advancements that the mirrorless platform allows, delivering a new level of optical and mechanical refinement.
Build Quality and Durability
Belonging to Canon’s prestigious L-series, the RF 24-105mm f/4L is built to withstand professional use. The lens features a sturdy polycarbonate exterior with internal seals against dust and moisture, making it reliable even in harsh conditions. Photographers who often work in unpredictable environments will appreciate the weather resistance and robust construction that protect the internal elements.
The optical structure consists of 18 elements arranged in 14 groups, including three aspherical and one UD element. This design helps control distortion, chromatic aberrations, and flare while maintaining sharpness throughout the zoom range. The inclusion of Canon’s Nano Ultrasonic Autofocus Motor ensures precise and silent focusing, an essential trait for both stills and video work. An integrated optical image stabilization system promises up to five stops of compensation, making handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds more feasible.
Despite its durability, there is one aspect worth noting. The lens uses an external zoom mechanism, meaning the barrel extends as you zoom in. While this is standard for midrange zooms, the RF 24-105mm f/4L exhibits a slight wobble at its longest focal length of 105mm. Although it does not impact optical quality, extended use in dusty environments may allow particles to enter the mechanism, potentially making the zoom action less smooth over time.
Size, Weight, and Handling
Weighing approximately 700 grams, the RF 24-105mm f/4L is slightly heavier than comparable lenses like the Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G or Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S. However, its compact length and balanced design make it comfortable for extended handheld use. The weight distribution complements Canon’s mirrorless bodies, offering a well-centered setup for both photography and videography.
The layout of the control rings is intuitive. The zoom ring sits closest to the camera, with the focus ring placed ahead of it. This arrangement minimizes accidental focus shifts while adjusting the zoom. The customizable control ring at the front adds another layer of functionality, allowing adjustments to aperture, ISO, or exposure compensation on the fly. It clicks audibly with each movement, which provides tactile feedback but may be noticeable in audio recordings. For videographers who require silent operation, Canon offers a de-clicking service for a small fee.
A zoom lock switch is included to prevent unintended extension when carrying the lens. While the zoom mechanism is well-damped and does not suffer from lens creep under normal use, the lock offers extra assurance during travel.
Ergonomics and Everyday Use
The RF 24-105mm f/4L is designed with usability in mind. Two physical switches are located on the side: one for toggling between autofocus and manual focus, and the other for enabling or disabling image stabilization. These tactile controls are a welcome addition, especially in an era where many lenses are simplifying their external designs.
For photographers transitioning from Canon’s DSLR systems, the redesigned rear lens cap may take some getting used to. It requires precise alignment with the red mounting dot to secure properly, a change from the EF system. However, this new design improves dust resistance, further enhancing the lens’s durability over time.
Optical Performance Overview
One of the standout qualities of the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L is its consistent optical performance throughout the zoom range. At 24mm, the lens offers wide coverage suitable for landscapes and interiors, while at 105mm, it provides a flattering perspective for portraits and compressed compositions. The constant f/4 aperture maintains exposure settings across all focal lengths, ensuring uniformity in both still and video applications.
The aspherical and UD elements work in unison to minimize aberrations and maintain sharpness edge-to-edge. Even wide open at f/4, the lens demonstrates commendable clarity, with noticeable improvement when stopped down slightly. The optical image stabilization system further enhances performance by enabling sharp results at slower shutter speeds without the need for a tripod in many scenarios.
Practical Versatility
The RF 24-105mm f/4L is positioned as a do-it-all lens for Canon’s mirrorless system, making it suitable for diverse shooting situations. Event photographers will appreciate its ability to switch from group shots to tighter compositions seamlessly. Travel photographers benefit from its range without having to carry multiple lenses, while videographers value the smooth focusing and stabilized optics.
Despite its premium price point, the lens’s value becomes apparent when considering its flexibility and performance. Purchasing it as part of a kit with an EOS R camera can significantly reduce the cost, making it an attractive option for those entering Canon’s mirrorless ecosystem.
Design and Usability
Canon has successfully blended tradition and innovation with the RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM. The lens carries forward the qualities that made the EF version so beloved while integrating refinements that take advantage of the RF mount’s capabilities. Its rugged build, consistent optical quality, and practical focal range make it a worthy companion for a wide spectrum of photography needs.
While minor issues like the external zoom wobble and slightly higher weight exist, they are small trade-offs for what is otherwise a highly capable lens. Its role as a dependable everyday zoom is clear, and for many Canon EOS R users, it will likely become a default choice that stays mounted on the camera more often than not.
Autofocus and Image Stabilization
One of the most appealing aspects of the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L is its autofocus performance. Equipped with Canon's Nano Ultrasonic Motor, the lens achieves swift and silent focusing, which is critical for both still photography and video work. The autofocus locks on rapidly, even in dim lighting situations, maintaining accuracy without excessive hunting. This makes it a reliable companion for wedding photographers, event shooters, and travel enthusiasts who often move between varying light conditions.
Coupled with the autofocus system is an image stabilization mechanism rated up to five stops of compensation. This is particularly beneficial when shooting handheld at slower shutter speeds, allowing you to capture sharp images without resorting to a tripod. In real-world use, this stabilization proves invaluable when working at the longer end of the zoom range or capturing static subjects in low-light scenarios. The synergy between the stabilization and the autofocus creates a balanced experience, enabling photographers to work efficiently across different environments without compromising image quality.
The combination of these systems makes the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L a dependable tool for documentary photographers and filmmakers alike. The lens maintains focus transitions smoothly in video mode, providing a natural shift that avoids the abrupt movements often seen with less refined systems. This balance of speed and precision underlines the thoughtful engineering behind Canon's RF lineup and reinforces why this lens is considered a cornerstone of the system.
Optical Quality and Rendering
The optical design of the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L is a complex arrangement of 18 elements in 14 groups, incorporating three aspherical elements and one UD glass element. This configuration is aimed at minimizing distortions and chromatic aberrations while maximizing sharpness across the frame. At 24mm, the lens demonstrates exceptional center sharpness, with only mild softness towards the edges when used at the maximum aperture of f/4. Stopping down to f/5.6 evens out the sharpness significantly, making it suitable for landscape photography where corner-to-corner detail is essential.
At the mid-range focal lengths, such as 50mm and 70mm, the lens maintains consistent performance. The transition from center to edge sharpness remains smooth, providing uniform image quality. At 105mm, while there is a slight drop in sharpness at the extreme corners, the center remains crisp, and the overall performance is commendable for a lens that covers such a versatile focal range.
Color rendering is another strength of the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L. The lens delivers vibrant yet natural colors that pair beautifully with Canon's full-frame sensors. Skin tones are reproduced with fidelity, making it an ideal choice for portrait photographers. The contrast is well-balanced, and the micro-contrast within fine details adds a sense of depth to the images. These characteristics make the lens not just a technical performer but also a tool that delivers aesthetically pleasing results.
Distortion and Vignetting
As with many wide-to-telephoto zooms, the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L exhibits some barrel distortion at the wide end, gradually transitioning into pincushion distortion as you move towards the telephoto range. However, these distortions are well-controlled and can be easily corrected in post-processing. When paired with Canon's in-camera corrections, the distortion becomes almost negligible, especially for general-purpose photography.
Vignetting is noticeable at 24mm when shooting wide open, particularly on full-frame cameras. However, stopping down to f/5.6 significantly reduces this effect, and by f/8, the illumination is nearly even across the frame. At longer focal lengths, vignetting is less pronounced and rarely poses an issue. The natural falloff at the edges can even add a subtle emphasis on the subject, which some photographers find aesthetically pleasing.
Flare Resistance and Bokeh
The lens handles flare admirably, thanks to Canon's advanced coatings applied to the optical elements. Shooting directly into strong light sources produces minimal ghosting and retains good contrast, which is critical for outdoor photography in challenging lighting conditions. While no lens is completely immune to flare, the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L demonstrates resilience, making it a solid choice for backlit compositions and sunlit landscapes.
Regarding bokeh, the f/4 aperture is not designed to produce the same background blur as a faster prime lens, but the out-of-focus areas are rendered smoothly and without harsh edges. The nine-blade aperture creates rounded highlights, which enhance the overall aesthetic of the bokeh, especially at the longer end of the focal range. For environmental portraits and close-up shots, the lens delivers pleasing subject separation and a natural depth of field.
Practical Versatility
One of the defining qualities of the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L is its versatility. The focal range covers everything from wide-angle landscapes to medium telephoto portraits, making it a single-lens solution for a variety of scenarios. This adaptability is why many photographers consider it an essential part of their kit, especially for travel or event work where carrying multiple lenses is impractical.
The constant f/4 aperture ensures consistent exposure settings across the zoom range, which is particularly useful when shooting in manual or when using external lighting setups. For hybrid shooters who transition between stills and video, this consistency simplifies the workflow and minimizes adjustments during dynamic shooting situations.
Longevity and Reliability
Durability plays a crucial role in professional equipment, and the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L excels in this regard. The weather-sealed construction provides confidence when working in unpredictable conditions, whether that involves coastal humidity, desert dust, or light rain. Over extended use, the lens demonstrates resilience, with the mechanical components maintaining smooth operation even after prolonged fieldwork.
One consideration is the externally extending barrel, which, while common in this category, requires care to avoid the accumulation of dust and debris over time. Regular maintenance and mindful handling can mitigate these concerns, ensuring the lens retains its performance and tactile quality over years of use.
Real-World Usability
Photographers who have used the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L often highlight its ability to deliver consistent results in a range of shooting conditions. For wedding photographers, the lens transitions seamlessly from capturing expansive venue shots at 24mm to intimate portraits at 105mm without the need to change lenses. Travel photographers appreciate its compact yet robust build, making it a practical companion on long journeys where weight and space are at a premium.
In video applications, the smooth focus transitions and effective stabilization make it a reliable choice for documentary and run-and-gun filmmaking. The ability to cover multiple focal lengths without sacrificing quality reduces the need for frequent lens swaps, which is invaluable in fast-paced shooting environments.
Balanced Investment
With a price point of $1300, the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L positions itself as a premium option within the midrange zoom category. While it may be considered costly compared to some alternatives, the combination of optical performance, build quality, and versatility justifies the investment for many photographers. Purchasing it as part of a kit with Canon’s full-frame mirrorless cameras provides better value, bringing the cost down and making it an even more attractive proposition.
For those building a Canon RF system, this lens often serves as the cornerstone around which other lenses are chosen. Its ability to handle diverse shooting situations with confidence makes it a foundation piece in a professional or enthusiast's arsenal.
The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L stands out as a workhorse lens that blends performance, versatility, and durability in a single package. Its optical quality, combined with reliable autofocus and stabilization, caters to both professional and hobbyist needs. While no lens is without compromises, the balance achieved here places it among the most valuable additions to Canon's RF lineup.
Whether capturing sweeping landscapes, dynamic events, or everyday moments, the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L consistently delivers. It's thoughtful engineering and dependable performance make it more than just a convenient zoom—it becomes an extension of the photographer’s vision, capable of translating diverse scenes into compelling imagery with clarity and nuance.
Design Philosophy and Craftsmanship
The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L exemplifies the meticulous engineering that Canon has poured into its RF lens lineup. Its construction blends ruggedness with refined aesthetics, making it both a workhorse and a statement piece in any kit. The outer shell is crafted from high-grade composite materials that balance weight and durability, while the metal mount ensures a secure and lasting connection to the camera body. The subtle red ring at the front signifies its membership in Canon’s professional L-series, a mark synonymous with superior performance and resilience.
Despite its robust build, the lens maintains a relatively lightweight profile, which is remarkable considering the extensive focal range it covers. This makes it especially appealing to photographers who need to carry their gear over long distances, such as travel and documentary shooters. The ergonomic contouring of the barrel provides a comfortable grip, and the tactile feedback of the zoom and focus rings reflects the thoughtful design intended for professional handling.
Weather Resistance and Longevity
One of the key attributes of the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L is its weather-sealed design. Gaskets around critical points, including the mount and control rings, offer protection against dust and moisture. This fortification allows photographers to work confidently in inclement conditions without constantly worrying about environmental damage. While it is not entirely impervious to water, the level of sealing is sufficient for rain, mist, and dusty landscapes, aligning with the demands of field professionals.
Over time, lenses often show signs of wear, particularly around moving parts like zoom mechanisms. However, the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L demonstrates enduring reliability with proper maintenance. Its extending zoom barrel is engineered to minimize air suction that can draw in dust, reducing the likelihood of internal contamination. This foresight in design ensures that the lens remains a dependable tool even after years of rigorous use.
Control Layout and Customization
Canon has integrated a control ring on the RF 24-105mm f/4L, allowing users to assign various settings such as ISO, aperture, or exposure compensation for on-the-fly adjustments. This additional customization brings a level of fluidity to shooting, especially in fast-changing environments where quick access to settings can mean the difference between a missed and a captured moment. The smooth resistance of the control ring is calibrated to provide precision without accidental adjustments, making it a practical enhancement for both stills and video work.
The zoom ring is wide and positioned for intuitive access, allowing seamless transitions between focal lengths. The focus ring operates with electronic precision, offering a responsive experience that caters to both manual focus purists and those who rely on autofocus. This duality underscores the versatility of the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L, ensuring it adapts to different shooting styles with ease.
Balance on Camera Bodies
When mounted on Canon's full-frame mirrorless cameras, the RF 24-105mm f/4L achieves an excellent balance that contributes to overall comfort during prolonged sessions. On smaller bodies, the lens adds a reassuring heft without tipping the setup into unwieldy territory. This equilibrium is particularly appreciated by event photographers who may carry the camera for hours at a time.
The lens's weight distribution also plays a role in video applications. A well-balanced setup reduces strain on gimbals and handheld rigs, enhancing stability and minimizing fatigue during extended filming sessions. This makes the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L not just a photographic tool but a practical companion for hybrid creators who traverse between stills and motion.
Manual Focus Precision
While the autofocus system of the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L is impressive, there are scenarios where manual focus becomes indispensable. The focus ring delivers a smooth, lag-free response that allows precise control, which is particularly useful in macro-style close-ups or cinematic video sequences where intentional focus pulls are required. The electronic focus system is designed to mimic the feel of traditional mechanical lenses, providing a familiar and satisfying experience for those transitioning from older DSLR systems.
When paired with Canon’s focus peaking and magnification features, manual focusing becomes an exacting process, enabling critical sharpness in demanding compositions. This level of control empowers photographers to execute their creative vision without technological limitations.
Portability and Practical Use
Despite covering a comprehensive focal range, the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L maintains a compact footprint compared to other professional zoom lenses. This portability makes it a favored choice for travel photographers who must prioritize space and weight without sacrificing performance. The ability to carry a single lens that accommodates wide landscapes, street scenes, and intimate portraits simplifies packing decisions and reduces gear clutter.
In practical terms, the lens performs admirably as an all-in-one solution for day-to-day photography. Whether capturing family moments, professional assignments, or spontaneous street scenes, it offers flexibility without constant lens changes. This adaptability ensures that photographers remain engaged with their subjects rather than distracted by technical logistics.
How does the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L handle in real-world scenarios?
Answer: The handling of the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L is marked by balance, comfort, and functional versatility. In real-world use, the lens proves to be an asset for various photographic disciplines. Its ergonomic design minimizes fatigue during long sessions, while the responsive controls ensure seamless operation. Event photographers benefit from the smooth zoom transitions that allow quick reframing without losing focus on dynamic moments. Landscape photographers appreciate the weather sealing that enables shooting in challenging environments without hesitation. For videographers, the stable weight distribution and customizable control ring integrate smoothly into professional workflows. Overall, the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L demonstrates a harmonious blend of durability, usability, and optical performance that stands up to the demands of everyday shooting.
Durability Under Pressure
Professional gear is often subjected to harsh conditions, from crowded venues to rugged landscapes. The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L is built to endure such pressures without compromising functionality. The internal components are engineered for longevity, with robust materials resisting wear and tear. The zoom mechanism, a common weak point in many lenses, operates with consistent smoothness even after extensive use, reflecting the meticulous assembly and quality assurance Canon has applied.
The lens hood supplied with the RF 24-105mm f/4L adds a layer of protection against accidental bumps and stray light. When combined with the overall structural integrity, the lens projects an aura of reliability that reassures professionals who depend on their gear for critical assignments.
Versatile Applications
The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L’s versatility extends beyond its focal range. Its consistent performance across diverse genres makes it a favorite for photographers who need a single lens to handle varied assignments. For portrait work, the rendering of skin tones and subject isolation at 105mm creates natural, flattering results. In architectural photography, the controlled distortion and sharpness across the frame deliver clean, accurate representations of structures.
Wildlife and documentary photographers benefit from the lens’s ability to quickly transition between wide environmental shots and closer subject framing without changing lenses, preserving moments that might otherwise be lost. This multifaceted nature ensures that the lens remains relevant for a wide spectrum of photographic pursuits.
Integration with Canon’s Ecosystem
A significant strength of the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L lies in its seamless integration with Canon's mirrorless camera bodies. Features such as in-body image stabilization and advanced autofocus algorithms are complemented by the lens’s design, enhancing overall performance. This synergy allows the lens to extract maximum potential from the camera’s sensor, resulting in images that exhibit both technical precision and artistic nuance.
The communication between lens and camera also enables firmware updates that can refine functionality over time, ensuring the RF 24-105mm f/4L remains at the forefront of technological advancements. This forward-thinking compatibility makes it a long-term investment that evolves alongside Canon’s system.
Conclusion
The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L exemplifies a balance of craftsmanship, functionality, and adaptability. It's thoughtful design caters to the practical needs of photographers while maintaining the optical excellence expected of Canon’s L-series. Handling is intuitive and comfortable, allowing creators to focus on their vision rather than their equipment.
In daily use, the lens proves itself as more than a convenient zoom; it becomes a reliable partner capable of navigating diverse scenarios with ease. From rugged outdoor adventures to meticulous studio work, it consistently delivers both technical proficiency and creative freedom. The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L stands as a testament to the fusion of engineering and artistry, offering photographers a tool that enhances their craft and endures through the evolving landscape of visual storytelling.