Canon RF 24-105 f2.8 L IS USM Z Initial Review
Since moving to Canon a few years ago, the 24-105 f4 lens has been my go-to workhorse lens. Its compact size and versatile focal range cover about 90% of what I need for most of my paid studio work. While an f2.8 aperture isn’t essential for my needs, owning the 70-200 f2.8 has shown me the perks of a faster lens.
When Canon released the new 24-105 f2.8 RF lens, I was initially uninterested. My experience with the 28-70 f2 lens was underwhelming due to its limited range and awkward size. However, in situations where f2.8 is necessary, f4 simply doesn’t cut it. So, I decided to give the new lens a second look.
Although I primarily use my gear for still portrait photography, client demand for video is increasing, and this lens is clearly designed with video in mind. So, I decided to pull the trigger and add the Canon RF 24-105 f2.8 to my collection. Here are my initial thoughts.
First Impressions and Build Quality
Straight out of the box, the lens isn’t small, but it has a great level of balance and refinement. It’s about the size of a classic 70-200 lens, whether from Canon or Nikon, with internal focusing. The lens also features a sturdy tripod collar similar to the reliable Nikon design.
As a hybrid video lens, it includes an aperture ring, or iris control (for videographers), which is currently only functional for video. However, future camera updates may change this. Additionally, the lens has function buttons on the barrel.
Performance and Usability
The Canon RF 24-105 f2.8 lens supports a new power zoom module, providing a smooth powered zoom function that makes perfect sense given its focal range. In the studio, the lens has performed fantastically so far, offering noticeably sharper images than the f4 version.
For video, I tested the lens in some extreme lighting conditions at home, and the results were nothing less than cinematic. This lens has quickly earned its place in my bag. While it might be overkill for quick on-location jobs, it offers significant advantages in scenarios requiring a bit more power. Additionally, it adds valuable redundancy to my kit.
Versatility and Future Proof
Over the next few months, I plan to dive deeper into video work, and this lens will provide ample room for experimentation.
In summary, the Canon RF 24-105 f2.8 lens offers a perfect balance of performance and versatility, making it a valuable addition to any studio photographer’s kit. Whether you’re focused on stills or venturing into video, this lens is designed to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.
