Canon Canon 9521B002 SLR Lenses EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Review

If you're a Canon shooter looking for a versatile, all-in-one zoom for your full-frame DSLR, the EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS is a solid option to consider. It covers a genuinely useful range from wide-angle to short telephoto, making it a great 'walk-around' lens for travel or events where you don't want to swap glass constantly. With built-in image stabilization and an STM motor for quiet autofocus, it's also a decent pick for casual video work. At around $830, it's positioned as a more affordable alternative to Canon's pro-level f/4L version of this lens, which is a key thing to know before you buy.

This lens scores really well in a few key areas. Its versatility is in the 95th percentile, which makes sense given the 24-105mm zoom range. The optical performance is also strong, landing in the 93rd percentile, so you can expect sharp, contrasty images with minimal distortion. The image stabilizer is effective, sitting in the 90th percentile, which is great for shooting handheld in lower light. However, the autofocus is just average (48th percentile), so it's not the fastest for tracking moving subjects. The variable aperture, which starts at f/3.5 and closes down to f/5.6 at the long end, is a notable limitation (36th percentile). This means you get less background blur and have to use higher ISOs in dim light compared to a lens with a constant f/2.8 or f/4 aperture.

At $830, the value proposition is a bit mixed. You're paying for that excellent zoom range and sharp optics. If you need one lens to do it all on a budget, it's a compelling choice. But you have to accept the trade-offs, mainly the variable aperture. For a similar price, you could look at a used copy of the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS, which has a constant aperture and weather sealing, though it might be older. Alternatively, you could buy two sharp prime lenses (like a 35mm and an 85mm) for better low-light performance, but you'd lose the convenience of a zoom.

This lens sits in a crowded field. The direct competitor is Canon's own EF 24-105mm f/4L IS. The f/4L version gives you a constant, brighter aperture and weather sealing for better build quality, but it costs more, especially new. Compared to primes like the Viltrox 35mm f/1.7 or Meike 55mm f/1.8, this zoom can't match their low-light ability or background blur (bokeh). Those primes are much better for portraits or indoor shooting. But they can't zoom. The Sony 15mm f/1.4 G is a completely different beast—an ultra-wide prime for mirrorless. So, the question is: do you prioritize convenience and range, or low-light performance and subject isolation? This Canon zoom is all about the former.

So, should you buy it? If you're a Canon DSLR user who wants a single, sharp, do-it-all lens for travel, family events, or general photography, and you're on a strict budget, this 24-105mm is a very good pick. The image quality is there. But if you shoot a lot in low light, want creamier backgrounds for portraits, or need faster autofocus for sports, you'll feel its limitations quickly. For those uses, saving up for the f/4L version or investing in a fast prime lens is a better long-term bet. This lens is a capable tool, but it's best for photographers who value flexibility above all else.