Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Lens

I currently own a Canon 5D and a 40D, and sold off a 20D that served me well. The 5D has a full 35mm frame sensor, while the 40D (and the 20D previous to it) use a smaller "APS-C" size sensor.

The Canon 24-105mm lens goes from 24 to 105 on the 5D body, and when it is mounted on the 40D body, it gives an equivalent focal length of 38 to 168 (multiply the real focal length by 1.6 to find out the equivalent focal length on a APS-C size sensor).

This EF 24-105mm IS L-series of the Canon lens has excellent image quality. It is capable of beautiful color, contrast and focus particularly when set to about f/8. The IS designation means the lens has image stabilization built into the lens, using optics to provide up to 3 f-stops of shake protection.

Ordinarily the rule of thumb regarding shutter speed; to get a decent shot-don't shoot at a speed lower than smallest focal length. For example, with a 50mm prime lens, don't shoot slower than 1/50 of a second. In low light and non-action sports situations, the image stabilization makes a huge difference.

Canon's L-series glass is awesome. Couple it with image stabilization, and you have a yourself a winner. Highly recommended.

In addition to the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM I have a Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II prime lens, a Canon EF 20-35mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, a Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM, a Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM, and a Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM.

All of the L-series lenses in my collection have fantastic clarity and vibrancy the other lenses simply don't achieve.

Highly recommended for pro photographers.

Pricing is not for the faint-hearted.

DESIGNATIONS:

L = best Canon glass
IS = Image Stabilizer (up to 3 f stops)
USM = Ultra Silent Motor

Updated August 2009

I now own a Canon 5D Mark II and discovered that this lens was exhibiting a "flaring" problem. After contacting Canon Canada, they have agreed at no charge to examine the lens and repair or replace it to fix this defect. Canon acknowledges that some early versions of the lens indeed has this problem, and have offered any owner of one to repair or replace it if the flaring problem shows up badly.

In addition to the lens I mentioned above, I now also own two new prime non-L lens. I find both of them excellent quality. I bought an EF 50mm f/1.4 and an 85mm f/1.8 and am happy to have them in my collection. I intend to write reviews for my other products as well.