Canon 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 STM lens review: a nice, budget alternative to popular L-series version
posted Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at 2:32 PM EST
The venerable Canon 24-105mm f/4L IS lens is one of Canon's most popular optics. Offering great quality images, a good zoom range, image stabilization and rugged L-series build quality, the 24-105L has been a solid, versatile lens. For those wanting a more budget-friendly option, there wasn't a direct competing option, save for the older EF 28-135mm lens that was released some 16 years ago. Back at Photokina in September, Canon came through with the announcement of the 24-105 f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens.
We've just taken the wraps off our full, in-depth Canon 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens review, and this lightweight zoom is a nice, solid performer. An EF-mount lens, it fits on both full-frame and crop-sensor Canon DSLRs. The lens features Canon's new STM (stepping motor) autofocus system, making it very useful for movie-making with its near-silent operation. Image quality performance is good, and gets close to the quality of the L-series version in most areas. Cutting down on weight and cost, the non-L version utilizes a variable aperture and is constructed almost entirely from tough polycarbonate.
All in all, it's a solid, versatile zoom lens that offers significant cost savings over its L-series cousin. For all the details, head over to SLRgear to read our Canon EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM review, complete with our in-depth report, final conclusion as well as our full range of test results and sample images.
The Canon EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM is currently available for purchase for around $599. Check out Amazon, Adorama or B&H for more info on purchasing. The lens ships without a lens hood, though one is also available for just under $30. Buying this lens, or any other item, at one of these trusted affiliates helps support this site and keeps the reviews coming!
In the meantime, check out some sample photos shot by our senior lens technician Rob Murray. You can view more sample photos, plus download the full-resolution files, over at our Flickr page.
