Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM
The constant f/4 aperture across its 24-105mm zoom range provides consistent exposure and depth of field control, paired with a silent USM autofocus motor. Its versatile focal length makes it a practical single-lens solution for walk-around shooting, covering wide-angle to short telephoto. This lens is best for portrait and event photographers needing a reliable, general-purpose zoom on an EF-mount body.
Snapshot
The 30-Second Version
The only lens most Canon shooters will ever need, as long as you don't need to shoot in a cave or blur a background into butter. Find it on sale and don't look back.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Rock-solid image stabilization that actually delivers 5 stops 96th
- Blazing fast and silent Nano USM autofocus 96th
- Exceptional sharpness for a zoom, especially for landscapes 93rd
- Constant f/4 aperture keeps exposure predictable in any light 92nd
Cons
- f/4 is slow for portraits, giving you mediocre subject separation
- Bokeh is just okay, not the creamy background blur you'd hope for
- Minimum focus distance of 45cm limits any real macro work
- Build quality is good but not the tank-like feel of some older L lenses
What owners think
The Word on the Street
How owner sentiment changed over time
ExclusiveBased on when customers actually wrote their reviews - so you can see whether early praise held up.
- Q3 202058/100
Buyers in this period praised the lens as lightweight, versatile, and sharp, but several reported autofocus misses and questioned its value for the price.
- Lightweight and versatile, with a wide shooting range and useful 24mm lock.
- Autofocus misses frequently, causing disappointment and lower ratings.
- Not worth the price; considered basic and unsuitable for travel.
- Sharp images and fast autofocus in some experiences.
- Q2 202091/100
Buyers in Q2 2020 praised the lens for its sharpness, build quality, and value, with some noting it is heavy.
- Sharpness praised across zoom range, often compared favorably to other L lenses.
- Build quality and solid feel appreciated, with good balance on R series cameras.
- Value for price highlighted, considered a great L lens option for RF mount.
- Weight noted as a drawback, especially when paired with heavier bodies like 5D Mark IV.
- Q1 202091/100
Buyers in Q1 2020 praised the RF 24-105mm lens for its sharpness, clarity, and versatility, often using it for travel and landscapes. One reviewer noted a delay in receiving a bundled filter, but overall sentiment was highly positive.
- Sharpness and image quality praised, compared to Zeiss primes.
- Versatile for travel, landscapes, and video, with good weight for gimbal use.
- Customizable control ring and switches appreciated for convenience.
- One buyer waited a month for a bundled filter, citing poor service.
- Q4 201991/100
Buyers praise the RF 24-105mm for its sharpness, lightweight build, and versatility, calling it a top all-around lens. One noted a defective first copy with a beeping noise, but the replacement was excellent.
- Sharpness is consistently praised, with multiple reviewers calling it 'razor sharp' or 'sharp as a tack'.
- Lightweight and compact design, fitting well in bags and balancing nicely on EOS R/RP bodies.
- Versatile all-around lens, suitable for various situations from airshows to portraits, meeting magazine standards.
- One reviewer reported a high-pitched beeping noise on their first copy, requiring a return; replacement was fine.
- Q3 201991/100
Buyers in Q3 2019 praised the lens for sharpness, versatility, and reliability, with many using it as a daily walk-around. Some noted it underperforms compared to primes or faster zooms, but overall satisfaction was high.
- Sharp images, smooth bokeh, fast autofocus, and excellent image quality, especially on EOS R.
- Versatile as a daily lens for walk-around, portraits, and events; often the most used lens.
- Durable and reliable; one user's 5-year-old copy survived drops and heavy use.
- Some users found fewer sharp keepers than primes or 70-200 2.8, but acceptable in good light.
- Q2 201996/100
Buyers in Q2 2019 praised the lens for sharpness, fast autofocus, and versatility, often using it with EOS R/RP. They appreciated its compact size and value, with no negative comments.
- Sharp image quality and fast, quiet autofocus repeatedly highlighted.
- Versatile zoom range for portraits, landscapes, and architecture, reducing gear needs.
- Compact and lightweight design, especially noted for travel.
- Good value for an L-series lens, with several first-time L buyers satisfied.
- Q1 201995/100
Buyers in Q1 2019 praised the lens for sharpness, image quality, and versatility, often calling it a great all-around kit lens. Some noted the f/4 aperture as a limitation for low-light or portrait work.
- Sharpness and image quality consistently praised, with multiple reviewers calling it excellent or amazing.
- Versatility as an all-around lens, suitable for various situations and often left on the camera.
- Aperture f/4 seen as fine for landscape but limiting for astrophotography or portraits, wishing for f/2.8 or faster.
- Value for money, especially as a kit lens or on deal, with several noting it as a great purchase.
- Q4 201882/100
Buyers in Q4 2018 praised the lens for sharpness, versatility, and value, especially refurbished units. A few reported soft focus and software bundle issues.
- Sharp images and excellent results across various shooting conditions, including low light and portraits.
- Versatile focal range and constant f/4 aperture make it a great all-purpose walk-around lens.
- Refurbished units look and perform like new, offering great value and quality.
- One report of soft focus in portraits at multiple focal lengths, prompting contact with Canon support.
- Q3 201890/100
Buyers praise the lens for sharpness, versatility, and effective image stabilization, often using it as their primary lens. One reviewer reports backfocus issues, but the majority are highly satisfied.
- Sharpness and image quality praised, especially at 105mm, with beautiful bokeh for portraits.
- Versatile zoom range and image stabilization make it a go-to lens for travel and everyday use.
- Build and handling appreciated, though some note larger size and weight compared to other lenses.
- One reviewer reports backfocus issues, requiring reliance on version 1 as backup.
- Q2 201893/100
Buyers in Q2 2018 praised the lens as a sharp, versatile walk-around with improved IS and build quality over the Mark I, ideal for low light and landscapes.
- Sharpness and image quality praised, especially in corners and for landscapes.
- Improved image stabilization over Mark I, aiding low-light and slow-moving subjects.
- Versatile focal range (24-105mm) valued as a compromise between 24-70 and longer lenses.
- Build quality and weather sealing noted as superior to previous version.
- Q1 201893/100
Buyers in this period praised the lens as versatile, well-made, and great value, with fast shipping and good image quality. One noted a desire for a 2.8 version.
- Versatile all-purpose lens suitable for various photography needs.
- Good image quality, crisp and clear with pleasing background blur.
- Well-built and durable, with one buyer on their third copy.
- Value praised, but some wished for a faster f/2.8 aperture version.
- Q4 201778/100
Buyers praised the lens for sharpness, color, and versatility, calling it a favorite. One defective refurbished copy was reported, but the buyer received a refund and praised the replacement.
- Sharpness and image quality praised across reviews, with several calling it their go-to lens.
- Versatility for portraits, landscapes, and documentary work highlighted, with zoom range appreciated.
- Weight and cost noted as drawbacks, but considered acceptable given the quality.
- One defective refurbished copy had electrical issues with image stabilization, but refund was issued.
- Q3 201796/100
Buyers in this period praised the lens for sharpness, fast autofocus, and improved image stabilization, with several noting it as a versatile go-to. One mentioned it is longer and heavier than the Mark I, and another noted a possible centering issue.
- Sharpness and image quality are consistently praised, with one user noting tack sharp images on a 5DsR.
- Autofocus is described as speedy, dead on, and outstanding, contributing to overall satisfaction.
- Image stabilization is highlighted as excellent and better than the previous version, aiding handheld sharpness.
- Size and weight increased compared to Mark I, which one user found less welcome; another noted a possible centering issue in the left corner.
- Q2 201791/100
Buyers upgrading from the original 24-105mm found the Mark II sharper, quieter IS, and lighter, though slightly heavier. It's praised as a versatile travel and all-around lens for both photos and video.
- Improved image quality and quieter IS compared to the original, especially noticeable on high-resolution bodies.
- Versatile focal length and lightweight design make it ideal for travel and everyday use.
- Lens lock feature and overall build improvements are appreciated by users.
- Slightly heavier and larger than the original, but not a deal-breaker for most.
- Q1 201791/100
Buyers in Q1 2017 praised the lens for its sharpness, build quality, and low-light performance, noting it as a significant upgrade over older models. Some mentioned minor chromatic aberration and a tight zoom ring, but overall satisfaction was high.
- Sharpness and image quality praised, with users noting excellent clarity and performance in low light.
- Build quality and handling improvements over Mark I, including better IS and a 10-blade aperture for nicer sunstars.
- Minor chromatic aberration in rare situations and a tight zoom ring, but not considered major issues.
- Versatile as an everyday lens, suitable for travel and professional use, with sturdy yet not too heavy design.
Based on 324 dated customer reviews, grouped by calendar quarter. Period analysis is in English.
The proof
Performance
What surprised us most is how this lens absolutely crushes it for landscapes, scoring a 95.5 in our database. That's best-in-class territory, and it shows in the edge-to-edge sharpness. The Nano USM autofocus is another highlight, sitting in the 94th percentile. It's fast, silent, and deadly accurate, making it just as comfortable tracking a running kid as it is locking onto a distant mountain. The 5-stop stabilization is a real lifesaver, letting us handhold shots at 1/8th of a second without breaking a sweat.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | Zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 24 |
| Focal Length Max | 105 |
| Elements | 18 |
| Groups | 14 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4 |
| ED Elements | 1 |
| Coating | Super Spectra Coating |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | f/4 |
| Constant | Yes |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
Build
| Mount | Canon RF |
| Format | full-frame |
| Weather Sealed | Yes |
| Weight | 0.7 kg / 1.5 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 77 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | USM |
| Stabilization | Yes |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 450 |
| Max Magnification | 0.24x |
vs Competition
The Sigma 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 and Tamron 18-300mm offer way more reach if you need an all-in-one superzoom, but they sacrifice the constant aperture and weather sealing you get here. The Panasonic LUMIX S 28-200mm is a strong alternative for L-mount shooters, but it's not a direct fight. For Canon RF users, the real decision is this f/4L versus saving up for the f/2.8 version. If you shoot in low light constantly or crave that shallow depth of field, skip this and go straight for the 24-70mm f/2.8. For everyone else, this is the smarter, lighter, and more versatile daily driver.
| Spec | Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM | Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 VXD | Sigma Contemporary 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN | Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS | Nikon NIKKOR 2178 | Panasonic Lumix G 14-140mm f/4.0-5.8 OIS Video Optimized Micro Four Thirds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 24-105mm | 28-300mm | 10-18mm | 18-135mm | 16-85mm | 14-140mm |
| Max Aperture | f/22 | f/4 | f/2.8 | f/3.5 | f/3.5 | f/4 |
| Mount | Canon RF | Sony E | Sony E | Sony E | Nikon F | Micro Four Thirds |
| Stabilization | true | true | false | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | true | true | true | false | false | false |
| Weight (g) | 700 | 590 | 260 | 326 | 485 | - |
| AF Type | USM | VXD linear motor | Autofocus | Linear motor | AF-S | inner focus direct-drive linear motor |
| Lens Type | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | AF | Bokeh | Build | Macro | Optical | Aperture | User Sentiment | Versatility | Social Proof | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM | 93.1 | 25.3 | 56.1 | 35.4 | 95.6 | 22 | 31.6 | 91.8 | 76.7 | 96.4 |
| Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 VXD Compare | 97.7 | 83.7 | 62.9 | 83.2 | 96.3 | 71.1 | 92.2 | 97.9 | 50.7 | 79.3 |
| Sigma Contemporary 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN Compare | 53.9 | 86.7 | 86.8 | 89.8 | 82.9 | 88.4 | 81.8 | 68.3 | 94.1 | 34.4 |
| Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Compare | 97.7 | 81.5 | 70.9 | 37.4 | 78 | 82.9 | 47.9 | 95.8 | 90.7 | 79.3 |
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 Compare | 53.9 | 81.5 | 54.8 | 63.1 | 67.5 | 82.9 | 81.8 | 94.1 | 90.7 | 92.2 |
| Panasonic Lumix G 14-140mm f/4.0-5.8 OIS Video Optimized Micro Four Thirds Compare | 97.7 | 70 | 51.3 | 94.5 | 94.6 | 71.1 | 0 | 97.3 | 83.5 | 79.3 |
Price
Value & Pricing
This lens sits in a weird pricing no-man's-land, with a spread from $459 to $1800 across vendors. At the low end, it's an absolute steal and one of the best values in the RF lineup. At the high end, you're getting gouged. Hunt for a deal closer to that $459 mark, and you'll feel like you committed a minor crime. Paying anywhere near $1800 is a mistake when the competition gets fierce at that price.
Amazon 12 offers From $459
Best Buy 4 offers From $460
Price History
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Overview
The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM is the lens you leave on your camera 90% of the time. It's not the flashiest glass in the bag, but it's the one that gets the shot when you don't have time to swap primes. The constant f/4 aperture keeps exposure consistent across the zoom range, and the image stabilization is so good you'll forget your tripod at home more often than you should. This is the workhorse that defines the L-series reputation.
Common Questions
Q: Is the f/4 aperture enough for low light?
Honestly, it depends on what you're shooting. The 5-stop stabilization lets you handhold static scenes in surprisingly dim conditions. But if you're shooting moving subjects indoors, like kids or pets, you'll be cranking the ISO. It's usable, but an f/2.8 zoom or a fast prime is a better tool for that specific job.
Q: How does this compare to the older EF version?
The RF version is a clear step up. Autofocus is faster and quieter with the Nano USM motor, and the optical performance is improved, especially in the corners. The customizable control ring on the RF mount is a nice bonus for quickly changing settings. If you're adapting the old EF lens, it's worth the upgrade to native RF.
Who Should Skip This
If you're a portrait photographer chasing creamy, blurred backgrounds, this isn't your lens. The f/4 aperture and mediocre bokeh will leave you frustrated. Go grab the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L instead and get the subject separation you actually want.
Verdict
Buy it if you find it for under $700. The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L is the quintessential standard zoom that does almost everything well. It's not a specialist, but it's the lens that will live on your camera because it's too useful to take off. The stabilization and autofocus alone make it worth the price of admission for video shooters and run-and-gun photographers. Just don't expect it to replace a fast prime for portraits.
