Canon 24-105mm F4 Lis USM lens

[Alan]

I am looking to replace my canon 17/85mm IS 'walkabout' lens and after trial shots taken with sigma 18-125, canon 28/135 and canon 24/105 F4 L IS (together with images using the 17/85)
am initially most impressed with the 24/105. All images taken @ F8, focused on the same point and at max focal length
This is an expensive lens but after magnifying @100%,cropping by a similar amount and sharpening in CS3 the quality holds up extremely well.
I have obviously only had the chance to carry out limited trials and would appreciate any advice from anyone who has made a similar move before I spend a load more cash !!!

Alan

[mongo]

Mongo is not a canon user but even he has seen test, results and reviews for the 24-105 canon which rank it about one of the very best.

[Ploddy]

Alan,

I fully endorse the purchase of this lens - it does have a couple of 'faults' but on the whole an excellent product.

Check out my review here http://www.ausphotography.net.au/forum/showthread.php?t=52284

[etherial]

It is the best lens I have ever owned (not that I have owned a lot!). I find it very verstile. For my recent trip OS it was on the camera 90% of the time.

[nwoody]

i have one! it was the first lens i purchased, twas the best decision i ever made even if it was partly luck. the focal length is really usable. sharp focus awesome glass and a pretty good weight considering. id say go for gold son... its a safe bet.

[James Axford]

its a nice lens with a good range. it would be my most versatile lens.
this is not a prime quality lens by any means, but it does the job :)

[Alan]

Really appreciate the instant quality feedback. I am relatively new to the actual photography world (approx 18 months) - taught myself photoshop and was more interested in what I could do with images as opposed to actually capturing them 'correctly'-comes in handy now !!. Bought a Sony Dsc R1 and got into the manual side and then got into the DSLR world (said I would never do this - carrying loads of gear etc. but here I am and loving it). Will post some images soon and will welcome CC.
You guys have confirmed my initial interest and belief in the 24/105 so it looks like another relatively expensive buy - never mind, we only live once !!

current gear :- Canon 40d + grip: Canon 17/85 IS : Canon 70 /200 F4 Lis : Canon 1.8 50mm prime : Sigma 10/20 4/5.6 : Nissin di866 flash (excellent tool) : circular polarisers, nd's, manfrotto tri-pod etc. + some other stuff

Thanks again for your input

Alan

[Alan]

After constant price comparision checking I have today finally ordered the 24/105 mm f4 l is (always takes me some time to find the best deal ) Thanks again for your input

Alan

[Ploddy]

Excellent news. You wont regret it. Enjoy!

[Alan]

Lens received today but weather in UK not too good (understatement !!) so have delayed first trials. Never mind off to Spain on 22nd June so will have some time to play with it then

Alan

[nwoody]

24-105 is a quality walk around specially with a cropped sensor