i'm in the market for a new lens

[raylene]

I'm having a hard time deciding between the 24-70mm or the 24-105mm. has anyone who has used both got any insight which might help?

thanks!

[Bennymiata]

For me, the big advantage of the 24-105 is the IS.
While the 24-70 is around 1 stop faster (F2.8 v F4.0), the IS on the 24-105 means that you can take shots in dimmer light as the IS system will even out any shakes.
The extra reach is very handy too if you want to use it as a walk around lens.
Images from the 24-105 are also superb.

For me, the stabilisation wins out every time.

[tarwoona]

I also have the 24-105, it is just a cracker lens.

[davearnold]

Hi, I have used both, and ended up buying the 24-105, found it a better universal lens, to the point it is rarely off my camera.

[Wobbles]

I'm having a hard time deciding between the 24-70mm or the 24-105mm. has anyone who has used both got any insight which might help?

thanks!

Hi Raylene,
both of these are Canon L's and as such both excellent, you'll probably get an even number of people recommending either. However as there is no such thing as the Perfect /Universal lens a lot depends on what you primarily want to use it for and to some extent on what camera. A bit more detailed information on what gear you are currently using and you main photographic interests/needs might help you get some more useful feedback.

Cheers
John

[raylene]

Thanks for the input.

i'm using a 5dm2 and I have the 70-200 and a 50mm1.2 but while both beautiful lenses, i really feel like i need a workhorse lens.

[carrg1954]

Hi
Then the next question is ....Am I going to shoot greater than 50% inside ? if you answer yes then 24-70, if not then 24-105.
I have a 28-70, the 24-70's more mature and sharper older brother. Not having IS on this focal length is not an issue (my opinion). One stop faster is always one stop faster.
On the other hand my daughter finds it too heavy, they are a lump, I'd suggest you give that a look as well but go in somewhere and try both the, check the feel of the lens and camera out . I think it will be an easier choice than you imagine. regards

[Jack LC]

Hi
Then the next question is ....Am I going to shoot greater than 50% inside ? if you answer yes then 24-70, if not then 24-105.
I have a 28-70, the 24-70's more mature and sharper older brother. Not having IS on this focal length is not an issue (my opinion). One stop faster is always one stop faster.
On the other hand my daughter finds it too heavy, they are a lump, I'd suggest you give that a look as well but go in somewhere and try both the, check the feel of the lens and camera out . I think it will be an easier choice than you imagine. regards

This is excellent advice. I don't think you will find anyone who disagrees with this logic.

[Art Vandelay]

Thankfully both these lenses can be bought and sold on the secondhand market for very little loss. If you try one and doesn't suit, swap over.

[pmack]

I have the 24-105L
I considered the 24-70, but realised that i didn't need to spend an extra $400 or more for the extra f-stop, less range, and more weight and bulk.

If i was going to go the 24-70 f/2.8 path, i would at least wait untill the new one is released with IS. Canon rumors say it might be announced by the end of April

An interesting review here:
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/lenses/28-105.shtml

[fabian628]

I'm having a hard time deciding between the 24-70mm or the 24-105mm. has anyone who has used both got any insight which might help?

thanks!

Good points have been mentioned about the 24-105.
Personally I would get the 24-70, as I feel you miss the wide aperture on zooms, so going for the f/4 you are limiting yourself even more. :)

[fabian628]

Hi
Then the next question is ....Am I going to shoot greater than 50% inside ? if you answer yes then 24-70, if not then 24-105.
I have a 28-70, the 24-70's more mature and sharper older brother. Not having IS on this focal length is not an issue (my opinion). One stop faster is always one stop faster.
On the other hand my daughter finds it too heavy, they are a lump, I'd suggest you give that a look as well but go in somewhere and try both the, check the feel of the lens and camera out . I think it will be an easier choice than you imagine. regards

This is a good question, but, if you don't require to stop motion, then the image stabilised lens has at least 1 stop advantage over the f/2.8 lens.

[Brian500au]

Hi Raylene,

I own and use both - and I know my answer may not make it easier for you but I use them both for different reasons. When I am doing inside studio work or outside portrait work I will always reach for the 24-70 as I like to stop down to less then f4 at times (or like the flexibilty to do it). It is a very sharp lens.

I treat my 24-105 as my general purpose walk around / travel lens. If I only take one lens when I travel it is always the 24-105 for its overall versitilty.

I once decided to sell the 24-70 and keep the 24-105, but in the end I purchased it again on the used market - I really did miss it that much. The 24-70 is a brick but I love to use it on my 1dMKIII - it just fits so well when I am doing the portrait work.

Hope this helps

[Analog6]

Raylene, I loved the 24-105 when I was shooting with Canon gear, it was my 'everyday' lens and is a terrific piece of kit. What body will you be using ti with?