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If I were forced to choose only one lens to take with me on
any photography trip, the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS would be
my choice. The lens is relatively lightweight with a
generous focal range but
still sharp, contrasty, and constructed with the superior
build quality you would expect from a Canon “L” series
lenses. In fact, this is the best all-around zoom lens I
have ever owned.
This lens was first released by Canon in 2005 as a
lightweight zoom for working professionals, weighing in at only 670 grams
(versus 950 grams for
the
comparable Canon 24-70mm f2.8L USM) with a constant maximum
aperture
of f4. Combined with Image Stabilization, it is the perfect
“walking
around” or backpacking lens. Its minimum focusing distance
is only 18
inches, so at 105mm, close-up work is not out of the
question. At 24mm, wide-angle landscapes are possible as are medium
telephoto
intimate scenes at the long end. This is a lens that really
can do it
all!
The 24-105mm balances well with larger camera bodies such as
the Canon 1Ds series bodies or the Canon 5D, but feels a little
front
heavy with the smaller, lighter bodies such as the digital
Rebel or
40D. Those cameras with the smaller, cropped-frame sensor
give the lens an effective 38-168mm zoom range.
I like to take as many lenses with me as I can on any given
photo trip, but when I can’t take it all and I don’t want to
sacrifice
image quality, I always carry my Canon EF 24-105mm f4 IS.
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