Canon RF24-105mm f4 L IS USM Review - 4 Years & Counting

[@KevinDeal]

What are your thoughts on the RF24-105 f/4 L IS USM? Has it surprised you with its image quality? Tell me in the comments below.

[@Gert-DK]

Tell you in a week or so. I would like to ask you what program you are using for editing? I used LR, and after a nearly 10 year break, I am starting again. I am very annoyed with the subscription model. I noticed the program you are using is very much like LR.

[@KevinDeal]

@@Gert-DK I use Capture One. I like the capabilities much more than Lightroom. It also has a subscription model. But if you pay yearly, it's less.

[@Gert-DK]

@@KevinDeal thnx

[@tinysteelorchestra]

I used it almost exclusively when photographing a music festival and was delighted by the results. I used to have the EF mark 1 version and the RF is noticeably better, at least on the copies I've used.

[@FreddyBoyBoy]

when I saw your RF lens collection my jaw dropped. Dope!

[@KevinDeal]

Thanks. My wolf pack will be growing by one more, as soon as my RF135 gets here. Review to follow soon….

[@jdpst20]

I've owned the EF 24-105 when I owned a 1DXii and I just purchased an R5c and the RF 24-105 lens and am stoked to get it! I 90% of the time had the EF version on my 1DX when I owned that camera for video and for photos and just general travel ect. It is so versatile and if you can get close to your subject and have the background far away it still creates great separation. I picked it up for the R5c for mainly the wide focal range and the IS. I'll most likely add a 100-500 and maybe a 50mm or 85mm down the road. People also tend to forget for documentary and journalistic or travel work it is not always pleasing or informative to always have the background completely blown out and the subject isolated. Part of the image for these styles of photography is to have the scene actually be recognizable and to place the subject in an environment. For certain portrait sessions sure a blurred background is nice but for every day stuff and travel I don't actually prefer a 1.2/1.4/1.8 lens or I will at least open it up to 2.8 ect.

[@KevinDeal]

Great point about depth of field. It’s hard to tell a story of your story is blurred out. Lol. Thanks for the watch.

[@aspotterabroad4145]

I got one together with an EOS R and was blown away how great it was. Now I shooti it mounted on an R5 and R7 and it is my favourite lens to use when I'm up close to the subject. It even has me thinking I can ditch my EF 70-200 f2.8 for an RF 70-200 f4......

[@KevinDeal]

It’s definitely a great lens. Thanks for the watch! I also use a combo of the R5 and R7. It works for me.

[@Psyclonus7]

You can use any lens as a pro. Most people can't tell the difference or care. Just as long as the image looks good.

[@KevinDeal]

You’re not wrong.

[@Psyclonus7]

@@KevinDeal If the average person cared about photography, Instagram wouldn't be as big as it is

[@KevinDeal]

@@Psyclonus7 There's some good photography on Instagram. You just have to dig for it.

[@BlackAsOne1]

Thank you!! I Just purchased this Today 8/16/23 Can't wait til it Arrives

[@KevinDeal]

You're welcome. Enjoy it!

[@wesleygomesbrilhante5703]

just got this lens yesterday,havent got to use it yet,nice video!

[@KevinDeal]

It's an excellent lens. Enjoy it!

[@fengshuischoolindonesia6161]

Excellent narration. Thank you

[@KevinDeal]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Beaver-be8vk]

I have the F4-7.1 and I think that’s a very underrated lens as well. If I’m outside that’s what’s on my camera and it literally doesn’t take a bad picture. Super sharp. Thinking of upgrading but I’m not sure if I should. I’ve seen a few comparisons videos that say they’re pretty close in sharpness. I’ll probably get it when I upgrade my camera and save a few bucks in a kit.

[@KevinDeal]

There's definitely a lot more to lenses than sharpness. But the non-L lens (like you said) is pretty darn good.

[@sstokoe2301]

Awesome review..thanks so much!

[@KevinDeal]

My pleasure!

[@robigerovasilisphotography]

I took this lens with my R6 to Greece and travelled the Greek islands. absolutely my favourite lens for travel and general purpose hands down!!!

[@KevinDeal]

I’m sure you got some amazing shots! Thanks for watching!

[@impopio4987]

​@@KevinDealhow about f2.8 version?

[@KevinDeal]

@@impopio4987 I've only messed with the 2.8 for a few minutes, but it's probably too big and too heavy for what I would personally want to take with me on vacation. The quality was fantastic.

[@peterebel7899]

I did several vacation trips with the 24-105 4.0 (85% of the shots) and the 35 1.8 doing the rest. I have access to plenty of other options outperforming either of those but barely any comparable versatile. (on the long end the 100-500 or the 100-400 are a perfect adding if needed)

[@doohanlim1225]

Planning to get the same exact setup as you mentioned for the Canon EOS R8. How do you find the 24-105L performing in low light?

[@peterebel7899]

@@doohanlim1225 Scanning my LR catalogue: Lots of keepers handhold with 1/5s even on the long end on the EOS R (no IBIS) So indoor, blue hour, worst weather, deep woods, wiping, ... , all on the list. Just make your plans happen!

[@KevinDeal]

@@peterebel7899 Funny you mention that. If you check out my RF35 1.8 review, there are a ton of pictures from Italy I took with that as well. Like you, I basically just used those two lenses. It's all you really need.

[@RatsPicklesandMusic]

I'm considering this lebs for start up doing documentary style wedding photography. My only concern would be its low-light limitations. But if I already have an EF 35mm 1.4 that probably solves the issue. I only have one body and the 35 needs an adapter but I think this lens might be the ticket for my wedding photography!

[@KevinDeal]

I’ve used it at weddings outdoors and it is fantastic. Indoors? Not so much. Too much movement.

[@RatsPicklesandMusic]

@@KevinDeal yeah. I ended up going with the RF 24-70 f2.8!! Should be good for well-lit indoors and I already have a 35 F1.4 for dimmer situations and have two flashes! 😁

[@KevinDeal]

@@RatsPicklesandMusic excellent choice!

[@unclebuck5957]

I love this lens great weight and very sharp I use this for landscape photos

[@KevinDeal]

I agree. It's my go to on vacation.

[@prosunsport1]

Excellent real world review

[@KevinDeal]

Thank you for the watch and the kind words!

[@nazfenix]

I luckily own both and I love them, but I can't deny that 28 70 f2 worth its price! It gives you that piece of mine for every situation.

[@KevinDeal]

Very true. Thanks for the watch!

[@ak_hoops]

Really helpful review. Hard to find good long term reviews of products these days. This is a lens I've considered heavily so will be eager to get it one day.

[@KevinDeal]

It’s an interesting lens. There are usually other lenses I would reach for first in many situations. But if you asked me if I could only have one lens, I might very well choose this one. Thanks for the kind words.

[@ak_hoops]

@@KevinDeal You’re very welcome. “if I could only have one lens” and that is the exact reason why I want this one specifically. Thank you very much!!

[@jolob]

Found one used for 800 (almost bought new for like 1300) and it just feels right. I've used the 24-70 2.8 too that everyone hypes but I've never minded using the 24-105 4. This lens = V A L U E !

[@KevinDeal]

24-105 f4 is such a good lens.

[@rignacio5199]

Great video. I'm heading to Europe in July and was debating on which lenses to bring. My original plan was to bring my RF24-105L, EF 16-25 and my Nifty Fifty. But I might leave the EF16-35 at home and roll with the RF24-105L and the Nifty Fifty for low light stuff.

[@KevinDeal]

If you need to go wider than 24mm, just turn your camera on its side and take three shots, panning left to right Stitch them together after the fact. There were very few times 24mm couldn’t get the job done. Another idea, if you really need to go wide is to look at the cheap RF16mm 2.8.

[@rajeshnahar5585]

Hey Nice detailed video. Just wondering if this lens is good for product videography and photography? I am planning to mate this lens to a Canon R6 mark II.

[@KevinDeal]

It is great for product photocopy. I usually shoot at a deep depth of field with product photography. That’s where lenses are the sharpest.

[@krishnaramachandran7722]

Does this lens work well with Rp camera?

[@KevinDeal]

Yes. It's a great buy for an RP.

[@verediano]

Great video Kevin, I'm think about buying a Canon R8 and I had no idea about the lenses, thanks to you I do know now. Do you think a 50mm F/1.8 is a good complement for this lens or it is like an overlap?

[@KevinDeal]

I think the 50 1.8 is a great complement. However, I decided to choose the 35 1.8 instead of the 50 because I prefer the focal length more. It’s more of a story telling lens. I did a review on the 35 I highly encourage you to check out

[@MikeNovakPhoto]

I also hate the term kit lens. I own the 24-105 as well and I use it the most. It's normally sold along with the EOS R5 as a kit for those that are first time Canon buyers to get a slight discount. The Canon R5 C has a kit as well and is paired with the RF24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM. So does that make that lens a kit lens as well. Again I hate the term kit lens.

[@KevinDeal]

100%. That lens stands on its own merits.

[@rogriv]

Has anybody experienced a slight wobble of the center cylinder and sensor noise when moved around?

[@KevinDeal]

Pretty sure that’s just the image stabilization. It’s designed to be that way. Totally normal.

[@GiuseppeAniello]

unbelievable.. i've found this video cause i've searched for review of 24-105 and i didn't expect to find the town where i live :=) i live very close to Gaeta

[@KevinDeal]

My wife grew up in Gaeta. She's an American daughter of a Marine that was stationed there. It's one of my favorite places in the world. Not full of too many tourists. Great food. Great people. Close to Roma and Napoli. Love where it's located. Oh yes, and the beach.

[@GiuseppeAniello]

@@KevinDeal this is incredible :) if you came back let me know so we can go around for a shooting there are so many beautiful things

[@KevinDeal]

@@GiuseppeAniello We are planning on getting a place out there for a couple weeks in June of 2025, maybe late July. We are definitely coming back. That would be amazing.

[@rizhall]

Hey man, I love your comparisons and am glad to find I didn't waste money in investing in the 24-105 while waiting a while to get a 24-70 (which buys me time to get a f2.0 instead of f2.8.) I see the bokeh isn't as strong because of the aperture limitations. I have 35mm & 50mm 1.8f lenses but haven't been able to do comparisons yet. Do these prime lenses hold any candle to either of the zoom lenses you talked about here as far as picture quality?

[@KevinDeal]

Yes. Both the RF35 and RF50 are fantastic lenses. They definitely hold their own. Stopped down, you'd have a hard time telling which is which, in my experience. I'm currently in the middle of recording my review of the 50 1.8. I did a review of the RF35 last year where I compare it to the much more expensive RF28-70 at 35mm and it's really hard to tell the difference. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2nTeJ2Dj7uajNk

[@jagdpanzers4406]

Have you actually tried the 24-105 non-L version? Imo a very underrated lens and ruled out very fast due to how the specs look

[@KevinDeal]

Yeah. In great lighting it produces fantastic images (the non L). It’s also fairly light. I don’t own one, so I can’t do a review of it but if I can get ahold of one I’d love to. But no weather sealing (for travel) and a variable aperture is a deal breaker for me.

[@jagdpanzers4406]

@@KevinDeal Cool, whats the deal with variable aperture? Except if you're doing video I don't see an issue. Weight is almost half of the 4L version. Price a third of the 4L. What amazed me most was close up focusing distance, could do many almost-macro shots. If you ever need sample pics let me know, got a few. have a nice day

[@hariantosuhendro1428]

How about Eos R with EF 24-70mm F2.8 II ? currently in Indonesia RF 24-105mm L 22 million EF 24-70 F2.8 II 25 million (official warranty). I doubt buying a distributor warranty at a price of 15 million. I'm afraid it's a problem.

[@KevinDeal]

24-70 is a good lens. I don’t know what is a good deal in Indonesia. Thanks for watching.

[@elsie.photobox]

Interesting. CanonUSA just posted a photo today where this lens was used in studio.

[@KevinDeal]

It's definitely a fantastic studio lens. Thanks for the watch!

[@niceyesplease]

Great review, thanks. Subscribed!

[@KevinDeal]

Awesome, thank you!

[@mordavian]

Is it possible to share some RAW files? I have been inspecting this lens for more than a month and i haven't come to a conclusion yet. I am between this one and EF 24-70 F2.8 II. I need IS and sharpness. Extra length is also bonus but according to JPG images taken with this lens did not satisfy me so much. I need to see photos taken with R5.

[@KevinDeal]

Fashion photographers use this lens in studio and magazines use the images. I'm not sure what your standards are for this lens but it's good enough for professional work. The lens is acceptably sharp. If you want the sharpest, you need to spend $3000 on the 2.8 version. The EF24-70 doesn't have IS. Since you said "I need IS and sharpness" there's no reason for you to consider that lens.

[@mordavian]

@@KevinDeal I mostly use my EF 70-200 F2.8 II and 100 mm L lens for portrait or product shots but when i go outside i borrow 24-70 F2.8 II. Its sharpness is good but i want to buy a lens for me for outdoor shots. I looked at many many photos of this 24-105 on many bodies except R5. I found some shots on dpreview but all files are corrupt and i couldn't open.

[@eduardometinger]

Hello from Brazil! Great content. Thanks for share this information, because I’m changing all setup from 6D and prime lenses to a R6 Mark II and thinking about RF 24-105!!! Your video help me a lot!

[@KevinDeal]

Glad it was helpful!

[@katanakatana9002]

Hi Kevin, I want to upgrade my canon 560D to R6. I’m not a professional still learning and I would like to do pet photography what type of lens do you recommend ? And as a beginner should I consider r 6 mark II or r 6 will be enough for me? Thank you 🙏🏻

[@KevinDeal]

To me lenses are more important than camera bodies. And the first version of the R6 is more than enough for pet photography. And it’s on sale everywhere so the first version would be appealing to me. As far as lens, it depends on what type of pet photography but I would look into a 70-200 if the pets aren’t going to be super close to you.

[@katanakatana9002]

Thank you for your advice 👍🏼😊

[@withvictors]

thanks

[@KevinDeal]

You're welcome!

[@lenf3641]

I've got this lens with R6. All's good and working as intended. However, I noticed when I customize exposure compensation to control ring it's not working, all other options(ISO, Tv, Av etc) are working when I rotate the control ring except exposure compensation. Woult it be possible for you to check if it's working for you and reply? Thanks in advance.

[@KevinDeal]

Sorry to hear you are having issues. I just attached my RF24-105 to my R5 and assigned Exposure Compensation to the control ring. It worked perfectly. Have you updated the firmware to the latest version in both your camera AND you RF24-105?

[@lenf3641]

@@KevinDeal Yes, camera and lens has up to date software. Thanks for checking. I spoke with Canon tech support, he advise to send lens for inspection. I still have a return/replace window. I'll prob replace the lens. Thanks for your help! Really appreciate it.

[@KevinDeal]

@@lenf3641 I'm sorry the lens is giving you issues. I hope Canon is able to solve the problem.

[@lenf3641]

@@KevinDeal Update: I just tested Control ring set to Exposure compensation with all possible modes(Tv, Av, P and Fv) and it working. The same scenario doesn't work with M(manual mode). Did you tested in M and ISO in Auto or manual with your R5?

[@jackarentphotography9822]

"if you want to pixel peep, and be a dork." Lol

[@KevinDeal]

I’m just over here calling balls and strikes. Thanks for the watch!

[@MuleGlobetrotter]

Why use adapter for R7? It has an RF mount

[@KevinDeal]

Maybe I misspoke. I’m well aware that you don’t adapt it to an R7. It’s native.

[@MuleGlobetrotter]

@@KevinDeal Thanks for clarification! I got a little confused at 9:25 when you attach the adapter.

[@KevinDeal]

@@MuleGlobetrotter Yes. In that section I am talking about alternative lenses you could use to the RF24-105 f/4/. I first talk about the less expensive RF version, then I talk about adapting older lenses to save money if the viewer can't afford the RF24-105.

[@iamdjfidel]

What is the rule at the 16th Chapel that you was yelled for?

[@KevinDeal]

No pictures at all. I took a few then got yelled at. Apparently some company out of Japan paid a ton of money for exclusive rights of all pictures taken in the Sistine Chapel.

[@iamdjfidel]

@@KevinDeal Oh wow so is it exclusively to pro cameras or cellphones or cameras in general? Thanks for the update and so we can't take photos of yourself to say you was at the 16th?

[@KevinDeal]

Correct. No photos at all.

[@iamdjfidel]

@@KevinDeal thank you sir Great video between! I got the 24-240mm to satisfy my long range and it’s not too disappointing but great for videos in well lit room or outdoor compared to buying or renting the big boys

[@ahmedomara11]

Beat lens ever

[@KevinDeal]

It’s an awesome lens.

[@KentSpain85]

I love the 24-105 L, but it's nothing magical in my book. My favorite lens is the rf 70-200 f/2.8. But when I travel I can't beat the trio: 24-105 L, 100-500 & 35 1.8. It covers everything. And the 24-105 is so versatile! It's just not... Magical... Not like the 70-200.

[@KevinDeal]

I feel the same way about it vs the 28-70. Like I said in the video, it’s pretty good at everything but not mind-blowing on anything.

[@jasonavant5210]

Thanks for the review and I really really enjoy the versatility of this lens. I use it for studio corporate headshots and general photo taking but I like my EF 70-200 is better for portraits. Think I really want the 50mm f1.2 next or upgrade to an RF 70-200.

[@KevinDeal]

The 70-200 is a special range, so I see your point there. I reviewed both the 50 1.2 and 70-200 in other videos if you want to see comparisons. Thanks for the watch!

[@jasonavant5210]

I was undecided between the 50 and 85 and your reviews helped push me to the 50. Also want to give you kudos for your review style. You rightfully understand that seeing pictures and an actual photo shoot is so much more helpful than somebody reading a spec sheet and shooting charts or brick walls. Keep up the excellent work!

[@KevinDeal]

@@jasonavant5210 thanks! Yeah, taking pictures of models is way cooler than taking pictures of charts!

[@Mr_phil_80]

Your use of "stopped down" is backwards. Stopping down the lens means to close the aperture down from ex: f2 down to f6.3. What you mean to say is shoot "wide open"...what a general oversight unto proper photo termonology!

[@KevinDeal]

To me stopped down means closed. And open up means open (wider). Maybe I misspoke but I am definitely not confused.

[@truthseeker6804]

do you know the rf 24-240 exist?

[@KevinDeal]

I do know it exists.

[@steveearnshaw5426]

The price difference will buy that ticket to Italy.

[@KevinDeal]

Very true

[@ricardoucr]

I am goin to tell to the pope that you took pictures inside the Sistine Chapel.

[@KevinDeal]

I’m going to hell anyway. lol.