Getting to know the lens
Canon EOS 5D Mark III / EF24-105mm f / 4L IS II USM Settings: ISO 250, F4, 1/30 s Download RAW
Owners of Canon photo equipment have long been familiar with the previous version of this lens - the Canon EF 24-105mm / 4L IS USM. This is an excellent universal lens, sharp and with a convenient range of focal lengths. Yes, not as fast as the Canon EF 24-70mm / 2.8 L USM, but it has a larger range of focal lengths and has a stabilizer. What to hide: With its price-performance ratio, the Canon EF 24-105mm / 4L IS USM is one of Canon's most popular full-frame zoom lenses. But progress does not stand still, and the new Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R cameras place higher demands on the optical performance of lenses. Therefore, recently in the lineup of Canon lenses with an index II in the name are increasingly appearing. So, in our test studio, the new Canon EF 24-105mm / 4L IS II USM .
Check Price Canon EF 24-105 f / 4L IS II USM
Design
The first thing that is interesting to pay attention to is the new optical design. It consists of 17 lenses in 12 groups, contains four aspherical elements forming five aspherical surfaces. This is done in order to increase the brightness on the periphery of the frame, reduce distortion, provide high micro-contrast and resolution. To reduce ghosting during internal light reflections, the lenses are coated with the new ASC coating - Air Sphere Coating. Compared to its predecessor, the novice’s diaphragm has more petals - now there are 10. The aperture is even closer to the round, and this should improve the shape of the glare and improve the quality of the bokeh. Well, check it out. The ring travel is smooth and even, without jerking. With some skill, you can even shoot a video with zooming, but you have to follow the focus, because the focus shifts slightly. In addition, when zooming, the lens rustles quite noticeably, which will also have to be taken into account when shooting video. In the zoom position 105 mm, the lens is 4 cm longer than in the 24 mm position. When focusing, only the distance scale moves in a transparent window, the front lens block does not rotate, the size of the lens remains unchanged. If manual focus adjustment is required, it is not necessary to turn off autofocus. Externally, the new Canon EF 24-105mm / 4L IS II USM is similar to the predecessor Canon EF 24-105mm / 4L IS USM. Almost the same black plastic case, although the focus and zoom rings have become a little wider and more oversized. The lens diameter has not changed - 83.5 mm, as well as the thread diameter for filters - the same 77 mm. The length of the new lens is 118 mm, weight - 795 g, i.e., compared to its predecessor, the Canon EF 24-105mm / 4L IS II USM model has become a little longer and heavier. As befits optics of this class, the Canon EF 24-105mm / 4L IS II USM is reliably protected from rain and dust. You should not dive with it under water, but the lens carries calmly rain and snow. A Canon EW 83M lens hood is included with the lens. It is made of thick matte plastic, has a four-petal shape and is equipped with a push-button lock, thanks to which it is easily and securely attached to the lens. Even the front lens cap - the Canon E 77II - got better. Thanks to the new design of her locks, wearing a hood will not interfere with removing or installing the cover, even with gloves on.