Canon 24-70 f2.8 or 24-105 f4 ?

[Anonymous]

When I had the 70-200 f/4 I constantly wished it was a f/2.8, when I upgraded it to the f/2.8 I never wished it wished it was a f/4 so I also agree with Elsa's sentiment.

[Forgiss - Sean Nel]

Something to keep in mind is that the new AF system from canon (or at least the 5D and 1D's) seems to benefit from f/2.8 lenses (activation/deactivation of cross and double cross type sensors as well as general AF speed)

[Gerrit Laubscher]

Interesting options Jaco and Erik.

The new 24-70 is extremely expensive and one wonder if the extra would be worth upgrading from the current one.

[Forgiss - Sean Nel]

Interesting options Jaco and Erik.

The new 24-70 is extremely expensive and one wonder if the extra would be worth upgrading from the current one.

If, and I am pretty sure it is, like the 70-200 f/2.8 L IS mkII then yes... does it make the current one bad? nope...

[Trommel]

Gerrit,

I've got both at the moment and use them for different scenarios. The 24-105 is the lens that lives on my camera because of its flexibility, weight, size and reach. I have never fiddled with the focus and have to admit that it is a bit softer at F4 but from there on its perfect.

The 24-70 is taken out when I do portraits mmmm and thats about it, it is heavier, bigger , bigger lenshood but sjoe it is sharp from the word go and the 2.8 aperture does its magic.

If I had to choose, cant tell you thats why I have both!

[elsahoffmann]

Let me just add - if a lens is not affordable (even after you have sold the the wife and kids) then go with what you can afford. If that is an F4 lens - so be it. But I recon one can sell a wife and kids for enough. so no excuses.

[Gerrit Laubscher]

Have kind of made up my mind on the 24-70 2.8 but just not sure if it would be worth going for the expensive MRII. Might have to wait till it is released. Also like the idea of a set of primes but will have to work on that thought a bit more.

[jayson]

I am looking at a second hand Canon 24-70L MK1. Lens is sharp and focus is quick. When I shoot people its sharp and I dont notice Chromatic Aberration (CA). However when I shoot white writing in sunlight the CA is quite evident. How do I know if I have "acceptable" CA or a poor quality lens ? Anyone have samples of "acceptable" CA on a 24-70 at f2.8 and f4

[Sputnik]

Looking for a nice walk-around lens, and good value for money => go for the 24-105mm (2nd hand R7500-R8500)
It works for me !

(The first reviews on the 24-70 II (F2.8) is fantastic, and I already start saving for it....to be fitted on the 2nd body. I am not selling the 24-105!)

[Thinus155]

I have been using the 24-105 for more than 4 years and I have never been dissapointed, (except when my aperture blades went after 100,000 actuations), this is an excellent lens, would love the focal range in 2.8 though......

[jayson]

I have both lenses. It is and will remain a difficult choice. A lot depends on what you shoot. If it's events that are mainly indoors (birthdays/parties/weddings) then I would go with the 24-70L. It is sharp and the AF is amazing on the 5Dmk2. It allows the capturing of "fast paced" action of people and expressions that I used to miss on my 24-105L. If your pictures are mainly outdoors and home events the 24-105 is a better lens for this and performs better at f4 than the 24-70L. The 24-70 has more CA than the 24-105 in my own experience. If it were not for my need to capture event photography I would have kept my 24-105L. It is a beautiful quality lens and a better all-rounder.

[Gerrit Laubscher]

Thanks jayson, sputnik and thinus. You are not making it easy . Jayson your refer to more CA on the 24-70 ... is that a common experience by others?

[Ralph Mills]

I have both, and its not an either or for me since they are two totally different lenses - shot live bands with the 24-70 last night where I benefited from the f2.8 - and off-road driving training with the 24-105 today where I utilised the longer reach. If I had to choose 1 though, it would be the 24-105 - its such a versatile and reliable lens.

[LeonardF]

Gerrit, what body are you shooting with?