Roger at LensRentals just posted resolution tests for the Canon 24-70mm f/4L IS. This highly anticipated lens just hit the market and his results will surprise you. He compares it to the original 24-70 f/2.8L, 24-70 f/2.8L II, 24-105 f/4L IS and Tamron 24-70 f/2.8 VC.

"On the basis of this information, though, I’m . . . well, I don’t know what I am. This is a good lens, but I at the price point I’d probably prefer the f/2.8 of the Tamron VC to the new Canon’s f/4. The macro feature is nice and will certainly pull some people towards the Canon."

Read the entire Article | 24-70 f/4 IS Teardown

Canon EF 24-70 f/4L IS is now in stock for $1499 at B&H Photo | Adorama

I'll certainly be looking forward to the early adopters reviews. I'd definitely be snapping one up myself if I didn't already have the f/2.8-II. I'd like to have one with the IS myself!

I'm waiting to see (1) how it compares to 24-105 f/4 in the overlap region, (2) how useful the macro mode is. I got a lot of use out of the macro mode on my Nikon 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5. I read that the macro range on this new lens is manual focus only.

If it turns out to be a great lens I'll pick one up...when it goes sub $1k.

It'll be interesting to see how this pans out in reviews when compared to the much loved 24-105 that no-one was really complaining about in the first place.

Agreed kezeka -

Hopwever, I do note that the 24-105's performance is starting to suffer with the higher MP sensors. I wonder if Canon is releasing this in anticipation of future releases.

I just upgraded to the 6D and was quite interested in this lens to round out my kit with the 70-200 f/4L and the 17-40, but the price on this lens is just so high and considering the great cost of the 24-105 in the kit with the 6D I just couldnt convince myself this one is worth it, no matter how good it might be.

Looking forward to the reviews. Am looking for a mid-range f4L to complete my f4L trinity, along with a 6D, 2013 might be full of EOS FF Fun

It's going to have to be as sharp as the f2.8 mk ii to make me want to sell my sharp 24-105.

jstntym wrote:
I'll certainly be looking forward to the early adopters reviews. I'd definitely be snapping one up myself if I didn't already have the f/2.8-II. I'd like to have one with the IS myself!

That's how I feel. I received the 24-70/2.8 II by mistake in September and just got around to using it in December. Unless the 24-70/4 IS is better at f/8, I really don't have any use for it now.

EBH

This lens better show a significant improvement over the 24-105mm. Otherwise, what advantage does it offer over the 24-105 that has a wider FL range?

Exactly. It may have been better if they'd built a 20-105 f4 IS.

Well, it's slightly lighter than the 24-105, 9 blades vs 8, and 0.7x instead of 0.23x magnification.

Also, it's got hybrid IS, not normal IS like the 24-105, which should make it a bit more useful for macro-ish shots.

Essentially, it's a "different" kit lens than the 24-105, and I wouldn't be surprised to see it bundled soon with some cameras.

Undoubtedly the price will drop somewhat, but with the 24-70 II being 2k+, it makes a $1500 "standard FF zoom" look like a bargain.

I don't see how it's a bargain at $1500 when you can pick up a 24-105 for around $800. Canon is amazing with their pricing model.

I am very anxious to see some real world tests of this lens. I have the 24-105, and I have a love-hate relationship with it. I love everything about it except the vignetting at 24mm (I can even live with the distortion). It is the only lens I've sold (I then bought another one as part of the 5DII kit).

If the 24-70 f/4 IS is better at the 24mm end, I will seriously consider upgrading. I can live without the 70-105 range (I have other lenses that cover this range).

Personally, unless it just knocks the socks off the 24-105 in the IQ department, I have no use for this lens. My 24-105 stays on my 5D2 virtually 80-90% of the time. I would desperately miss the 70-105 range even though I have the 70-200 F4 IS as well. Now, a 24-70 F2.8 IS would have made me stand up and take notice!

Jo

I want it more then f2.8 II...

It will be interesting to hear how it does compared to the 24-105 and 24-70 II.

Some German site totally trashed it and said it twice (i think the same lens tested twice, not sure) tested out even worse than the 24-105. I will assume they are either clueless at testing or got a super bad copy (the seeming QC problems with the crazy expensive 24-70 II make one wonder, maybe poor QC on this 24-70 f/4 IS the only reason to pay for these is for uber performance and if QC means you need two copies to get one that sort of delivers and 3 to get one that really delivers and 7 to get one that 100% delivers.... it becomes a bit frustrating to say the least.)

It would be hard to believe they'd release a lens for twice the current price and less range only to deliver the same old whatever 24-105 performance.

I would discount that review for now. The mtf looks superb and canon have hit the mark with every new lens they have made recently.

I'll have 20-25 copies to test in the morning. I've already done f/4 comps on the 24-70 f2.8 mkI and II, Tamron 24-70 f/2.8, and 24-105 all at f/4 so I should have some resolution results blogged by noon (slow time of year so I have lots of help).

I agree with basically everyone: if it can resolve like the Mk II at f/4 I'll be interested. If it's not better than the others than it has nothing but the semi-macro thing going for it. We shall see. . . .