I would really appreciate your opinions please ?
I have a Canon 350D and use it mostly with my EF 28-105mm, 3.5-4.5 lens. I would like to start a business doing mostly children's candid/outdoor photography which I currently do for friends and family. I would like to buy a Canon 5D but at the moment do not have the funds. My question is - if I buy the EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM for my 350D, do you think I will notice a significant improvement in my shots ?

It depends what we understand under "significant". For sure, the IS on the 24-105mm will enable you to use slower shutter speeds than you would with the 28-105mm to still minimize lens/camera movement (that if you don't use a tripod, of course) but image quality-wise I don't think you would see any major improvement, if any, it would be only a slight improvement in favor of the L lens.

Amazingly and in short...not necessarily.

It also should be noted that while the EF 24-105mm is optically superior to most EF-S lenses, if you close them all down to f8, there’s little between them in terms of real-life recorded detail.

Here's the link.
http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon24105mmL_with_400D_XTi/verdict.shtml

Make sure you check out the test results from outdoor to vignetting.

I think you'd be better off spending the money on a used 5D or 40D. It seems to me that children move around just enough to make IS not that beneficial. I've used the 350D/24-105mm combo a lot, and the images are great. But I think having a larger viewfinder would help you a lot more than having IS.

Thank you all very much for your advice. I really appreciate your help. Based on what you have said, I will look around for a carefully used 5D. I imagine there should be a few coming onto the market soon after the launch of the Mk II.

I didnt like the 24-105 on my 350. Its great on my 5d
If you cant spring for the 5d then perhaps a couple fast primes like the 50 1.4 and 85 1.8? Heck for the price of the 24-105 you might get both and a spare 350.

I have been looking at the price of a second hand 5D here in UK and find that it is about the same price as a new one in the US. Would there be any disadvantages in buying a new one in the US and having it shipped ?

A few ideas

* an f/2.8 lens, to get that "narrow depth of field" look that many people like

* a 70-200 lens, so that you can get close outdoors (with narrow DOF)

* consider improving your lighting system -- good flash(es), flash stand(s), etc

* consider a good tripod, ballhead, clamp

* consider a backdrop

etc

My 28-105 is not in the same league as my 50 1.8, 85 1.8, or the 70-200 f4 as far as sharpness at wide open. I agree with those suggesting the fast lense. I tend to think better glass is a better spend.

IS isn't going to do squat for chasing little rig rats around a studio.

Get a used 5D and you will fall in love with your 28-105. Used 5D's should be "flooding" the market soon.

As mentioned, a faster lens will always help by giving you more options in controlling depth of field.

Thanks again for all your replies. I really appreciate your input. Definitely a 5D, used or US new! Just have to chat nicely to my husband now!!

seren wrote:
My question is - if I buy the EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM for my 350D, do you think I will notice a significant improvement in my shots ?


Probably not... Gear is just gear. It is YOU who takes the pictures... So, are you in any way limited by what you use now?

Furthermore, a lot depends on your output... If you print a lot at small to medium sizes you won't see a difference between these lenses. You will have to print VERY LARGE to be able to see any difference. Most clients won't see it anyway... or they don't care

I am very happy with my photos using the 350D but I do notice the difference with the 5D.
I want one ! I will not let my husband see your post as he will think it the best advice by far!! Thanks for commenting .