Okay I just bought a Canon 24-85 "Silver" version. I've heard about all the rumors saying that the silver version is sharper wide open than the newer black counterparts. I didn't believe it until after seller sent me a JPEG shot wide open at 85mm with the lens. I opened it and viewed it at 100 % and am totally amazed by the sharpness. It is nearly on par with my Canon 24-105 f4 IS L lens. Now it could be that I'm just an amateur at reviewing sharpness but can anyone else confirm with me that this lens is a "hidden gem"? Would like to hear from owners of the Canon 24-85 "silver" version or "black version" as well.
I've the black version and love it, one of my EOS3 film bodies has had it near permanently attached since around 2000. I've not used it much lately on my 40D as the EF-S 10-22 replaced it back in 2007; a 50 f1.4 and 70-200 f4L IS became my standard kit, along with a 100 f2.8 macro.
I'm looking to pickup either a 6D or 5D3 later this year and will give the 24-85 a go at that time given the two bodies have lens correction/profiles as an option.
The 24-85 was my most used lens when shooting in marinas or at parks, a 20-35 was carried as well. Both are light weight, not expensive and when stopped down a bit can produce wonderful results.
StillFingerz wrote:
I've the black version and love it, one of my EOS3 film bodies has had it near permanently attached since around 2000. I've not used it much lately on my 40D as the EF-S 10-22 replaced it back in 2007; a 50 f1.4 and 70-200 f4L IS became my standard kit, along with a 100 f2.8 macro.
I'm looking to pickup either a 6D or 5D3 later this year and will give the 24-85 a go at that time given the two bodies have lens correction/profiles as an option.
The 24-85 was my most used lens when shooting in marinas or at parks, a 20-35 was carried as well. Both are light weight, not expensive and when stopped down a bit can produce wonderful results.
I think the silver vs black is an internet fable from the 1990s. The silver was the kit lens for the infamous EOS IXE/IX (I still own one since it can't be given away!) while the black lens was released for general sales. I've owned both and darned if I could see any difference other than the differing dyes in the plastics! However it was a fine optic for its day and I carried mine far and wide for over 10 years. Wide open my 24-105L whips it good. Stopped down to F8 they are close. Lots of memories and sharp pics from that old APS optic:
I think the silver vs black is an internet fable from the 1990s. The silver was the kit lens for the infamous EOS IXE/IX (I still own one since it can't be given away!) while the black lens was released for general sales. I've owned both and darned if I could see any difference other than the differing dyes in the plastics! However it was a fine optic for its day and I carried mine far and wide for over 10 years. Wide open my 24-105L whips it good. Stopped down to F8 they are close. Lots of memories and sharp pics from that old APS optic:
Nice pics. I must have a bad copy of the 24-105 f4 IS cause to my eyes the 24-85 and 24-105 IS are about almost equal wide open in at least center sharpness. Lol
I had the 24-85 for a little while and it was about like yours: okay in center, but only so-so the rest of the frame. I didn't keep it long. My 28-135 IS is much sharper, especially in center, but my 24-105 is tremendously sharper across the frame than either of the other two.
My motto: if you are happy with it, stay with it until you aren't!
senzazn12 wrote:
Judging by the the pics, you think my 24-85 is pretty sharp wide open?
The center looks about right; crisp/sharp, corner sharpness falloff seems right as well, background blur the same, wish I had some images to post but anything good is on Velvia or offline on an EHD right now.
senzazn12 wrote:
Okay I just bought a Canon 24-85 "Silver" version. I've heard about all the rumors saying that the silver version is sharper wide open than the newer black counterparts. I didn't believe it until after seller sent me a JPEG shot wide open at 85mm with the lens. I opened it and viewed it at 100 % and am totally amazed by the sharpness. It is nearly on par with my Canon 24-105 f4 IS L lens. Now it could be that I'm just an amateur at reviewing sharpness but can anyone else confirm with me that this lens is a "hidden gem"? Would like to hear from owners of the Canon 24-85 "silver" version or "black version" as well. ...Show more →
I have both versions. I bought both of them second hand in recent years, so I haven't seen any in factory fresh state.
The black isn't as good as the silver one, but the black one is a wee bit more wobbly when extended than the silver one, so perhaps that lens would require a rebuild to get the better performance. Therefore, I shoot the silver version, usually paired with a silver XTi Rebel, which makes a nice combo not only as a walkaround camera, but having the bridge camera look from outside.
I like 24-85, it's small, has significant zoom range, it's not totally consumer zoom with f/5.6 at the long end, and has a ring USM motor.
Must be a lot of sample variation in the 24-85 as opinions are all over the place! Mine was very sharp at 24mm but a little soft at 85. And, once stopped down, was pretty good in the corners. It did suffer considerable barreling at the wide end but was surprisingly flare resistant. On the other hand, my 28-135 IS USM was about the same in terms of sharpness but suffered terrible flare, rendering it almost useless for sunsets and other bright lights. I love the 24-105L because, while not perfect, combined the best aspects of the 24-85/28-135 but with improved sharpness, contrast, build and IS.
senzazn12 wrote:
Okay I just bought a Canon 24-85 "Silver" version. I've heard about all the rumors saying that the silver version is sharper wide open than the newer black counterparts. I didn't believe it until after seller sent me a JPEG shot wide open at 85mm with the lens. I opened it and viewed it at 100 % and am totally amazed by the sharpness. It is nearly on par with my Canon 24-105 f4 IS L lens. Now it could be that I'm just an amateur at reviewing sharpness but can anyone else confirm with me that this lens is a "hidden gem"? Would like to hear from owners of the Canon 24-85 "silver" version or "black version" as well. ...Show more →
Nonsense. It must be the same mentality as the store that sells lenses in both plastic and metal mounts.
gwaww wrote:
"Plastic-unfantastic" A lens that has to be stopped down to f8 to be used cannot be considered a good wall around lens. Had it, got rid of it.
I guess I just got lucky then with this copy. From the pics mine is very sharp wide open.
gwaww wrote:
"Plastic-unfantastic" A lens that has to be stopped down to f8 to be used cannot be considered a good wall around lens. Had it, got rid of it.
Only if your into doing the 'brick wall' sharpness tests.....
gwaww wrote:
"Plastic-unfantastic" A lens that has to be stopped down to f8 to be used cannot be considered a good wall around lens. Had it, got rid of it.
F8 is my favorite F-stop for walkaround although I mainly use F11 and 16 for serious shooting. Sometimes I shoot wide open for initial lens tests but that's about it.
Gochugogi wrote:
F8 is my favorite F-stop for walkaround although I mainly use F11 and 16 for serious shooting. Sometimes I shoot wide open for initial lens tests but that's about it.
Yeah. My silver copy is very sharp wide open that it rivals my "L" in the center for portraits. I can only imagine once I stop down.
