abam wrote:
i'm a big fan of protective filters, especially when canon says that they're necessary to complete the environmental sealing of the lens - like with the 24-105.
"...note that Canon recommends a UV filter for complete weather sealing on this lens." - the digital picture
Which is sort of silly if you shoot with a camera body that is not sealed, no? The OP uses a 450D...
And doubly silly if you don't shoot in environments that create the sorts of risks that sealing might resolve.
If you shoot in those environments a lot, get a 1-series body and seal your lenses with a plain glass (not UV) filter on those occasions when it might be necessary. But even here, remove the filter when you don't need it.
RobertLynn, excellent analysis of this lens. It's a great way to put yourself into being "serious" about your hobby, as long as you don't think your lens will "make" you a better tog...
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the 450D is the xsi. If this is the case, it's a great combo. Upgraded my lens first, using the xsi, to the 24-105. GREAT crisp shots. Stepped up bodies later to the 50D and I'll have to say my xsi gave better looking shots than the 50D with this lens.
another thumbs up from me, too...I use it exclusivley as a walk around lens for travel and general use and it providesn superb photographs consistently, but my workhorse is the 24-70 f2.8L
My 24-105 is my main lens on my 450D and it has proven to be a great combo. I would recommend checking out the 24-70 as well. I use the 24-105 wide open all the time and wish it was faster....also, I find the bokeh can be very unattractive in certain instances. Some people are really bugged by the bokeh and some aren't.
My 24-105 is my favourite all-purpose lens, and thoroughly enjoy using it on all of my bodies.
The only qualm I have is that f/4 can be seriously limiting under indoor, incandescent light. However, as a GP walkaround lens, its pretty difficult to beat.
I'm a working photojournalist and I use the 24-105L with a 5DmkII for nearly 90% of my work. It's a perfect combination for nearly everything I need to shoot except for sports. I don't find that f4 is too slow, especially since the 5DmkII handles higher ISOs so well. My only complaint with the lens is that there is some pretty pronounced barrel distortion at 24mm, but unless you're shooting brick walls it's seldom noticed. I have a 24-70L but seldom use it. Optically it seems to have a bit more contrast and less distortion, but I find it too heavy and lacking in reach.
I keep a BW filter on all my lenses solely for protection. A filter can degrade your images adding flare at times, but I ride my gear pretty hard and the protection to the front element is more important to me most of the time. It's easier to replace a filter than a scratched front element.
I got one of the first 24-105 f4L issued. Beautiful lens, except that copy and all the other first editions showed excessive flare. I returned it to B&H. Canon corrected the problem soon after. I now use two lenses instead - 17-40f4L, and 100 f2 on a 5D. Good Bokeh is a concern with the 24-105 as this link demostrates.... unless you are willing to correct with this $200 software.
