So since getting the 5DsR, the 24-105 STM I bought for the 5D II really doesn't hold up on the higher resolution sensor, so I've been looking for a replacement standard zoom that isn't crazy expensive and yet still can be a good option. The 24-70/2.8L II is of course the gold standard, but more than I want to spend on a lens like this. My local shop had a Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 G2, but unfortunately, this one had some issues, with random soft areas and wildly inconsistent focus. I went back to return the Tamron, tried out the 24-105L II, and was underwhelmed. Very mediocre (at least that copy was.)
But they had a 24-70mm f/4L IS, and I figured I'd try it, even though some of the reviews I saw of it showed it not really anything special. But I have to say: what are they smoking? This lens is absolutely fantastic. Very sharp centrally at all focal lengths from wide open, and good sharpness to the edges wide open (but a touch softer). Stopped down it's sharp to the corners with outstanding contrast. IS works very well too. Significantly better than the EF 24-105's I've tried, and honestly it might be sharper than the RF 24-105mm in the overlapping range, though I haven't shot with one of those in a while. It provides outstanding contrast and resolution on the 5DsR and looks like it will seamlessly fit in with my 16-35/2.8L III. Very excited to get it out and really put it through its paces. Also: bonus - it adapts beautifully to my Nikon Z5 II, with no issues at the wide end (My 16-35L unfortunately doesn't adapt well - the sensor stack differences cause significant field curvature at the wider focal lengths).
These are just test shots, but seriously impressed for the 'budget' EF L zoom on the highest resolution camera Canon's ever made.
100% Crop (center) at 70mm f/4:
And 100% Crop (Extreme corner) at 24mm f/8:
Looks good outside too, though I haven't had a chance to actually make real photos with it yet.
So since getting the 5DsR, the 24-105 STM I bought for the 5D II really doesn't hold up on the higher resolution sensor, so I've been looking for a replacement standard zoom that isn't crazy expensive and yet still can be a good option. The 24-70/2.8L II is of course the gold standard, but more than I want to spend on a lens like this. My local shop had a Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 G2, but unfortunately, this one had some issues, with random soft areas and wildly inconsistent focus. I went back to return the Tamron, tried out the 24-105L II, and was underwhelmed. Very mediocre (at least that copy was.)
But they had a 24-70mm f/4L IS, and I figured I'd try it, even though some of the reviews I saw of it showed it not really anything special. But I have to say: what are they smoking? This lens is absolutely fantastic. Very sharp centrally at all focal lengths from wide open, and good sharpness to the edges wide open (but a touch softer). Stopped down it's sharp to the corners with outstanding contrast. IS works very well too. Significantly better than the EF 24-105's I've tried, and honestly it might be sharper than the RF 24-105mm in the overlapping range, though I haven't shot with one of those in a while. It provides outstanding contrast and resolution on the 5DsR and looks like it will seamlessly fit in with my 16-35/2.8L III. Very excited to get it out and really put it through its paces. Also: bonus - it adapts beautifully to my Nikon Z5 II, with no issues at the wide end (My 16-35L unfortunately doesn't adapt well - the sensor stack differences cause significant field curvature at the wider focal lengths).
These are just test shots, but seriously impressed for the 'budget' EF L zoom on the highest resolution camera Canon's ever made.
So since getting the 5DsR, the 24-105 STM I bought for the 5D II really doesn't hold up on the higher resolution sensor, so I've been looking for a replacement standard zoom that isn't crazy expensive and yet still can be a good option. The 24-70/2.8L II is of course the gold standard, but more than I want to spend on a lens like this. My local shop had a Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 G2, but unfortunately, this one had some issues, with random soft areas and wildly inconsistent focus. I went back to return the Tamron, tried out the 24-105L II, and was underwhelmed. Very mediocre (at least that copy was.)
But they had a 24-70mm f/4L IS, and I figured I'd try it, even though some of the reviews I saw of it showed it not really anything special. But I have to say: what are they smoking? This lens is absolutely fantastic. Very sharp centrally at all focal lengths from wide open, and good sharpness to the edges wide open (but a touch softer). Stopped down it's sharp to the corners with outstanding contrast. IS works very well too. Significantly better than the EF 24-105's I've tried, and honestly it might be sharper than the RF 24-105mm in the overlapping range, though I haven't shot with one of those in a while. It provides outstanding contrast and resolution on the 5DsR and looks like it will seamlessly fit in with my 16-35/2.8L III. Very excited to get it out and really put it through its paces. Also: bonus - it adapts beautifully to my Nikon Z5 II, with no issues at the wide end (My 16-35L unfortunately doesn't adapt well - the sensor stack differences cause significant field curvature at the wider focal lengths).
Jul 02, 2026 at 04:52 PM
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