Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM: Is this the Swiss Army Knife among lenses in 2025?
Wouldn’t it be great if there would be a lens which we could keep on our cameras for 90% of the time during our travels? If the airline luggage allowance isn’t restrictive enough, walking around with a heavy backpack filled with camera gear through bustling cities and vast landscapes surely doesn’t contribute to the greatest of experiences.
I always find myself struggling on deciding what camera gear to take with me. On one hand, I want to be prepared for a myriad of situations. On the other hand, I don’t want to overpack so much that it takes away from having an incredible travel experience.
Fortunately, I have the luxury to access a sweet collection of Canon glass. However, it does result in the agony of choice. So, I have decided to go with a two-lens setup that should have me covered for 90% of the situations.
One of my go-to lenses is the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM. This is my first choice that covers a relatively wide focal range whilst retaining a decent fixed maximum aperture. Having owned and used this lens for well over 4 years, how has my experience been and is this still the Swiss Army Knife of lenses?
Lens overview
The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM is an all-purpose zoom lens that covers a focal range from wide to telephoto. Additionally, it has a fixed f/4 aperture throughout the entire focal range, which is decent for low-light situations and subject isolation, but nothing remarkable.
The f/4 aperture does allow for a more compact and lighter design compared to the f/2.8 and f/2 options on the market. However, though these are significantly faster lenses (f/2.8 and f/2) and compatible with Canon’s RF-mount cameras, there are serious trade-offs to consider.
Canon equipped this lens with features, including: 5-stops of image stabilisation (IS), a customisable function-ring, and a zoom-lock. Having image stabilisation is a highly valuable feature when you’re going around town and don’t have access to a tripod or stable surface.
Below, I have provided you with a small list with a few important technical aspects:
Size: 83.5mm x 107.3mm
Weight: 700 grams
Filter thread: 77 mm
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP): USD 1,889.-
My experience using it as a travel lens
So, how has my experience been using this lens during my travels? I have to say that the aperture was ideal. If I would compare this to the f/2.8 and f/2 options out there, then the f/4 is the sweet spot for travel without compromising on size and weight. When I travel, I deliberately choose not to have a strong subject isolation. I actually prefer to include more of the surroundings in the photo to have a better sense of place. In my opinion, a story is told better when you show more context.
In terms of low-light performance, I did find the f/4 somewhat limiting at times. Luckily, my Canon EOS R6 handles shooting with higher ISO values without sacrificing noise like an absolute champ. Where I used to not surpass ISO 1600 on my old Nikon D5100, I have no fear to crank the ISO to 25600 on the R6. In the end, this compensates for the lower maximum aperture of the lens.
One limiting shortcoming was the lens’ focal range. In my humble opinion, 24mm is not that wide and 105mm is not that telephoto. Personally, I would have loved the lens to have a range of 20mm to 200mm. I do understand that this would likely result in a more complex lens design, increase in size and weight, and ultimately price. Nonetheless, the value for money for the lens it is, is fantastic.
One concern I did have is the external barrel extension when zooming-in and -out. Tiny particles of dust and debris can enter the lens when the barrel is extended, potentially damaging the lens and reducing image quality. Though Canon sealed it off at critical points, there will always be a certain level of concern when shooting in rain and sandy environments. However, this lens design does allow for a very compact form-factor, which I value far beyond the security that comes with internal zooming.
Who is this lens for?
After experiencing this lens for over 4 years, I believe that this lens is an amazing option for 2 groups:
Travellers
Beginner photographers
Undoubtedly, travellers will appreciate the focal range, size, and weight. Portability is a key consideration whether or not a lens makes the cut to join the adventure. Airlines cut down on their passengers’ luggage allowance, and your back will appreciate you in the long run.
Beginner photographers will like the value for money this lens brings. It’s all there; versatility, solid portability, decent low-light capabilities, and all the features you could want when you’re just getting started.
Now, does this mean that it’s not suitable for other groups? Well, no. Everyone can enjoy and find a good use for this lens, but a portrait photographer probably finds more value in a lenses with a large maximum aperture. Yet, anyone who knows how to use the tool, knows how to make the most of it.
Alternative lenses
If you are thinking to purchase the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM, you want to make sure that you have considered several viable alternatives.
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As this is an older lens with EF-mount, you will require an EF-RF adapter to attach it to your RF-mount camera. Please be aware that this will come with additional size, weight, and price, making it less portable. However, you will gain a 1-stop larger maximum aperture though with a shorter focal range.
If the low-light capability and professional build quality is what you need, and you are on a tighter budget, then I highly recommend getting a good second-hand copy of this lens for a far more affordable price than the MSRP.
Size: 88.5mm x 137mm
Weight: 915 grams
Filter thread: 82 mm
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP): USD 1,889.- + USD 129.-
Source: Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
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This lens choice is the most compact in this list, but somewhat more restrictive on the build quality and focal range on both the wide and telephoto ends. However, you do gain a 1-stop larger maximum aperture, which will benefit you in low-light situations.
If all you seek is that larger maximum aperture, and you are willing to compromise on focal range and build quality, then this lens is a solid contender.
Size: 76.5mm x 92.2mm
Weight: 495 grams
Filter thread: 67 mm
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP): USD 1,099.-
Source: Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM
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For this third alternative, we are taking a different approach. For this option, we increase our focal range considerably, but compromise on maximum aperture and slightly on portability.
Instead of a 4.375x magnification, you will have a 10x magnification. In terms of perspective and versatility, it is a major step-up, especially for the price. However, are you willing to deal with the smaller maximum aperture and the additional size and weight?
For travel photography, this is a magnificent alternative. You don’t necessarily need the large maximum aperture if you aim to include more of the background in your images, and the size and weight differences are minimal.
Size: 80.4mm x 122.5mm
Weight: 750 grams
Filter thread: 72 mm
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP): USD 899.99
Source: Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM
Verdict/Final thoughts
I think that this lens deserves its title as the Swiss Army Knife among lenses for 2025. It has a versatile and useful focal range, decent fixed maximum aperture, solid build quality, and all the features you could ask for in a general-purpose lens. With this lens being a part of your standard photography kit, you will be prepared for at least 80% of the situations you will encounter.
Personally, I would love to see a future lens with an even larger focal range between 20mm and 200mm, which is compact enough for travel, and reassuring build quality. Personally, I do not mind compromising on a 1-stop slower maximum aperture, as I tend to use smaller apertures anyway, and have the high-ISO performance to back me up.