Canon’s RF 24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z lens has stirred loads of curiosity with its massive aperture, energy zoom, and substantial price ticket. However does it justify the funding?
Coming to you from Tony Mellinger, this easy video takes an trustworthy take a look at the Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z lens. Mellinger rented the lens particularly for some demanding shoots to see if its distinctive energy zoom characteristic delivered in sensible situations. Considered one of his first checks concerned photographing automobiles at an off-road store, the place the lens’ f/2.8 aperture allowed him to provide spectacular photographs, however the weight and measurement grew to become instantly noticeable, particularly in comparison with the smaller f/4 model. Though the pictures benefited from that additional cease of sunshine, carrying it comfortably was a distinct story altogether. As Mellinger factors out, photographers who journey gentle or favor compact setups will discover this lens difficult.
Throughout a museum shoot and an expert company occasion streamed over Zoom, Mellinger particularly examined the ability zoom operate. Whereas he discovered it helpful for including delicate movement to talking-head pictures or easily zooming right into a speaker, he notes one important disadvantage: the zoom motion itself isn’t very clean when beginning or stopping. As a substitute, it jumps barely every time it is activated, requiring cautious management to reduce distracting digital camera actions. Moreover, though you may management the zoom velocity, the shortcoming to easily ramp in or out considerably reduces the lens’ usability for single-camera setups, particularly while you’re broadcasting dwell or recording repeatedly with out the flexibility to edit out these small hiccups.
Key Specs
Focal Size: 24 to 105mm
Aperture: f/2.8 (most), f/22 (minimal)
Lens Format Protection: Full body
Minimal Focus Distance: 17.7″ / 45 cm
Magnification: 1:3.5 macro ratio, 0.08 to 0.29x
Optical Design: 23 parts in 18 teams
Aperture Blades: 11
Autofocus: Sure
Picture Stabilization: Sure
Tripod Mounting: Detachable collar with 1/4″-20 & 3/8″-16 threads
Filter Dimension: 82 mm (entrance)
Dimensions: 3.5 x 7.8″ (ø 88.5 x 199 mm)
Weight: 2.9 lb (1.3 kg)
Mellinger emphasizes the sensible difficulties of integrating this lens into present setups, particularly because of its measurement and strange filter diameter of 82mm, in contrast to the widespread 77mm utilized by most Canon RF lenses. This implies photographers with a set of lenses may face compatibility points or the trouble of switching filters regularly. Moreover, this lens consumes important area in digital camera baggage or backpacks, limiting what else you may carry. For a lot of photographers preferring simplicity, the comfort of the smaller f/4 variant may outweigh the advantage of an additional cease of sunshine.
Nonetheless, Mellinger acknowledges that sure skilled situations might considerably profit from this lens’ distinctive mixture of vary, aperture, and the optionally available energy zoom module. It fills a distinct segment the place versatility in focal size and picture high quality is non-negotiable. Take a look at the video above for the total rundown from Mellinger.
