josquin1 Loc: Massachusetts

I am in a minor dilemma as I am not satisfied with my EF-S 18-135mm IS Nano USM that I purchased with my 80D which I like very much. The lens does not really give me the incredibly sharp pictures that it should although it is extremely fast and silent. I am considering upgrading to the Sigma 24-105mm F4 or the equivalent Canon 24-105 f4 L. I already own the EF-S 10 - 18 and the Sigma 50mm F1.4 Art which is incredible. I would appreciate any advice on the two, 24-105's, that anyone could give me or any other lens that you think would be a worthy upgrade. Thank you very much.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Didn't you just answer your own question here?

letmedance Loc: Walnut, Ca.

Have you attempted to fine tune the autofocus for that lens?
I have a Tamaron 140-400 zoom that was to soft and had to take it up to +3 to get really sharp shots, I was about to toss it but after reading a post here on the Hog I gave a try.

Chefneil

With either of the 24-105s, you will get a significantly better lens. I have an "L." It is my walk-around. Although it is significant cost, you can go to KEH.com https://www.keh.com//shop/catalogsearch/result/?q=canon+24-105, and get one used. Or go to BHPhoto. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/586286-USA/Canon_0344B002AA_EF_24_105mm_f_4L_IS.html and get one new. You may find the difference in lenses is worth it. You will loose some reach at both ends of the zoom, but the image quality is worth it. IMHO.

When I got mine, I went to a pawn shop and got it for $400. But I got real lucky and had the lens checked out at the local camera repair shop. An extra benefit to getting the "L" is if you decide to go with a FF camera this lens will work.

L8tr, old

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Jos, welcome to the Hog. Only you know your shooting style but when I was heavily counseled to get the 24-105 I got it.
In about a week I knew it wasn’t wide enough for my general purpose shooting(walk-around).
So I replaced it with the 15-85 and was quite happy with it. You might check it out!
I didn’t use the 24-105 again until I went full frame, now it’s my most used lens.
I use Canon lenses on my Canon camera, for a reason!!! Good luck
SS

Chefneil

Hey there is a 24-105 over in Buy/Sell/Trade here. Good price, too. http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-520129-1.html

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Its a sharp lens. It probably need a bit of in camera micro focus adjustment

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

VERY little difference between the Sigma 24-105 f4 Art lens and the Canon 24-105 f4L MKII.
https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-24-105mm-f-4L-IS-II-USM-Lens.aspx

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

josquin1, although you appear to have made up your mind, you might consider some 2nd opinions on the performance of your 18-135 by posting some examples and storing the original files so we can see the same things you're seeing. You do have two excellent lenses in the EFS 10-18 and the Sigma 50 where the 18-135 zoom may never show as well in comparison. I've used both the Sigma and Canon 24-105 f/4s (the Canon v I). Without seeing your issues with the 18-135, I don't know that you'll find either of these lenses to be the image upgrade you desire. I've found the Canon v II much improved and a few $$$ more than the Sigma.

JPringle Loc: Australia

Hi josquin1

I don't have an EFs 18-135. Its a lot of focal length to zoom across, and so I expect big compromises. I do have the EF 24-105, the EF 24-70, the EFs 17-55, and the EFs 15-85. My copies all have a sharpest setting and sharper focal lengths. And consequently all have some softer settings. The one I most use walking around is the EFs 15-85. Personally I like the wider end. And I prefer light to heavy if I can. And I find it sharp enough. I might avoid 15mm sometimes if really need the corners sharp.

I think that if I could choose the settings, light and focal length I could demonstrate any one to be sharper than the other, with the EF 24-70 having the most options to generate 'sharpness'. I do have an EF 70-200 f2.8 MkII and find that it is marginally sharper than any of these four pretty well across the range

I have no experience with either the EF 24-105 MkII or the EF 24-70 MkII, and often I'm told I need to 'update' to them because they are 'so much' sharper, but I probably won't show much interest in either until I get a 50MP camera. So maybe I have low standards.

I'd like to suggest you give a bit of consideration to the EFs 15-85. I find there is not much in the daytime I don't get good results with, on my 80D.

Of course, if I really want to step up with sharpness, I'll use a prime.

Phil

jdub82 Loc: Northern California

I have the EF-S 18-135 USM Lens, and I love it. I have found it to be both fast and sharp, and have had no issues. I agree with the suggestion that the OP's may need an in camera micro focus adjustment. This lens stays on my Canon 77D most of the time. Having said that, I'm certain the 24-105 L lens (either version) would be sharper. However, besides factoring in the added cost of the 24-105, for me the range of the 18-135 zoom makes it a better choice for an all purpose 'walk around' lens.

josquin1 Loc: Massachusetts

Thanks everybody. I really appreciate the input. I have no idea how to do the in camera micro focus adjustment though. ?

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

While there is always the possibility that your lens is defective, it's more likely in need of adjustment as a result of normal manufacturing tolerances between cameras and lenses. For starters you can try looking in your manual. You can also search on line for you model, as well as for tutorials on how to use it. I added the following link to get you started, but there is plenty of info on the subject out there. We all once had no idea how to do it, but we researched the topic and learned. If you don't have the time or interest needed learn how to use this feature, perhaps someone knowledgeable can help you. Alternatively, you can just buy another lens and hope that its manufacturing tolerances are closer to those of your camera.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RGto_eAKcY

danatek

The Nikon AF-S 18-140mm VR is exactly what you're looking for!

Jeffcs Loc: Myrtle Beach South Carolina

While I’m not a Canon guy and can not speak to the glass your looking at
One thing to consider for nearly all manufactures of fine glass is there is a reason why some lenses cost more than others, it’s not just for profit!
If your looking for a good lens vs a great lens vs suburb lens will always come out in the end results bottom line always get the best lens that is offered!!!
Those that say “it’s good enough” than wonder why they produce images that aren’t “good enough” that’s assuming they themselves are capable of producing excellent results