stenojj

I am looking to purchase another "L" lens refurbished through Canon. They have the 24-105 II version on sale for $779 (as of today) and version I not on sale for $799. I have been watching videos. They say there isn't that big of a difference between the two lenses. The II version is heavier, but has quieter image stabilization. Otherwise the optics are basically the same. I know the I version is older. Does anybody have any comments with either lens? I love my 100-400 L II refurbished lens on my crop T6s. I'm certain the 24-105 lens would serve me well. Thanks in advance.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The v II is superior, more solidly built, with a zoom lock. If the price is the same or near, the newer version is a better choice.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

I think it would make a fine "walk around" lens. I'd buy the version II over the I; it's kind of a no brainer since it's cheaper anyway. I love my 100-400 II also. I got mine from Canon as a refurb too. It's tack sharp. You'd think my example was with a macro lens but it's with that 100-400. I'm sure the 24-105 is a fine lens.

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stenojj

Thanks! I took this yesterday with the 100-400 L II. Love this lens. This too was refurbished.

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rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

I have both the older and new 24-105 f/4L and the II may be a bit larger and heavier than the original but it is also a much better lens.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

There is a known internal ribbon cable issue with the MKI version. No idea if there’s been a design change to deal with it, but the repair price is in the $300-$350 range if it occurs. I’ve owned the MKI for ~4 years without an issue, but if I had a choice for the same price, I’d definitely choose the MKII.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

They are soooo sharp it's unbelievable. Nice eagle.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

$20 less, a generation newer, plus a zoom lock. Not much question there really. I've considered selling my Mk I and getting the Mk II just for the zoom lock! The constant extension of the lens gets annoying after awhile.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

I have the version I which is a great lens -but I keep reading that it has a manufacturing issue that one of the internal cables is prone to problems. So go with version II. Canon refurbished products are not discounted very much, but they are equal to if not better than brand new because they have been personally inspected to make sure that all functionality works.

stenojj

Thanks. My camera and all my lens I've purchased through Canon. Love that they have a 14-day retur policy "in case" and they all have a one-year warranty.

Everybody's input has been greatly appreciated. I did order the version II.

CanonTom Loc: Birmingham

Based on Paul's recommendation I purchased the version II refurb. from Canon a couple of months ago. I am incredibly pleased with the lens. (Once again, thanks for the advice Paul!) I am unable to make the comparison you speak of since I have never used the older model. Your sales price is the time to jump too. I paid $200 more than you will if you buy now. Regardless, I got a bargain in my opinion. Happy shooting! Tom

Robertven Loc: Fort Worth

How can I tell if I have version 1 or version 2?

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

You are using a T6s that can use EF-S lenses?

Personally I wouldn't get any of the Canon 24-105s (there is also a non-L, STM version) to use on it. They just aren't all that great. The primary difference between the two L's is that the newer one has improved image stabilization and uses Canon's new Nano USM auto focus drive.

For use on an APS-C camera like the T6s, either the EF-S 15-85mm IS USM or the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM would be a better choice, in my opinion. Better image quality, better range of focal lengths for an APS-C camera (on the one hand) or a larger aperture (on the other hand), just as fast focus and just as good IS. Probably just as durable, too. (The new 24-105L still has to prove itself over time... the original wasn't all that durable).

If you were using full frame, I'd recommend the EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM instead. That has almost the best edge to edge image quality, just slightly short of the 24-70mm f/2.8L II (which cost twice as much). It's also the closest focusing, with a "Macro" mode that actually manages 0.70X magnification (about double what the next closest non-macro Canon lens can do, triple or more magnification than possible with many). But I wouldn't buy that lens just to use it on an APS-C camera.

Folks think they "gotta buy an L" for top quality... but that's just not true. While most L are excellent, some non-L are just as good. Particularly among the EF-S there are a few that perform as well as any L... and in some cases even better than some Ls.

There isn't now and never will be an EF-S lens that's an L... But that's only because of how Canon defines the L-series. Among other things, to qualify "an L must be compatible with all EOS cameras, past, present and future". And EF-S lenses aren't. They can only be used on the APS-C cameras.

But even without a red stripe and an L in their name, several of the EF-S lenses manage to perform just as well or sometimes even better than L. The 15-85mm and 17-55mm are two... A couple more are the EF-S 10-22mm USM and the EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM.

EDIT: Yes, I'm aware that the T6s can use both EF and EF-S lenses. That's one of the nice things about crop sensor cameras. With croppers there are more lenses to choose among. With full frame cameras you are limited to only full frame capable lenses.

stenojj

The T6s can use both EF and EF-S lenses. I will give the lens a try for 14 days and if not pleased, can send it back. I just wanted a little bit more reach (105) versus the 85. Thanks for your input.