purchasing a new lens: I am interested in purchasing a new Canon lens (24-105mm). However, when I look at the B&H catalog, I notice there are two such lenses available. 24-105...

pennyangus Loc: Naselle, Washington

I am interested in purchasing a new Canon lens (24-105mm). However, when I look at the B&H catalog, I notice there are two such lenses available. 24-105 f/3.5-5.6 IS STM and 24-105 f/4 L IS ll USM. I was wondering if anyone could explain the difference. I enjoy taking pictures of flowers as well as old barns/buildings.

Dave327 Loc: Duluth, GA. USA

The L lens is larger & heavier. I just bought the f/4 L used in excellant condition and have not had much time to shoot. I have 2 other canon L lenses and I they are sharper. Notice that it is f/4 thru the entire zoom range. The 24-105 IS STM is a stepping motor and is slower focusing and not as quiet as the USM. The USM (ultrasonic motor) is faster focusing. The 24-105 f/4 L IS USM will probably be my walk around lens.

pennyangus Loc: Naselle, Washington

Thank you Dave 327 for the info.

whlsdn Loc: Colorado

pennyangus wrote:

I am interested in purchasing a new Canon lens (24-105mm). However, when I look at the B&H catalog, I notice there are two such lenses available. 24-105 f/3.5-5.6 IS STM and 24-105 f/4 L IS ll USM. I was wondering if anyone could explain the difference. I enjoy taking pictures of flowers as well as old barns/buildings.

“USM stands for Ultrasonic Motor, while STM stands for Stepper Motor. Both are autofocus motors built into different lenses you'll find in Canon's lineup.” That’s lifted from a Google search. I assume you noticed the USM lens price is higher. If there’s an L in that info string, that should indicate a “high end” lens.

whlsdn Loc: Colorado

Dave327 wrote:

The L lens is larger & heavier. I just bought the f/4 L used in excellant condition and have not had much time to shoot. I have 2 other canon L lenses and I they are sharper. Notice that it is f/4 thru the entire zoom range. The 24-105 IS STM is a stepping motor and is slower focusing and not as quiet as the USM. The USM (ultrasonic motor) is faster focusing. The 24-105 f/4 L IS USM will probably be my walk around lens.

Oops. Sorry, Dave. Your more knowledgeable answer must have popped in while I was 1-finger typing on my iPad at the dinner table. Bad habit and slow.

BB4A

They are both good lenses. The first one is a fast, lighter lens, with a reasonable Image Stabilization (IS) fitted, and it’s a lot cheaper because it’s body is mainly plastic and it lacks the Canon L (Luxe) Series lens weather-proofing.

The second one is Canon’s new (hence version II) L Series lens in their line-up. It’s a lot more expensive and a lot heavier, much improved IS and maybe a little better in automatic focus and speed throughout its zoom range. It’s bulky and heavy because of the additional lens elements structure, professional grade build, and weather-proofing. This is a lens that will survive being used daily for a decade, in all weathers and conditions (hence the additional price); this might be the only lens in this size range that you ever buy!).

pennyangus Loc: Naselle, Washington

I did notice the higher price which led me to ask what the difference in the two lenses were. Thanks for your reply.

pennyangus Loc: Naselle, Washington

This information is very valuable. Thank you for taking the time to respond.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Some useful links -
https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-24-105mm-f-4L-IS-II-USM-Lens.aspx
https://www.the-digital-picture.com/News/News-Post.aspx?News=20512
https://www.dxomark.com/canon-ef-24-105mm-f4l-is-ii-usm-lens-review-updating-a-classic/
http://cameradecision.com/lenses/compare/Canon-EF-24-105mm-f4L-IS-USM-vs-Canon-EF-24-105mm-F3.5-5.6-IS-STM

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

I you have any interest, I have a 24-105 vs. II for sale. See my post of listed equipment. The lens is very, very clean if not "like new".

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

pennyangus wrote:

I am interested in purchasing a new Canon lens (24-105mm). However, when I look at the B&H catalog, I notice there are two such lenses available. 24-105 f/3.5-5.6 IS STM and 24-105 f/4 L IS ll USM. I was wondering if anyone could explain the difference. I enjoy taking pictures of flowers as well as old barns/buildings.

Over 28mm the 24-105 f/3.5-5.6 IS STM will start to lose f4. The charts indicate these fastest apertures at these lengths 42mm f4.5 50mm f5.0 67mm f5.6.

So below 28mm, the STM is a hair faster. After that the L lens is faster. But you are probably not buying the lens for shooting at 24-28mm.

rydabyk Loc: Florida Panhandle

I just purchased the non "L" lens for myself. The main reason is that I wanted a light lens to take with me when hiking. I already own the 24-70L f/2.8 and it is way too heavy for me to carry for hours on end through the woods. Not sure how you feel about Ken Rockwell but here is his review of both lens.

https://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/lenses/24-105mm-ii.htm
https://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/lenses/24-105mm-stm.htm

billnourse Loc: Bloomfield, NM

I have a 24-105 L II that is on my camera most of the time. It is a good all around lens on a full frame camera. If you have a crop frame, it is not going to be so versatile as it will yield a focal length of 38-168. This will be alright on the long end, but not be wide enough on the short end in my opinion.

On a crop frame, I really like the 18-135 3.5-5.6 USM (28-216 equivalent). It is sharp, light and fast focusing, but it does loose a stop of light at the big end compared to the 24-105 f4. It would be equivalent to the 24-105 3.5-5.6 as far as f stop goes.

Bill

Plieku69 Loc: The Gopher State, south end

I recently bought a 1st generation 24-105 L lens. I use it on my 80D.
Great lens for image quality, that is the reason for getting the more expensive Canon L lens.
I want the best pictures I can get with my budget constraints.
Ken

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

The USM maintains F4 throughout its zoom range, the other one stops down to 5.6 at 105mm. Also, the USM at F4 will let in a bit less light at its widest aperture than the F3.5.