Lens Question (embarrassed to even ask): I realize this is probably a stupid question but I have googled and can’t get a good answer... If it was suggested to me to buy a 24-105 lens...

Sark17 Loc: Atlanta, GA

I realize this is probably a stupid question but I have googled and can’t get a good answer...

If it was suggested to me to buy a 24-105 lens for my canon but they’re $800+, why does an 18-135 not cover the same thing? Priced at only $300?

legion3 Loc: Deer Park Long Island

24-105 is a canon L lens

jwinberg1

They do indeed cover the "same thing" in terms of field of view, but at different image qualities. The 24-105 lens is of Canon "L" quality, designed and built to a higher optical specification. That being said, stopped down a bit, one might be challenged to see any real image differences, except with "pixel-peeping". The "L" lens also has a constant aperture throughout it's focal length.

Whuff Loc: Marshalltown, Iowa

The 18-135 does cover the same range but the 24-105 is an L lens, Canons highest quality. The build quality and image quality are both much better. As your experience level rises you will want to invest in L lenses. The 24-105 is a real winner in the IQ department.

Walt

melismus Loc: Chesapeake Bay Country

It's all about image quality. A professional must have an L lens; you might be content with less.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Who ever is recommending full-frame lenses is likely spending your money for their camera needs / ideas ... The 18-135 EF-S is a better choice for a Rebel body. If interested in FF, look also at the (non L) EF 24-105 f/3.5-5.6 IS that is everywhere as sharp at half the price. The drawback of the both 24-105 ideas is that if the lens is intended for everyday use, 24mm on your body isn't very 'wide' for general purpose with an equivalent field of view of 38mm (24mm x 1.6). Instead, the 18mm EF-S provides 28mm (18x1.6).

Sark17 Loc: Atlanta, GA

Thank you! I now understand quality differences, but for an amateur I’m thinking it may be fine. Though I’d hate to waste money knowing I’d probably want the L series down the road. Thanks for the insight!

jwinberg1 wrote:

They do indeed cover the "same thing" in terms of field of view, but at different image qualities. The 24-105 lens is of Canon "L" quality, designed and built to a higher optical specification. That being said, stopped down a bit, one might be challenged to see any real image differences, except with "pixel-peeping". The "L" lens also has a constant aperture throughout it's focal length.

Harryd68959

I saw several used 24-105 lens on several major resalers for $385. This is an L lens that is a better quality build. The focus range is narrower and it is the kit lens for more expensive cameras.

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

Quality of glass and quality of build. The Canon "L" lenses are historically very high quality lenses for the professional and serious hobbyist (meaning I guess someone who is able and willing to lay out more money....). The result is a higher quality image. But no question that this lens is a very expensive "walk-around" lens.

Haydon

The 24-104 L is one of Canon's premium lenses with superior build & optical superiority. It's also a EF mount lens made for full frame application although it can be mounted on a crop sensor camera. The 18-135 EF-S lens can only be mounted on a crop sensor camera safely whereas EF 24-105L can be mounted on either. Typically optics with a smaller magification exhibit higher clarity and sharpness. As the magnification grows as an example 18-400 there will be spots within the focal length that will not be as sharp. Again, there are variables and image quality is subjective.

jwinberg1

<<Though I’d hate to waste money knowing I’d probably want the L series down the road.>>

Why would you "waste money"? You can always SELL the 18-135 lens, on eBay or Fred Miranda.

Sark17 Loc: Atlanta, GA

You’ve got a good memory! Though just a couple of days ago I upgraded to the Canon EOS R (and love it!)!!

What would be recommended for every day use? (non L) EF 24-105 f/3.5-5.6 IS, or sounds like maybe the 18-135? Thank you for your help!

CHG_CANON wrote:

Who ever is recommending full-frame lenses is like... (show quote)

lev29 Loc: Born and living in MA.

Sark17 wrote:

I realize this is probably a stupid question but I have googled and can’t get a good answer ...

G-d, with your good looks 👀, you can ask a "stupid" question anytime!

Your question, by the way, cannot be stupid when you preface it by stating you first tried an internet search!

Now, unfortunately for me and you, I cannot answer your actual question since I use Sony system lens mounts. But I suggest, despite virtually no member doing so, that for a question about a proprietary piece of equipment, that you include the manufacturer name in the Topic title you create.

Oh yeah, welcome to the Hog!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Better quality material, and the f/4 aperture is available at all focal lengths. Ordinarily, the aperture decreases as zoom increases.

Sark17 Loc: Atlanta, GA

Thank you Walt, that makes sense now. I hadn’t realized they were different quality build. Makes sense now! Thank you so much!

Whuff wrote:

The 18-135 does cover the same range but the 24-105 is an L lens, Canons highest quality. The build quality and image quality are both much better. As your experience level rises you will want to invest in L lenses. The 24-105 is a real winner in the IQ department.

Walt