Canon lenses: Would like to know the difference in performance of an 18-135 mm and a 24-105 mm? If u have owned both, would appreciate input.

Jammiejam

Would like to know the difference in performance of an 18-135 mm and a 24-105 mm? If u have owned both, would appreciate input.

haroldross Loc: Walthill, Nebraska

What camera body are you putting the lens on?

On my Canon T2i, I was hard pressed to see a noticeable improvement between these two lens. The 24-105mm f/4L was slightly better if I wanted to peek at the pixels. The contrast was slightly better on the 24-105mm which made the photos look slightly sharper. The 24-105mm construction is far better than the EF-S 18-135mm.

On my Canon 7D MK II, the 24-105mm is definitely much better as far as color, sharpness, and contrast.

These are my non-scientific observations.

Jammiejam

Sorry, I should've included that info. I am using a T5i.

BigBear Loc: Northern CT

On my wife's T5i, the EF 24-105 is superior over the EF-S 18-55 which I traded toward a 5D MK III. I have no use for the EF-S lenses as long as I have the EF L lenses. They won't work on a FF body anyway.

Jammiejam

On my wife's T5i, the EF 24-105 is superior over the EF-S 18-55 which I traded toward a 5D MK III. I have no use for the EF-S lenses as long as I have the EF L lenses. They won't work on a FF body anyway.

Thank u for your response, however it is not the 18-55mm that I wish to compare, it is the EFS 18-135 mm.

Blurryeyed Loc: NC Mountains.

Jammiejam wrote:

Would like to know the difference in performance of an 18-135 mm and a 24-105 mm? If u have owned both, would appreciate input.

I find the 24-105 to be better on my 6D than my 15-85 was on my 60D, my 15-85 was better than the 18-135. But 24-105 is not necessarily a good focal range for a crop camera.

Budnjax Loc: NE Florida

the difference is the 18-135 is an ef-s lens designed for crop factor cameras, the 24-105 is an "L" lens for full frame. The 24-105 will work on any Canon EF or EF-S mount, whereas the 18-135 will fit on only EF-S mount cameras. The 24-105 is an absolutely superb lens....presently being sold at great reduced prices due to the pending release of a "new and improved" model.

Jammiejam

Budnjax wrote:

the difference is the 18-135 is an ef-s lens designed for crop factor cameras, the 24-105 is an "L" lens for full frame. The 24-105 will work on any Canon EF or EF-S mount, whereas the 18-135 will fit on only EF-S mount cameras. The 24-105 is an absolutely superb lens....presently being sold at great reduced prices due to the pending release of a "new and improved" model.

Oh! now.....Budnjax u have certainly made it more difficult! "new and improved"..when? Also, can u please point me to the greatly reduced prices as I have seen same prices ($699) since I started considering. My intent in purchasing lenses now with the T5i is to get those I can use when I upgrade later. the 18-135 mm doesnt allow me full focus without the vignette. I dont like having to always be aware of that.

Blurryeyed Loc: NC Mountains.

Jammiejam wrote:

Oh! now.....Budnjax u have certainly made it more difficult! "new and improved"..when? Also, can u please point me to the greatly reduced prices as I have seen same prices ($699) since I started considering. My intent in purchasing lenses now with the T5i is to get those I can use when I upgrade later. the 18-135 mm doesnt allow me full focus without the vignette. I dont like having to always be aware of that.

I just purchased a used Canon 24-105 on ebay that is in like new condition for $550, but to purchase that lens new I think that it is still selling for 1149 at B&H. It is truly a wonderful lens, used does not scare me as most people take good care of their things and if you pay attention to seller ratings on ebay you usually end up with an honest deal. Having said that if I absolutely had to have new I would purchase the New Sigma 24-105 Art lens, in testing it slightly edges out the Canon and is about $275 cheaper, but like I said, the Canon lens is wonderful, I am very content with it. If you do get a 24-105 you may want to leave room in your budget for the new 10-18 ($300) as on your crop camera the 24mm end is about a 40mm equivalent on a full frame, not very wide at all.

cw5keeler Loc: Michigan

I own both lenses. Took my new 60D and left the 24-105L home when we went on a European river cruise. 18-135 weighed less, filter size was the same as my 10-18 EFS and I wanted full coverage between the 2 lenses I was taking. More than 90% of my shots (4300) were with the 18-135. Some were truly excellent. However, I believe I would have had more keepers with the 24-105. Not the same range of focal lengths obviously, but it is clearly superior in color, sharpness, etc within in it's range. I'm going to put my 18-135 EFS up for sale on ebay and start saving for a 100-400L.

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

[quote=Blurryeyed]I just purchased a used Canon 24-105 on ebay that is in like new condition for $550, but to purchase that lens new I think that it is still selling for 1149 at B&Hquote]

You can buy this lens refurbished from Adorama for $699.95. I actually prefer I refurbished lens over a new one. That's probably the best price you will find for this lens.

http://www.adorama.com/CA24105AFUR.html

Jim D

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

[quote=Jammiejam]Oh! now.....Budnjax u have certainly made it more difficult! "new and improved"..when? quote]

That's a very good question. So often these rumors get started 2 to 3 years before you see the release of the new item. I think $700 is a good price for this lens right now. I wouldn't be concerned with the new release on it. It is an excellent lens for the money!

Jim D

Jammiejam

Thank you all for the useful inputs. I already knew I wanted this lens; was mainly concerned whether it would vignette on the T5i as the 18-135 does. The fact that the wide angle isn't that wide was useful info as well. I find myself often wishing I had a wide angle. I humbly thank u all.

FredB Loc: A little below the Mason-Dixon line.

I used the EF-S 18-135, the EF 28-135, and the EF 24-105L on my 50D before I moved to the 6D. The 24-105L provided superior IQ to the others, no doubt. Of the two non-Ls, there was not much difference between them in IQ.

Even on an APS-C body, the 24-105L is a gem, and is a bargain for the money, and will upgrade to a F/F body if you ever make the move.

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

I'm a little lost on what you are comparing. You mention the comparison of the Canon EF-18-135mm, but Canon makes 2 versions of this lens, both have different focusing motors. In this lens selection the Canon EF-S 18-135 is a "S" lens, made only for cropped sensor bodies. Each of these two lenses have very different characteristics. Now, Canon has two versions of the Canon EF 24-105mm, one is the famous "L" f4, and the new f3.5-5.6 non "L". Both have IS, but the non "L" is a STM lens. I own, and shoot the EF-S 18-135mm f3.5-5.6, IS STM, and use it mostly on my old 7D, and now on the 7D Mark II. For stills, I'd rather use the 70-200 f4L IS USM, but, for movies, the STM follows focus better. Good luck.

B