I had been looking at buying an ultra-wide lens for my 7D and it was looking like either the Canon 10-20 or the Tokina 11-16mm (I was leaning heavily towards the Tokina based on many many reviews I'd read). So how did I end up buying a 24-105?

Well, I have one "L" lens - the 70-200 F4L and absolutely love that lens! So, when I ran across a really good deal on a 24-105 "L" lens (a new lens with warranty that was even less $$ than Adorama sells the lens "refurbished") I thought, boy it would be nice to have another quality "L" lens and this one could replace the 28-135 kit lens I have! So, given the price was very good, I decided I can always get the Tokina 11-16 later down the road and this 24-105 will make a great (I hope) every day lens to replace my current everyday lens (the kit lens).

Am I nuts? Maybe, but I can't wait to get my hands on this new L lens and try it out.

Just wondering if anyone else has this lens on a crop-frame? (I know it won't be a real wide angle on a crop camera, but certainly wider than the 28-135 it replaces).

I had been looking at buying an ultra-wide lens for my 7D and it was looking like either the Canon 10-20 or the Tokina 11-16mm (I was leaning heavily towards the Tokina based on many many reviews I'd read). So how did I end up buying a 24-105?

Well, I have one "L" lens - the 70-200 F4L and absolutely love that lens! So, when I ran across a really good deal on a 24-105 "L" lens (a new lens with warranty that was even less $$ than Adorama sells the lens "refurbished") I thought, boy it would be nice to have another quality "L" lens and this one could replace the 28-135 kit lens I have! So, given the price was very good, I decided I can always get the Tokina 11-16 later down the road and this 24-105 will make a great (I hope) every day lens to replace my current everyday lens (the kit lens).

Am I nuts? Maybe, but I can't wait to get my hands on this new L lens and try it out.

Just wondering if anyone else has this lens on a crop-frame? (I know it won't be a real wide angle on a crop camera, but certainly wider than the 28-135 it replaces).

There is a difference but sometimes it may not be readily apparent. The optics are first class and so is the build of the lens. Most of the L series lens are built like a tank- built for heavy duty use.

That being said, there are some great non-L Canon lens. The EF 100 f/2.8 Macro is a prime (no pun intended) example. It is a superb lens even compared to the L version. Concerning 50mm lens, I have found the EF 50mm f/1.4 to do as well or better than the EF 50mm f/1.2L. Again, the L series lens are built to last.

If you never do anything with your photos except view them on your computer monitor or print 5x7 or smaller prints you may not see any difference. On thing note is most L series lens have excellent contrast and for me that stands out. You can fix contrast in post and you can fix chromatic aberration in post. Any time you fix these types of lens issues, you will lower the image quality slightly. With a good lens there will be less work needing to be done in post.