Canon RF24-105mm Lens Review: 3 Real-World Tests & Performance Capabilities Explained
I recently had the pleasure of testing Canon’s impressive 24-105mm F4 USM lens – a premium zoom lens distinguished by its signature red ring (affectionately nicknamed the “big turd” among photographers).
What truly excites me about this lens is its exceptional performance across both wide-angle and telephoto ranges. To put it through its paces, I compared it with two other elite red-ring lenses in my arsenal: the ultra-wide RF 15-35mm USM and the legendary EF 100-400mm II (fondly called the “Big White Rabbit”).
Here’s how I structured my comprehensive evaluation:
1) Wide-angle showdown: Pitting the 24-105mm against the 15-35mm at 24mm
2) Telephoto test: Examining the 24-105mm at 105mm with and without UV filter
3) Zoom comparison: Matching the 24-105mm against the “Big White Rabbit” at 105mm
The results speak volumes – let’s dive into the visual evidence.
My hands-on assessment reveals:
1) While the RF 24-105mm USM delivers respectable center sharpness at wide-angle, its edge performance can’t quite match the specialized 15-35mm – an expected but noteworthy difference.
2) At telephoto range, the 24-105mm surprises by holding its own against the “Big White Rabbit,” demonstrating comparable sharpness across the frame – a remarkable achievement for a standard zoom.
3) UV filter users can breathe easy – image quality remains virtually unaffected with this lens.
Edward Grant 
Ada Stephens 
Bennett Schmidt
I’ve been considering the RF24-105mm lens for my kit, and your real-world tests really helped clarify its strengths—especially how well it handles both ends of the zoom range. The comparison with the RF 15-35mm and EF 100-400mm II was super insightful, though I still wonder how it performs in super low light situations.
I’ve been considering the RF24-105mm for travel photography—it seems like it strikes a great balance between versatility and image quality. The comparison with those other lenses was really helpful, especially understanding how it performs in real-world scenarios versus something like the 15-35mm or 100-400mm. I wonder how its sharpness holds up in low light situations—I’ll have to test it myself!
Great question! In low light, the RF24-105mm does a solid job maintaining sharpness, though results can vary depending on your aperture and subject distance. It’s not quite as fast as the 15-35mm, but its versatility makes it a fantastic choice for travel. Definitely test it yourself to see how it performs for your style! Thanks for engaging—happy shooting!
I’ve been debating between the RF 24-105mm and the RF 15-35mm for my next lens purchase. The 24-105mm really shines in versatility, especially for travel where you need to cover a lot of ground without changing glass constantly. It’s great to see how well it performs across such a wide focal range compared to those other heavy hitters. I wonder how it holds up in low light situations since that wasn’t mentioned.
Thank you for your insightful comment! The RF 24-105mm does handle low light reasonably well, thanks to its f/4 maximum aperture and effective image stabilization, which helps keep noise levels manageable. That said, if low-light performance is a top priority, the f/2.8 aperture of the RF 15-35mm might be worth considering. Ultimately, both lenses are excellent choices—your decision will depend on whether you prioritize ultra-wide versatility or standard zoom flexibility. Happy shooting!
I’ve been considering the RF24-105mm lens for travel photography—it seems like it strikes a great balance between versatility and image quality. The fact that it holds up so well against your other high-end lenses really highlights its strengths, especially for those who need a do-it-all option without breaking the bank. The wide-to-telephoto range paired with sharp performance could make it a go-to choice for everyday shooting.
I’ve been considering the RF24-105mm for travel photography—it seems like it strikes a great balance between versatility and image quality. The fact that it holds up so well against your other high-end lenses really sold me on its capabilities! I especially appreciate the insights from the real-world tests; they give a better sense of how it performs outside the lab.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment! I completely agree—the RF24-105mm is an excellent choice for travel photography. Its performance in our real-world tests was impressive, and I love how it handles a variety of situations with ease. Happy to hear the review helped solidify your decision!
I was surprised how well this lens performed across such a wide focal range—especially the sharpness at 105mm, which I didn’t expect to be as strong. It sounds like it could be a great all-around option for travel photography where you need versatility without lugging multiple primes. I’m curious though, did you notice any significant breathing issues when using autofocus during video?
I’ve been considering the RF24-105mm lens for my kit, and your real-world tests really helped solidify its versatility. The balance between wide-angle and telephoto performance sounds unbeatable, especially for someone like me who shoots landscapes and portraits regularly.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I agree, the lens’s ability to handle both landscapes and portraits seamlessly is one of its standout features. Real-world versatility combined with Canon’s image quality makes it a fantastic choice for your kit. Happy shooting, and let me know how it performs for you!
I was surprised to see how well the RF24-105mm handled low-light conditions—it really held its own against your other pro lenses. The sharpness at 105mm is impressive, but I wonder if you’ve tried shooting video with it; that’s where some mid-range lenses can struggle. Overall, it seems like a great all-around lens for travel or everyday use without breaking the bank for a prime.
This lens seems like a great all-rounder, especially for someone who needs versatility without lugging around multiple primes. I’m curious how it handles low-light situations compared to your other lenses—did you notice any significant differences?
Absolutely! The RF24-105mm really shines in low light due to its fast f/4 aperture and excellent image stabilization, which helps keep handheld shots sharp. Compared to some primes, it might not be as fast, but its zoom range offers more flexibility in challenging environments. I found it performed admirably in low light, though dedicated fast primes still edge out slightly in the darkest scenarios. Thanks for your question—it’s always great to hear from fellow photography enthusiasts!
I’ve been curious about this lens for a while now. The article really helped clarify its strengths, especially in low-light situations and across that useful zoom range—definitely makes me consider adding it to my kit.
I’ve been debating whether to get the RF24-105mm, and your real-world tests really helped me see its strengths—especially how well it handles both ends of the zoom range. The comparison with the 15-35mm and 100-400mm was super insightful, though I still wonder how it performs in super low light.
Great review! I’ve been eyeing this lens for travel photography, and your real-world tests convinced me it’s versatile enough to handle both landscapes and details. The comparison with the 15-35mm and 100-400mm was especially helpful – seems like the 24-105mm could really be a “one lens solution” for lighter setups. Though I’m curious, how does it perform in low light at the 105mm end?