February 13, 2024

A 24-70 or 24-105 lens for the Canon R5

I own only one RF mount lens, the inexpensive 24-105 STM lens. It truly is not bad, and is well reviewed. I have notes on it here: I also own an EF mount 24-70 f/2.8 L lens. Unfortunately it is in need of repair. It served me well for many years. I bought it used and the zoom mechanism always felt odd, but now it has jammed up entirely and the aperture insists on staying fully closed.

Should I get it repaired (if that is even possible?). Should I use the fact that it is broken as a hint to move on? The f/2.8 makes it as heavy as a brick. It has been replaced by an EF 24-70 f/2.8 II L lens, with improved performance. There is/was always the EF 24-105 f/4 L lens, but why buy that when you could get the very well regarded RF 24-105 f/4 L lens. Lens design makes continual progress, and the R mount allows lens designers certain liberties given the shorter distance from the rear element. And there are a number of other alternatives once you start looking at RF mount lenses, namely:

There are probably others.

Here are some reviews and articles. The big problem with f/2.8 lenses is weight and cost.

You can make yourself crazy reading reviews. And you probably should before spending money.

Should you even buy an EF mount lens? Only if the price is right and it has a good reputation for image quality.

Feedback? Questions? Drop me a line!

Tom's Digital Photography Info / tom@mmto.org