The Canon RF 24–105mm f4 L IS USM is a professional general purpose zoom lens designed for Canon EOS R system mirrorless cameras. Covering wide angle through to short telephoto, it is built to handle landscapes, portraits, travel, weddings, events, documentary work, and everyday photography and video.
With a constant f4 aperture across the entire zoom range, this lens offers consistent exposure control and dependable performance in changing lighting conditions. Its balance of reach, optical quality, and portability makes it one of the most versatile lenses available for the RF system.
Why We Like This Lens at YPC Outdoors
At YPC Outdoors, this lens is often described as the ideal do everything professional zoom for EOS R users. It delivers the image quality and reliability expected from Canon’s L series while remaining compact and comfortable enough to use all day.
What we really like is how well it performs in real world situations. Image stabilisation genuinely helps in low light, autofocus is fast and confidence inspiring, and sharpness is consistent across the zoom range. It is a lens that earns its place as a default option on many cameras.
Pro’s & Con’s
Pros
• Highly versatile 24–105mm focal range
• Constant f4 aperture for consistent exposures
• 5 stop optical image stabilisation
• Fast, smooth, and quiet Nano USM autofocus
• Excellent sharpness and contrast across the frame
• Professional L series weather resistant build
Cons
• f4 aperture less suited to very low light than f2.8 lenses
• Premium price compared to non L zooms
• RF mount only, not compatible with DSLRs
Real World Performance
In real world shooting, the RF 24–105mm f4 L IS USM delivers dependable, high quality results across a wide range of subjects. Sharpness is strong from centre to edge, colours are accurate, and contrast remains pleasing even in challenging light.
The 5 stop image stabilisation system allows confident handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds, which is especially useful for travel, interiors, and video work. Nano USM autofocus combines speed for stills with smooth focus transitions for video, making this lens particularly attractive to hybrid shooters.
The control ring adds intuitive access to exposure settings, improving handling and efficiency during fast paced shooting.
Comparisons
Compared to the Canon RF 24–70mm f2.8 L IS USM, this lens offers greater reach and lighter weight, though it sacrifices one stop of light.
Against the Canon RF 24–105mm f4–7.1 IS STM, the L series version delivers superior build quality, constant aperture, faster autofocus, and better overall image consistency.
When compared with adapted EF standard zooms, this native RF lens benefits from improved balance, faster communication, and more effective stabilisation.
Tips on How to Use Correctly
• Use image stabilisation for handheld shooting in low light
• Stop down slightly for maximum edge to edge sharpness
• Use the longer end of the zoom for flattering portraits
• Take advantage of the control ring for quick exposure adjustments
• Pair with EOS R bodies featuring IBIS for enhanced stability
Alternatives Worth Considering
• Canon RF 24–70mm f2.8 L IS USM for low light and event work
• Canon RF 24–105mm f4–7.1 IS STM for lighter everyday use
• Canon RF 24–240mm IS USM for extended travel zoom flexibility
Full Tech Specification
Mount Compatibility
Canon RF mount
Compatible with Canon EOS R system cameras only
Focal Length
24–105mm
Maximum Aperture
f4.0
Minimum Aperture
Not specified
Focusing System
Nano USM autofocus with full time manual focus
Image Stabilisation
Yes
Optical image stabilisation
Up to 5 stops of shake correction
Optical Construction
Professional L series optical design
Advanced coatings for flare and ghosting control
Aperture Blades
Not specified
Weather Sealing
Professional L series dust and moisture resistance
Control Ring
Yes, customisable control ring
Weight
Not specified
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this lens suitable for professional photography
Yes, it is a professional L series lens widely used by working photographers.
Does this lens have image stabilisation
Yes, it offers up to 5 stops of optical image stabilisation.
Is it good for video
Yes, Nano USM autofocus and stabilisation make it excellent for video.
Is autofocus quiet
Yes, autofocus is fast and near silent.
Can it be used for travel photography
Yes, the zoom range and stabilisation make it ideal for travel.
Is it weather sealed
Yes, it features professional L series weather resistance.
Is it lightweight for an L series lens
Yes, it is compact and well balanced for everyday use.
Does it work on APS-C EOS R cameras
Yes, with a cropped field of view.
Is it sharp across the zoom range
Yes, sharpness is consistent from wide to telephoto.
Is it good value compared to f2.8 zooms
Yes, especially for photographers prioritising portability and versatility.
Buyer’s Guide
This lens is ideal for EOS R users who want a single, professional quality zoom that can handle most shooting situations. If you photograph landscapes, portraits, events, travel, or video and value reliability, stabilisation, and consistent image quality in a compact package, the Canon RF 24–105mm f4 L IS USM is one of the most balanced and dependable standard zoom lenses available.
Looking for more options?
Browse our full range of Camera Lenses for other great choices to suit your space, goals, and budget.
