24-105mm f/4 L IS Handling Impressions

I got to handle a 24-105mm f/4 L IS today over at Pro Photo Supply

in Portland, OR. They aparently had 15 in stock a couple days ago,

and only had one left when I was there.

 

To answer the question... YES, the lens barrel does extend when you

zoom out to 105mm. It extends roughly 1 1/2 - 2", and is a single

barrel extension design (as opposed to the barrel-in-a-barrel design

of some of the consumer zooms). The zoom ring and extension felt

well built and tight, so I don't think zoom creep will be much of a

problem, even after the lens is well broken in.

 

The lens focused very quickly on a 20D, and the IS appeared a little

more "subdued" than other IS lenses I've used. I actually don't own

an IS lens myself, so take this observation with a grain of salt.

 

The front element is a fairly large piece of glass, taking up almost

the full 77mm diameter. The front end of the lens appears a lot like

the 17-40mm when the lens is zoomed to 24mm, with a small aperture

in the center of a large lens. When you zoom to 105mm, the aperture

appears to open up wide, creating a barrel that is a little more

impressive to look down (though it's nothing like staring down the

85mm f/1.8 or f/1.2).

 

The lens is a little "chunkier" than the 17-40mm. The front element

is the same diameter, but the body of the lens is a little thicker

and longer. The lens felt well built, and not inordinately heavy.

It's certainly smaller than the 24-70 f/2.8. The overall balance

with a 20D w/o grip was fine, the lens didn't overpower the body too

badly. However, I prefer the grip with my 17-40 on a 10D, so I'm

sure a lot of people would benefit from using the battery grip on a

20D or 5D when shooting with the 24-105mm f/4 L IS.

 

Anyhow, all in all it seemed like a nice enough lens, but I didn't

buy it since I can't afford either it or a full frame digital

camera. Sorry, no sample pictures either since I didn't have a CF

card with me.

 

Thought you all might be interested!

 

Sheldon

Thanx for the report!

I am waiting to see some sample photos. I am stuck between this and the 24-70 2.8L. I own the Tamron 28-75 2.8 but it focuses way to slow. Waiting will not kill me.

How much was Pro Photo Supply selling the lens for?

I am going with the 24-70 F/2.8 without a doubt

I checked with my local dealers today (Dallas metro area), and neither of them has it in stock yet. One of the store's Canon rep happened to be on-site when I called, so the sales guy asked the rep, who told him 2-3 weeks.

 

Sure would like to go fondle one!

Pro Photo Supply was selling the lens for $1133. Given that they're typically $50 higher than B&H, this bodes well for the longer term pricing of this lens. We may actually see it under $1000 after the new/shiny premium has worn off.