[4K the-robot Review] Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM

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The EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS II USM is the unexpected second generation of the f/4 standard-zoom,
from Canon's professional L series. "Unexpected" because it updates a not-so-old lens, the
identical 24-105mm L, dated from just 2005.
At 8.3 x 11.8cm, of 795 grams, of mostly plastics on the outside, and maybe metals on the inside,
the first thing we notice is how it grew, compared to the previous generation. Not just
an aesthetic update with Canon's new type family, and the external non-scratching plastic,
the growth is justified on the all-new internal mechanics, that require larger barrels to
support bigger bearings.
In your hands the ergonomics are vastly superior, with a rear zoom ring, and a frontal focusing
ring. The fluid zoom motion is practically linear from 24 to 105mm, with an internal
single cam design. The front focusing ring received less updating, still smooth and light,
something only the L series can guarantee. The 110º turning motion is about the same
as the older lens, from infinity to minimum at 0.45cm, but completely quiet on the newer
version.
Inside the AF and stabilizer motors naturally got updated, but are even more questionable
given the short life cycle of the original 24-105 L.
The classic lens was already great: instant focusing from a ring-type USM, silent and
precise, but the new image stabilizer, got a rating up to 4 stops; slightly better than
the 2005 at 3 stops.
Finally at the front the 24-105mm L II, accepts the same 77mm filters from the older lens,
great to update without breaking the bank. The first and last glass elements are fluorine
coated, that repeals water and grease, making it easier to clean. And mechanically the 24-105mm
is an updated lens, with the same robust built from all lenses. But it's not a mandatory
update to the older version, despite being welcomed on the current and future EOS lineup.
With 17 elements in 12 groups, four glass-molded aspherical, and Canon's new Air Sphere Coating,
the EF 24-105mm f/4L II, is largely the same as the 2005's 24-105. Canon's promise
is clear: to enhance corner luminosity, reducing vignetting; and extra contrast.
The fair resolution at any zoom position, and as soon as wide open, has always been
the highlight of the 24-105 f/4. Be it the classic version, that beat the also classic
24-70 f/2.8 L, or the newer version II with Air Sphere and less glasses, the easiness
of a modern, practical and high resolution formula, is still the best part of this model.
Stopping down slightly enhances the frame resolution, that looks sharp at f/8, fun for
pixel peeping at 100% zoom on the computer's screen, or for large format printing of any
sorts of jobs.
Chromatic aberrations appear mostly on the range limits, with colored lines on contrast
edges, from wide angle and telephoto shots. Easily spotted even on wide angle primes,
the lateral aberrations appear on architectural lines of buildings, and trees against the
bright sky, both asking for software compensations prior to publishing; a task as hard as a single
click on Photoshop.
From standard to telephoto, aberrations appear only when the light source is included in
the frame, with strong purple lines, around contrast edges.
Geometrical distortions are still very visible, seen as an giant bubble on the wide angle;
unacceptable for precision work, as the software correction dismisses a large portion of pixels,
from the frame edges.
And the colors and bokeh are typically "zoom L", neutral for when you don't need it;
but pretty when they take over the image. The strong tones are Canon's signature on
all lenses that, together with EOS cameras and its color science, deliver the market's
deepest reds, sided by absolute greens and blues; all fantastic!
The background blur also pleases those looking to explore the full frame look, when purchased
as a kit, with proper circular highlights for a diffuse, smooth, colorful and high contrast
bokeh.
While it's not worth as an upgrade for those using the previous model, that was already
modern, those new to the L series, should opt for the new model. Nice shooting!
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[4K the-robot Review] Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM

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