Choosing one lens for everyday photography can be difficult. You want something wide enough for landscapes and travel, but with enough reach for portraits, events and everyday details. This is where the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM stands out.
Designed for Canon EOS R-series full-frame mirrorless cameras, this L-series zoom combines a practical focal range, constant f/4 aperture, image stabilisation and fast autofocus in one lens. But is it really the ultimate all-rounder, and is it the right choice for your photography?
This Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM buying guide looks at its key features, real-world uses and the type of photographer who can benefit most from it.
What Makes the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM So Versatile?
The biggest advantage of the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens is its focal range.
At 24mm, you have a useful wide-angle perspective for landscapes, architecture, travel scenes and group photographs. Zoom to 50mm and you get a natural perspective that works well for everyday photography. At 85-105mm, the lens becomes useful for portraits and isolating details.
Instead of carrying several lenses, you can use one zoom for a wide variety of situations.
The L-series designation also means this lens is aimed at photographers who want a higher level of build quality and optical performance.
Constant f/4 Aperture: Is It Enough?
The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM f/4 aperture remains constant throughout the zoom range. This is useful because you don't lose maximum aperture as you zoom from 24mm to 105mm.
An f/4 aperture is a good compromise for an all-purpose zoom. It keeps the lens relatively practical for travel while providing consistent exposure when changing focal lengths.
However, photographers who regularly shoot in very low light or want extremely shallow depth of field may prefer a faster f/2.8 lens.
For daytime travel, landscapes, street photography and general shooting, f/4 can be more than sufficient, particularly when combined with image stabilisation.
Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Image Stabilisation
One of the most useful features of this lens is its optical image stabilisation.
The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM image stabilisation system provides up to 5 stops of stabilisation. This can be particularly helpful when shooting handheld at slower shutter speeds.
For example, when photographing a static subject in lower light, image stabilisation can allow you to use a slower shutter speed than you normally could without stabilisation.
The important limitation is that image stabilisation primarily helps with camera movement. It cannot freeze a moving person, animal or vehicle.
This means the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM 5-stop IS system is particularly valuable for static scenes, travel photography, interiors and general handheld shooting.
Canon RF 24-105mm for Travel Photography
For travel photographers, carrying less equipment is often a major advantage.
The Canon RF 24-105mm for travel photography makes a strong case for being a single-lens solution. You can shoot a wide city street at 24mm, capture a landmark at a medium focal length and zoom toward 105mm when you need more subject separation.
This versatility can be useful when travelling through busy cities, visiting tourist attractions or exploring landscapes.
Image stabilisation also helps when shooting handheld in museums, historic buildings or during evening walks where light levels may be lower.
If your travel style involves carrying one camera and one lens for most situations, the 24-105mm range is particularly convenient.
Canon RF 24-105mm for Landscape Photography
At 24mm, the lens provides a useful wide-angle focal length for many landscape situations.
The Canon RF 24-105mm for landscape photography can capture expansive scenes while still giving you the flexibility to zoom in on interesting details.
For example, you could photograph a wide mountain landscape at 24mm and then zoom toward 70-105mm to isolate a distant building, tree or section of the landscape.
Dedicated landscape photographers who require extremely wide perspectives may want a wider lens, but for general-purpose landscape work, 24mm offers considerable flexibility.
Canon RF 24-105mm for Portrait Photography
The longer end of the zoom range makes this lens useful for portraits.
Using the Canon RF 24-105mm for portrait photography, you can work around 85-105mm for a more flattering perspective and greater subject separation than you would get at 24mm.
The f/4 aperture will not produce the same background blur as a fast prime or f/2.8 zoom, but the 85-105mm range can still produce attractive portraits.
It is particularly useful for photographers who want to switch between portraits and other types of photography without changing lenses.
Canon RF 24-105mm for Street Photography
Street photography often requires flexibility. You may need a wide focal length for environmental scenes one moment and a tighter perspective the next.
The Canon RF 24-105mm for street photography provides both options in one lens.
The 24mm end works well when you want to include the surroundings and tell more of the story, while 50-105mm allows you to frame individual subjects or details from further away.
Its versatile range can also be helpful when you don't know what kind of scene you will encounter.
Canon RF 24-105mm for Wedding Photography
Wedding photographers need equipment that can adapt quickly to changing situations.
The Canon RF 24-105mm for wedding photography can be useful as an everyday event lens because its focal range covers wide group shots, candid moments and tighter portraits.
At 24mm, you can photograph groups and larger scenes. At the longer end, you can frame individual guests or capture candid moments without getting too close.
Professional wedding photographers may still carry faster lenses for receptions and very low-light environments, but the 24-105mm can serve as a highly practical general-purpose option.
Autofocus and Everyday Performance
Fast and reliable autofocus is important for an all-round lens.
The RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM uses Canon's Nano USM autofocus technology, designed to provide fast and quiet focusing.
This makes the lens suitable for both still photography and video applications where quiet focusing can be beneficial.
Combined with the autofocus capabilities of modern EOS R cameras, the lens can handle a wide range of everyday subjects.
Build Quality and L-Series Design
The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens belongs to Canon's L-series, which is positioned as its professional-grade lens range.
Its construction is designed for photographers who regularly use their equipment in demanding situations. Weather-resistant construction provides additional confidence when working in challenging outdoor conditions, although appropriate care should still be taken in heavy rain or extreme environments.
For photographers who travel frequently or shoot professionally, this added durability can be an important consideration.
Who Should Buy the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM?
This lens is particularly well suited to photographers who value versatility.
Consider it if you:
- Want one lens for everyday photography
- Shoot travel, landscapes and portraits
- Prefer not to change lenses frequently
- Need a useful 24-105mm focal range
- Photograph handheld in changing light
- Want optical image stabilisation
- Use a full-frame Canon EOS R-series camera
- Want an L-series zoom for regular use
- Shoot both photos and video
It may be less suitable if your priority is extreme low-light performance or maximum background blur. In those situations, a faster f/2.8 zoom or prime lens may be a better fit.
Is the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Worth Buying?
The answer depends on what you expect from an all-purpose lens.
If versatility is your priority, the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM has a compelling combination of features. Its 24-105mm range covers many common shooting situations, while the constant f/4 aperture provides consistency throughout the zoom.
The 5-stop image stabilisation is another major advantage for handheld photography, particularly with static subjects in lower light.
Its L-series construction and Nano USM autofocus further strengthen its appeal as an everyday professional-quality zoom.
The main compromise is the f/4 aperture. Photographers who frequently work in dark environments or want very strong background separation may want a faster lens.
Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM vs a 24-70mm f/2.8 Lens
A common question is whether to choose a 24-105mm f/4 or a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens.
The 24-70mm f/2.8 option provides a wider maximum aperture, making it attractive for low-light photography and shallow-depth-of-field work.
The 24-105mm, however, offers additional telephoto reach and a more versatile range.
In simple terms:
Choose 24-105mm f/4 if:
You prioritise versatility, travel, everyday shooting and reduced lens changes.
Choose 24-70mm f/2.8 if:
You prioritise low-light performance, subject separation and a wider maximum aperture.
Neither is universally better. The right choice depends on your shooting style.
Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM for Sale UK
If you're looking for a Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM for sale UK, consider what you actually photograph before buying.
For photographers who want a single lens that can handle travel, landscapes, portraits, street photography and events, this RF zoom offers an impressive balance of flexibility and performance.
If you are ready to buy Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM UK, check the available product information, condition and purchasing options before making your decision.
View the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM at Cameriz
Final Verdict: Is It the Ultimate All-Rounder?
The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM earns its reputation as a versatile all-purpose RF lens because it doesn't try to specialise in just one type of photography.
Its 24-105mm focal range, constant f/4 aperture, 5-stop image stabilisation, fast autofocus and L-series construction make it a strong option for photographers who want flexibility from a single lens.
For travel, everyday photography, landscapes, portraits, street photography and events, it can potentially replace several lenses in your camera bag.
It isn't the fastest RF zoom available, but that's the trade-off for its broad focal range and practical design.
For photographers who value versatility over maximum aperture, the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM is one of the most compelling all-round RF zoom lenses to consider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM good for everyday photography?
Yes. Its 24-105mm range makes it suitable for a wide variety of everyday subjects, including travel, portraits, landscapes and street photography.
How many stops of image stabilisation does it have?
The lens provides up to 5 stops of optical image stabilisation, helping reduce the effects of camera shake during handheld shooting.
Is f/4 good enough for travel photography?
For many travel situations, yes. The constant f/4 aperture provides consistent exposure, while image stabilisation can help with handheld shooting in lower light.
Is the RF 24-105mm good for portraits?
Yes. The 85-105mm portion of the range is particularly useful for portraits. However, photographers seeking maximum background blur may prefer a faster prime or zoom.
Is the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM weather sealed?
It features weather-resistant construction designed to provide additional protection during outdoor use. As with any camera equipment, it should not be treated as completely waterproof.
Should I buy the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM?
If you want a versatile full-frame RF zoom for travel, everyday photography, portraits, landscapes and events, it is a strong option. If low-light shooting and maximum background separation are your top priorities, consider a faster lens instead.
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