

The optical path includes no less than five aspherical elements, plus one ED (Extra-low Dispersion) element. Based on a stepping motor, the autofocus system is quick and quiet, while Optical SteadyShot gives a benefit of around 3-stops in beating camera-shake.

The 10x zoom range kicks off at 24mm, enabling a generously wide maximum viewing angle, and there’s good telephoto reach at the long end. It’s typically weighty for a full-frame format superzoom but doesn’t feel overly large and has refined handling. Read the full Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM reviewĪlthough fully compatible with Sony’s APS-C format E-mount cameras, on which this lens has an effective focal length of 36-360mm, this lens really comes into its own on full-frame bodies. Overall, however, each of the improvements is quite subtle rather than making a hugely noticeable difference. It’s also a bit sharper, autofocus is a little quicker and bokeh is smoother, thanks to the fitment of ten, rather than eight, diaphragm blades. More importantly, the optics have been revamped, with the aim of improving sharpness across the whole image frame, throughout the zoom range.īarrel distortion from the preceding 24-105mm lens was notoriously bad at the short end of the zoom range, but the Mk II performs a little better. The new Mk II version of the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS has been redesigned to be tougher and more resistant to shock and vibration, and it features fluorine coatings on the front and rear elements. That still doesn't make it cheap, but at least you can feel a little less conspicuous. At 795g, it's less than half the weight of the 28-300mm, so is much more travel-friendly, and it's also about half the price. They’re generally more convenient and less heavy than a combination of standard and telephoto zoom lenses but, when you want to travel light or go on walkabout, it’s nicer to have something smaller and more lightweight dangling off your camera strap.Ĭanon does make a proper full-frame superzoom travel lens - the EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM - so why have we picked this 24-105mm instead? Quite simply, this is a better travel lens. However, such lenses tend to be quite large and weighty. When picking a superzoom lens, it’s tempting to go for the biggest zoom range you can get your hands on. With most of your bases covered, you can focus on snapping gorgeous landscapes, stunning sunsets or captivating portraits and the best part is if you choose to just take one lens with you, you'll never have to faff with changing it. These are lenses with extra-long zoom ranges that do the job of a standard zoom lens and a telephoto zoom combined. And this is where the superzoom lens comes into its own. We’ve already got a guide to the best cameras for travel, but if you’ve got a DSLR or a mirrorless camera, you need to work out what lenses to take too. One of the best things about traveling is getting to capture new people and places but deciding what kit to take can be tricky when space is limited. And when we’re not traveling we’re probably dreaming about the next trip. What are the best camera lenses to buy?.
