Understanding Your Canon Lens Options
When you’re looking at Canon cameras, two zoom lenses often pop up: the 24-70mm and the 24-105mm. These are super popular because they cover a wide range of common focal lengths that are great for all sorts of photography. Think of them as your go-to lenses for many different situations.
But what’s the real difference, and which one should you pick?
The 24-70mm Lens A Versatile Workhorse
The Canon 24-70mm lens is a favorite for many photographers, especially those who love shooting events, portraits, and even some landscapes. This lens is known for its excellent image quality and often features a constant aperture, like f/2.8. What does that mean for you?
It means that no matter if you zoom in to 70mm or out to 24mm, your aperture stays wide open at f/2.8. This is a big deal for a few reasons:
- Low Light Performance: A wide aperture like f/2.8 lets in a lot of light. This is amazing when you’re shooting in dimly lit places, like indoors at parties or during sunset. You can get brighter photos without needing to boost your ISO too much, which helps keep your images sharp and free from grainy noise.
- Beautiful Background Blur (Bokeh): That wide aperture also creates a lovely, soft blur in the background of your photos. This effect, often called bokeh, makes your main subject stand out beautifully, giving your portraits a professional look.
- Sharpness and Quality: Canon’s 24-70mm lenses, especially the professional-grade ones, are built for top-notch image quality. You can expect sharp details, great color reproduction, and minimal distortion across the zoom range.
The 24-70mm is often seen as the standard for many types of photography because it balances zoom range with optical performance. It’s a lens that many professionals rely on daily.
The 24-105mm Lens More Reach, More Options
Now, let’s look at the Canon 24-105mm lens. The most obvious difference here is the “105” part, meaning it has a longer reach than the 24-70mm. This extra bit of zoom can be incredibly useful.
The 24-105mm lenses are also very popular, often coming in versions with a variable aperture (like f/4-5.6) or a constant f/4 aperture. Let’s explore what that means:
- Extra Zoom Capability: The longer focal length at 105mm allows you to get closer to your subjects without physically moving. This is perfect for capturing details from a distance, like wildlife, or for getting tighter portraits without being too intrusive.
- Versatility for Travel and General Use: Because it covers a wider range, the 24-105mm is often hailed as a fantastic all-around lens, especially for travel. You can go from wide shots to more zoomed-in perspectives without changing lenses.
- Constant f/4 Aperture (on some models): If you opt for a 24-105mm with a constant f/4 aperture, you still get good low-light performance and decent background blur, though it won’t be as dramatic as an f/2.8. The f/4 is a very usable aperture for a wide variety of shooting conditions.
The trade-off for that extra reach is usually in the maximum aperture. While some 24-105mm lenses offer f/4, older or more budget-friendly versions might have a variable aperture that gets smaller as you zoom in. This means you’ll need more light or a higher ISO in dim conditions.
Key Differences Explained
Let’s put these two lenses side-by-side to see where they really stand apart. It’s not just about the numbers on the lens; it’s about how those numbers affect your photos.
Focal Length Range
This is the most straightforward difference. The 24-70mm gives you a range that’s excellent for everyday shooting, from wide scenes to tighter shots. The 24-105mm, however, extends that reach significantly.
Having that extra 35mm can make a big difference when you need to frame a subject further away without moving.
Maximum Aperture and Low Light
This is often where the biggest practical difference lies for photographers. Lenses with a constant f/2.8 aperture (common in 24-70mm lenses) let in twice as much light as lenses with a constant f/4 aperture (common in 24-105mm lenses). This translates directly into better performance in low light and the ability to achieve shallower depth of field for more background blur.
If you frequently shoot in dim environments like weddings, concerts, or indoor events, the f/2.8 on a 24-70mm might be a more compelling feature. If you mostly shoot in good light or don’t mind using slightly higher ISO settings, an f/4 lens might be perfectly adequate.
Size, Weight, and Price
Generally, lenses with wider constant apertures (like f/2.8) tend to be larger, heavier, and more expensive than lenses with smaller constant apertures (like f/4) or variable apertures. So, a Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 will likely be bigger, heavier, and cost more than a Canon 24-105mm f/4. However, this isn’t always a strict rule, and specific lens models can vary.
Always check the specifications for the exact lenses you’re considering.
For a beginner, budget is often a major consideration. The 24-105mm, especially older or variable aperture models, can sometimes be more accessible price-wise. However, if you’re looking for the absolute best in low-light and bokeh, and your budget allows, the 24-70mm f/2.8 is often the preferred choice.
Image Quality
Both lens types, when well-made, offer excellent image quality. However, professional-grade 24-70mm f/2.8 lenses are often considered the gold standard for sharpness, color rendition, and minimal aberrations. The wider aperture and the precision required to achieve it contribute to this reputation.
The 24-105mm f/4 lenses also deliver fantastic results, and for most users, the difference in sharpness might be barely noticeable in everyday shooting. The extra focal length of the 24-105mm might introduce slightly more optical challenges that the designers have to manage.
Who Should Choose Which Lens
The Case for the 24-70mm Lens
You’ll probably find the 24-70mm lens is a great fit if:
- You shoot a lot of events, portraits, or weddings where low light is common.
- You love creating that creamy, blurred background effect for your subjects.
- You prioritize the best possible image quality and low-light performance in a standard zoom.
- You don’t necessarily need the extra reach beyond 70mm.
- Your budget allows for a higher-end lens.
The Case for the 24-105mm Lens
The 24-105mm lens might be your perfect partner if:
- You’re a traveler who wants one lens to cover many situations, from wide landscapes to closer shots.
- You shoot a variety of subjects, including some that benefit from extra reach.
- You shoot mostly in good lighting conditions.
- You want a versatile lens that offers more flexibility than a prime lens but without carrying multiple lenses.
- You’re looking for a great all-around performer that might be more budget-friendly or lighter than a 24-70mm f/2.8.
Canon Lens 24 70 vs 24 105 A Comparison Table
Here’s a quick look at how these lenses stack up in a table format:
| Feature | Canon 24-70mm (Typical f/2.8) | Canon 24-105mm (Typical f/4) |
|---|---|---|
| Focal Length Range | 24mm to 70mm | 24mm to 105mm |
| Maximum Aperture | Constant f/2.8 | Constant f/4 (or variable f/4-5.6) |
| Low Light Performance | Excellent | Good |
| Background Blur (Bokeh) | Pronounced and creamy | Pleasant, less pronounced than f/2.8 |
| Versatility | Excellent for portraits, events, general shooting | Excellent for travel, landscapes, general shooting, closer subjects |
| Size & Weight | Generally larger and heavier | Generally smaller and lighter |
| Price | Typically higher | Typically lower or mid-range |
| Ideal For | Event photographers, portrait artists, low-light shooters | Travelers, hobbyists, those seeking maximum flexibility |
Common Scenarios
Let’s imagine some common photo situations and see which lens might shine.
Wedding Photography
For a wedding photographer, capturing moments often happens in churches with dim lighting, dimly lit reception halls, and at various distances. The canon lens 24 70 vs 24 105 choice here leans towards the 24-70mm f/2.8. Its ability to gather light is paramount for sharp images during the ceremony or dancing.
The beautiful bokeh it produces is also perfect for making the couple stand out in portraits.
Landscape Photography
When shooting sweeping vistas, the 24mm end of both lenses is great for capturing wide scenes. The extra reach of the 24-105mm can be beneficial for isolating details within a landscape or for compressing perspective. For landscapes, the aperture is less critical since you’ll often be shooting at f/8 or f/11 for maximum depth of field.
In this case, the 24-105mm might offer more creative options due to its longer end.
Travel Photography
Travelers often want to pack light and have a lens that can do a bit of everything. The 24-105mm is often the winner here. It can handle wide street scenes, zoom in on architectural details, and capture portraits of people you meet without needing to swap lenses constantly.
While it may not be as good in very low light as the 24-70mm f/2.8, its versatility often outweighs that for a travel setup.
Portrait Photography
For portraits, both lenses can produce great results. The 24-70mm f/2.8 offers the advantage of shallow depth of field, which is fantastic for making subjects pop from their backgrounds. The 70mm end is a great focal length for flattering portraits.
The 24-105mm can also do lovely portraits, and the 105mm end allows for tighter framing from a bit further away, which can be nice for candid shots.
Choosing Your First “Pro” Zoom
For many, the decision between a 24-70mm and a 24-105mm is their first step into investing in higher-quality, professional-style zoom lenses. It’s about finding the right balance for your photography style and budget. Don’t stress too much about making the “wrong” choice.
Both lenses are excellent and capable of producing stunning images.
Think about where you’ll be shooting most often. Are you often indoors or at events where light is a challenge? The 24-70mm f/2.8 might be the way to go.
Do you love to explore and want a lens that can keep up with many different scenes without you changing lenses? The 24-105mm offers that flexibility. You can also consider renting both lenses to try them out before buying.
This hands-on experience can be invaluable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Is a 24-70mm lens better than a 24-105mm lens for beginners
Answer: Not necessarily. The “better” lens depends on what you plan to shoot. The 24-70mm is great for low light and portraits with blurry backgrounds.
The 24-105mm offers more zoom reach, making it versatile for travel and general use. Both are excellent choices.
Question: Which lens is better for portraits the 24-70mm or 24-105mm
Answer: For portraits where you want a very blurred background (bokeh) and shoot in lower light, the 24-70mm f/2.8 often has an edge. The 24-105mm can also take beautiful portraits, especially if you like to zoom in more or shoot in brighter conditions.
Question: What does the f/2.8 or f/4 on a lens mean
Answer: The ‘f’ number, like f/2.8 or f/4, is the maximum aperture of the lens. A smaller f-number (like f/2.8) means a wider opening, which lets in more light and creates more background blur. A larger f-number (like f/4) lets in less light.
Question: Can I use a 24-70mm lens for landscapes
Answer: Yes, absolutely. The 24mm end of the lens is a wide focal length that’s perfect for capturing landscapes. You’ll get great wide-angle views with it.
Question: Is the extra zoom on the 24-105mm lens significant
Answer: Yes, the extra 35mm of reach on the 24-105mm can be very significant. It allows you to get tighter shots from further away, which is useful for isolating subjects, travel, or discreetly photographing people.
Final Thoughts
When weighing the canon lens 24 70 vs 24 105, remember that both are fantastic lenses that open up many photographic possibilities. The choice really comes down to your personal shooting style and what you prioritize. If you’re all about capturing events in less-than-ideal lighting or crafting portraits with dreamy backgrounds, the wider aperture and constant f/2.8 of the 24-70mm might be your ideal pick.
It’s a lens that excels at making subjects stand out and performs brilliantly when light is scarce. On the other hand, if your passion lies in exploring diverse scenes, from sweeping landscapes to distant details, and you value the convenience of having more reach without switching lenses, the 24-105mm offers unparalleled versatility. It’s a true workhorse for travelers and general photographers who need a single lens to cover a wide spectrum of shooting scenarios.
Consider renting both to feel them in your hands and see how they perform for you. Your perfect lens awaits.
