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Canon EF 24–105mm f/3.5–5.6 IS STM vs Canon EF 24–105mm f/4L IS USM

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonEF 24–105mm f/3.5–5.6 IS STMCanonEF 24–105mm f/4L IS USM
Overview
ReleasedDecember 20142005
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length24–105 mm24–105 mm
Maximum aperturef/3.5–5.6f/4
Minimum aperturef/22–36f/22
Optical constructionSeventeen elements in thirteen groupsEighteen elements in thirteen groups
Special elementsAspherical and UD elementsThree aspherical elements, comprising two replica and one glass-moulded element, plus one Super UD element
Aperture detailMinimum aperture f/22–36 with third-stop increments, or f/22–32 with half-stop increments, according to Canon's exact manual and Museum table–
DiaphragmSeven blades with a circular apertureEight blades with a circular aperture
Angle of view84°–23°20′ diagonal, 74°–19°20′ horizontal and 53°–13° vertical84°–23°20′ diagonal, 74°–19°20′ horizontal and 53°–13° vertical
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EF cameras with full-frame or APS-C sensorsCanon EF cameras with full-frame or APS-C sensors
Teleconverter supportCanon's manual excludes extendersCanon's manual excludes EF1.4X II and EF2X II extenders
Adaptor supportEF12 II gives 0.61–0.50× at 24 mm and 0.46–0.12× at 105 mm; EF25 II is incompatible at 24 mm and gives 0.67–0.27× at 105 mmEF12 II extension tube gives 0.60–0.50× at 24 mm and 0.40–0.12× at 105 mm; EF25 II is incompatible at 24 mm and gives 0.61–0.27× at 105 mm
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.4 m0.45 m
Maximum magnification0.3×0.23×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailLead-screw STM autofocus with electronic manual focusing. One Shot AF permits manual adjustment with the shutter half-pressed; manual focusing is unavailable when the camera is off or the lens is asleepRing USM autofocus with full-time manual focusing. Canon's manual specifies turning the ring with the shutter half-pressed after One Shot AF
Focus distance detailInternal focusing with a non-rotating filter thread according to ePHOTOzine. Canon instructs users to finish zooming before focusingInternal focusing without front-element rotation according to The Digital Picture
Stabilisation detailFour-stop claim measured at 105 mm with the EOS-1D X under CIPA standards. The manual describes automatic correction for still subjects and panningCanon claims stabilisation equivalent to a shutter speed three stops faster. The manual cautions that stabilisation may be less effective when panning and cannot compensate for subject movement
Video featuresSmooth Movie Servo AF with compatible cameras; the original manual lists EOS 70D, 700D, 100D and 650D, plus EOS M/M2 with an EF-EOS M adaptor–
Design
Dust and moisture resistant–Yes
Filter diameter77 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter83.4 mm83.5 mm
Length104 mm107 mm
Weight525 g670 g
ControlsAF/MF and stabilisation switches, separate focus and zoom rings, and a zoom lock at 24 mmSeparate zoom and focus rings, AF/MF and stabilisation switches, distance window and infrared focus index
Zoom designExtending barrel with transport lock at the shortest positionExtending barrel with rotary zoom control according to both reviews
Weather resistance–Canon's manual describes a sealed structure and rubber mount ring for dust and drip resistance. The Digital Picture recommends a protective filter to complete protection
Dimensions detailMaximum diameter × length; size and 525 g weight are lens-only. Caps add 24.2 mm to length according to Canon's manualMaximum diameter × length; size and 670 g weight are lens-only. Caps add 21.5 mm to length according to Canon's manual
Lens hoodOptional EW-83M hood with release button; reversible for storageEW-83H petal hood, reversible for storage
In the box–Lens, EW-83H hood and soft pouch according to The Digital Picture
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records December 2014 marketing; no first-sale day is givenCanon Camera Museum's exact-model table records October 2005 marketing. Its later EF 24–105mm IS STM page retrospectively describes this lens as released in September 2005; no first-sale day or explanation for the month difference is given

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