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Canon EF 24–105mm f/4L IS USM vs Canon EF-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 IS STM

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonEF 24–105mm f/4L IS USMCanonEF-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 IS STM
Overview
Released2005April 2017
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length24–105 mm18–55 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/4–5.6
Minimum aperturef/22f/22–32
Optical constructionEighteen elements in thirteen groups12 elements in ten groups
Special elementsThree aspherical elements, comprising two replica and one glass-moulded element, plus one Super UD elementAspherical lens element
Coatings–Super Spectra coatings
DiaphragmEight blades with a circular apertureSeven blades with a circular aperture
Angle of view84°–23°20′ diagonal, 74°–19°20′ horizontal and 53°–13° verticalHorizontal 64°30′–23°20′; vertical 45°30′–15°40′; diagonal 74°20′–27°50′ according to the exact Canon manual
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF-S
Image circleFull frameAPS-C
CompatibilityCanon EF cameras with full-frame or APS-C sensorsCanon EF-S compatible APS-C cameras; 29–88 mm equivalent field of view
Teleconverter supportCanon's manual excludes EF1.4X II and EF2X II extendersCanon extenders cannot be used
Adaptor supportEF12 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 distance0.45 m0.25 m
Maximum magnification0.23×0.25×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailRing USM autofocus with full-time manual focusing. Canon's manual specifies turning the ring with the shutter half-pressed after One Shot AFLead-screw STM; electronic manual adjustment after One-Shot autofocus while the shutter button remains half pressed, subject to camera settings
Focus distance detailInternal focusing without front-element rotation according to The Digital PictureManual focusing is unavailable with the camera off or lens asleep; internal focusing with a non-rotating front element according to both reviews
Magnification detail–Maximum 0.25× at 55 mm; EF12 II gives 0.82–0.66× at 18 mm and 0.55–0.23× at 55 mm; EF25 II is incompatible at 18 mm and gives 0.91–0.51× at 55 mm
Stabilisation detailCanon 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 movementFour-stop CIPA claim at 55 mm using an EOS 7D Mark II; automatic panning compensation; Canon recommends switching IS off on a tripod to conserve power
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYes–
Filter diameter77 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter83.5 mm66.5 mm
Length107 mm61.8 mm
Weight670 g215 g
ControlsSeparate zoom and focus rings, AF/MF and stabilisation switches, distance window and infrared focus index–
Zoom designExtending barrel with rotary zoom control according to both reviewsBarrel extends when zoomed to 55 mm according to The Digital Picture
Weather resistanceCanon'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 670 g weight are lens-only. Caps add 21.5 mm to length according to Canon's manual66.5 mm maximum diameter × 61.8 mm retracted length; dimensions and 215 g weight are lens only, excluding caps
Lens hoodEW-83H petal hood, reversible for storageEW-63C sold separately; exact manual and Canon Japan list LP1014 optional case, while the UK overview lists LP1016
In the boxLens, EW-83H hood and soft pouch according to The Digital Picture–
Release detailCanon 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 givenCanon Japan's exact support specification gives first sale on 7 April 2017; Camera Museum gives April. The day is the Japanese release, not a separately confirmed UK day.

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