Canon EF 24–105mm f/4L IS USM vs Canon RF 24–105mm F4L IS USM

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

EF 24–105mm f/4L IS USM compared with RF 24–105mm F4L IS USM
CanonEF 24–105mm f/4L IS USMCanonRF 24–105mm F4L IS USM
Overview
Released2005October 2018
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length24–105 mm24–105 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/4
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionEighteen elements in thirteen groups18 elements in 14 groups
Special elementsThree aspherical elements, comprising two replica and one glass-moulded element, plus one Super UD elementThree glass-moulded aspherical elements and one UD element
Coatings–ASC and Super Spectra anti-reflection coatings; fluorine coatings on front and rearmost surfaces
DiaphragmEight blades with a circular apertureNine blades with circular aperture
Angle of view84°–23°20′ diagonal, 74°–19°20′ horizontal and 53°–13° verticalFull-frame horizontal 74°–19°20′, vertical 53°–13° and diagonal 84°–23°20′
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon RF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EF cameras with full-frame or APS-C sensorsCanon EOS R cameras; full-frame image circle. RF optical model distinct from EF24–105mmF4L generations and RF24–105mmF4–7.1STM
Teleconverter supportCanon's manual excludes EF1.4X II and EF2X II extendersCanon RF extenders not compatible; UK maker also lists EF12 II/EF25 II extension tubes incompatible
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 m0.45 m
Maximum magnification0.23×0.24×
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 AFNano USM autofocus; electronic manual focus
Focus distance detailInternal focusing without front-element rotation according to The Digital PictureMaker minimum focus distance 0.45 m; published AF/MF distinction absent and omitted
Magnification detail–Maker maximum magnification 0.24×; no unpublished AF/MF distinction inferred
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 movementLens optical IS rated five stops, CIPA with EOS R at105mm in Canon Camera Museum; OpticalLimits obtained about3.5–4stops in its electronic-shutter test, a separate measured result
Video features–Nano USM supports smooth movie autofocus; maker describes combined lens optical and camera electronic video IS separately from lens-only rating
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter77 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter83.5 mm83.5 mm
Length107 mm107.3 mm
Weight670 g (better)700 g
ControlsSeparate zoom and focus rings, AF/MF and stabilisation switches, distance window and infrared focus indexZoom and focus rings, customisable lens control ring and zoom transport lock; OpticalLimits found no creeping during its test
Zoom designExtending barrel with rotary zoom control according to both reviewsExtending zoom barrel; maker physical dimensions measured retracted
Filter detail–77 mm front filter thread
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 protectionDust and moisture resistant construction, requiring attachment to a camera; cannot completely prevent dust/water ingress and is not waterproof
Dimensions detailMaximum diameter × length; size and 670 g weight are lens-only. Caps add 21.5 mm to length according to Canon's manualApproximately83.5mm maximum diameter ×107.3mm length in retracted state
Weight detail–Approximately700g lens
Lens hoodEW-83H petal hood, reversible for storageEW-83N
In the boxLens, EW-83H hood and soft pouch according to The Digital PictureUK maker store lists lens, E-77 II cap, Lens Dust Cap RF, EW-83N hood, LP1319 case and user manual
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 FAQ gives first sale 25 October 2018, consistent with Camera Museum marketed month; no exact UK on-sale day inferred. Maker Japan offers a control-ring de-click service, so the launch DCW statement that it cannot be de-clicked is not treated as current service availability. Co-sold RF standard zooms are alternatives, not inferred successor links

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