Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM Long-Term Review: My Experience After More Than a Year with the EOS R8
After more than a year using the Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM as the primary lens on my EOS R8, here's an honest real-world account of what makes it the most-used piece of glass in my kit—and why I'd buy it again without hesitation.
This review is based on more than a year of daily use with the Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM as the primary lens on a Canon EOS R8, covering travel, family events, street photography, landscapes, and content creation.
When I purchased my Canon EOS R8 towards the end of 2023, one of the first decisions I had to make was choosing the right everyday lens. After researching various options, I decided to invest in the Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM.
At the time, I was looking for a lens that could handle almost everything—travel photography, family events, street photography, landscapes, casual portraits, and general day-to-day shooting.
More than a year later, I can confidently say this lens has spent more time mounted on my camera than any other piece of gear I own. This isn't a technical review filled with charts and laboratory measurements. It's my real-world experience using the RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM as my primary lens on the Canon EOS R8.
Why I Chose This Lens
Like many photographers entering the Canon RF ecosystem, I initially considered several options:
- RF 24-50mm Kit Lens
- RF 24-105mm STM
- RF 24-70mm F2.8L
- RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM
While the RF 24-70mm F2.8L is often considered the dream lens, it was significantly more expensive. The RF 24-105mm F4L seemed to offer the perfect balance between versatility, image quality, size, and cost. Looking back, I believe it was the right decision.
My Typical Usage
Over the past year and a half, I've used this lens for family gatherings, travel photography, street photography, landscapes, events, casual portraits, product photography, and content creation for websites and social media. If I had to estimate, this lens has probably been attached to my EOS R8 for over 80% of my photography sessions.
The Biggest Strength: Versatility
The biggest reason I keep reaching for this lens is simple—it handles almost everything.
At 24mm, I can capture landscapes, architecture, group photos, and travel scenes. At 105mm, I can isolate subjects, capture portraits, shoot distant details, and compress scenes nicely. For someone who doesn't want to carry multiple lenses, the 24-105mm range is incredibly practical. I've traveled with just this lens and never felt limited.
Image Quality
Image quality has consistently impressed me. Photos are sharp throughout most of the zoom range, colors look excellent, and contrast is exactly what I expect from Canon's L-series glass.
One of the things I appreciate most is how reliable the lens is. Whether I'm shooting landscapes at 24mm or portraits near 105mm, I know the results will be consistently good. The lens has earned my trust.
Performance on the Canon EOS R8
The RF 24-105mm F4L pairs beautifully with the EOS R8. The autofocus is quick, silent, and highly accurate. Eye detection works extremely well for portraits and family photography.
Even when photographing moving subjects, the combination rarely misses focus. For everyday photography, it's difficult to ask for much more.
Image Stabilization
One feature I underestimated before buying the lens was image stabilization. The built-in stabilization has proven extremely useful during travel and low-light situations. There have been countless occasions where I was able to capture sharp handheld images without needing a tripod. For photographers who frequently shoot while traveling, this is a major advantage.
Build Quality
This is where the “L” badge becomes obvious. The lens feels premium from the moment you pick it up. After more than a year of regular use:
- Zoom ring remains smooth
- Focus ring feels excellent
- Weather sealing inspires confidence
- Exterior has held up well
I've carried it through airports, cities, road trips, and outdoor locations without concern. It feels built to last.
The One Thing You Need to Know
The constant F4 aperture is both a strength and a limitation. For daytime photography, travel, landscapes, and general shooting, it's fantastic.
However, if your primary focus is weddings, indoor events, low-light photography, or maximum background blur, you may eventually wish for an F2.8 lens. Personally, this has not been a major issue because the EOS R8 performs very well at higher ISO settings. But it's something prospective buyers should consider.
Travel Photography Experience
If I had to describe this lens in one word, it would be “travel.” The 24-105mm range is almost perfect for travel photography. I've used it for city walks, tourist attractions, street photography, landscapes, food photography, and family vacations.
Instead of constantly switching lenses, I simply zoom to the focal length I need. That convenience is incredibly valuable when you're traveling.
What I Like Most
Versatility
One lens that covers almost every situation.
Image Quality
Sharp, reliable, and consistently impressive.
Build Quality
Feels every bit like a professional L-series lens.
Image Stabilization
Extremely useful for handheld photography.
Perfect Match for the EOS R8
The combination feels balanced and easy to carry.
What I Don't Like
Price
It's a significant investment for hobbyists.
F4 Aperture
Some photographers may prefer F2.8 for low-light work.
Weight Compared to STM Lenses
While not heavy, it's noticeably larger than Canon's non-L alternatives.
Would I Buy It Again?
Absolutely. In fact, if I were rebuilding my Canon RF kit from scratch, this would likely be the first lens I purchase. It's one of those rare pieces of equipment that consistently delivers regardless of what you're photographing.
Instead of being the best lens for one specific purpose, it's an excellent lens for almost everything. And for many photographers, that's exactly what makes it special.
Final Verdict
After more than a year of shooting with the Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM on my Canon EOS R8, it remains my most-used lens. It may not be the fastest lens in Canon's lineup. It may not be the sharpest lens ever made. But it strikes an outstanding balance between image quality, versatility, build quality, and practicality.
For photographers looking for a single lens that can handle the majority of everyday photography situations, it's easy to recommend.
Pros
- Excellent image quality throughout the zoom range — sharp, reliable, and consistently impressive
- Extremely versatile 24-105mm focal range covers almost every shooting situation
- Professional L-series build quality with weather sealing that holds up after a year of heavy use
- Effective image stabilization enables sharp handheld shots during travel and in low light
- Outstanding travel companion — one lens replaces an entire bag of glass
- Fantastic pairing with the Canon EOS R8 for fast, accurate autofocus and eye detection
Cons
- Expensive compared to Canon's STM alternatives
- Constant F4 aperture may limit low-light or indoor photographers who need F2.8
- Larger and heavier than entry-level RF lenses
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