There are so many options out there for photographers, and every photographer has a different favorite focal length. But for me, my favorite and first choice is the 24-105 f4. The 24-105 is truly the best travel lens out there. This lens has literally traveled across the world with me. From the Canon EF version in the Dominican Republic, to the newest Canon RF version in Iceland, and the Sony FE version across the western part of the United States. This is a lens that I have relied on since the very beginning. It was my first professional-level lens purchase when I started photography in 2016, and the nostalgia has never left me.

Some photographers would probably pick the 24-70 2.8 version instead of an f4 version lens, but for me, the f-stop isn’t that much of a drawback. In fact, with today’s technology in mirrorless cameras and the ability to denoise in Lightroom and Capture 1, the fact that this lens is an f4 doesn’t bother me one bit. I actually never think about the aperture. If you haven’t thought about adding this lens to your lineup, I hope this blog convinces you to.

Versitility

This lens is unmatched in its versatility. Almost every variation of this lens, from L glass in Canon to the G series in Sony, this lens is weather sealed and water resistant. But it truly shines in it’s focal reach. From 24mm where you are wide enough to capture stunning landscapes, to 105 mm where you can capture headshots, far away views or incredible close-up details. You can reach so much farther with 105 mm than you can with 70, giving you the ability to create stunning bokeh and compression in your images. You can shoot commercial work with it, personal work, and professional. Some people even use this all day on a wedding day. You get the incredible use of a 35, 50 and 85 all in one go with this lens.

Weight

This lens typically is a very light weight lens. Being an f4 aperature, it isn’t heavy with glass, or as tall as the typical 24-70 lenses. It’s smaller in height, lighter in weight and more compact. If you’re trying to elimate even the smallest gram of weight, this lens wins hands down over the 24-70. It’s so light in your bag you barely notice it’s there!

Image Quality

I’ve never shot a bad image with this lens. Well, not one that was the lens’s fault anyway. The image quality out of the 24-105 is unbeatable. Tack sharp, perfect color rendition, and not a lot of distortion, this is a great lens. It’s sweet spot for tack sharp images is around 5.6, but that’s no problem if you’re using this lens for landscapes or even architecture photography as you’ll be stopping down anyway.

So, why pick the 24-105 f4 over the 24-70 f2.8? Here’s my last push to convince you: You don’t NEED 2.8. Everyone get’s wrapped up in having the lowest f-stop possible, but with todays technology, you can get away with an f4 in almost every single scenario. Did I mention I photographed the Northern Lights in Iceland with this lens? And the images turned out fantastic! If you want more reach and less lens swapping, this is the one to pick. If you have a wide angle, like a 15-35, and a zoom lens, either 70-200 or my personal favorite the 100-500, you already have so many focal lengths covered in one lens. Therefore, less swapping lenses and less gear you actually have to carry! The 24-105 is also lighter in weight than the 24-70, so if you’re trying to have the lightest kit possible, this is the way to go.

If you’re looking for a new travel lens, check out this one. You won’t be disapointed! Also stay tuned for the YouTube video that is coming soon about this lens!

Do you like traveling? Planning a trip to a National Park? Follow our Pinterest here, or read more of our blog posts about all of our travels!