Canon RF 24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z

This Canon zoom spans 24–105mm on full-frame RF-mount cameras. It suits weddings, events and documentary work where the distance to a subject changes. You can show a room, then give one person more of the frame. Canon introduced it in 2023.

Its main trade-off is weight. A constant f/2.8 maximum aperture across this range comes in a substantial body. Consider how often you work handheld and how far you carry your equipment. It can reduce lens changes during an event.

It weighs 2 lb 14.9 oz (1330 g), with a barrel 3.48 in (88.5 mm) across and 7.83 in (199 mm) long. Our physical specifications score is 99 out of 100.

Filters screw directly into an 82mm thread, so a polariser or ND filter must match that size before you buy. On long days, a strap or monopod helps.

The maximum aperture stays at f/2.8 throughout the zoom. You can retain that opening when you change framing, though a different part of the scene may need a different exposure. Compared with a smaller opening, f/2.8 gives more room for a faster shutter speed or lower ISO in a dim venue.

At close subject distances, f/2.8 can give a portrait a soft background. At 105mm, look for space between the person and the guests or decorations behind them. Stop down when several people must remain sharp. At 24mm, you can include more of an interior from the same position.

Closest focus is 1.5 ft (45 cm) throughout the zoom, measured from the sensor. Maximum magnification reaches 0.29x at 105mm. That suits food, flowers and table details. The front glass sits closer to the subject, so leave room and watch for shadows. Very small objects will still occupy a modest part of the frame.

The range also helps when your position is fixed. During a speech, you can change between a wider view of the gathering and a tighter view of the speaker. The framing available still depends on your distance. The optics specification score is 83 out of 100.

Built-in stabilization reduces camera shake for still subjects at slower shutter speeds. It helps with handheld views of interiors or quiet moments at dusk. A person who moves still needs enough shutter speed for that movement.

Weather sealing helps resist dust and moisture outdoors. Use cover in persistent rain. Fluorine coating helps water and oily marks wipe away from the glass during field cleaning.

The zoom ring works manually. An optional PZ-E2 or PZ-E2B adapter adds powered zoom for controlled changes while recording video. The adapter is a separate accessory, so include it in the equipment you assess for that use.

Three aspherical elements help correct distortion, which matters for interior shots at 24mm where straight edges run across the frame. Four low-dispersion elements help reduce chromatic aberration, the colour fringing that can appear along high-contrast edges such as a dark suit against a bright window.

Focusing is internal, so the barrel does not extend while the lens focuses.