The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM lens (Amazon, B&H) is primarily a photography lens, though it will be used for video.
In this article let’s take a comprehensive look at the important features and specifications of the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM (Amazon, B&H) lens and see how good it will perform specifically for video, cinematography and filmmaking.
The aim of this article is to provide you with enough information and perspective so you can decide for yourself whether this lens is right for your film or video.
Important: This article is a comprehensive overview of the lens with available information; and an analysis based on our experience shooting for almost two decades. It is not a hands-on review. If and when we get hold of the lens we’ll be sure to publish a detailed review. If this is not your cup of tea you can stop reading.
Here’s Canon’s official video:
Click to what you want quickly:
- TLDR;
- EF vs RF:
- Features:
- Control:
- Basics:
- Alternatives to the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM
TLDR;
What you need to know for video work about the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM (Amazon, B&H):
- The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM is a versatile general purpose lens. Great focal range and decent optics but at the expense of a smaller max. aperture (f/4 at 24mm, f/7.1 at 105mm) and differences in image quality throughout the focal range.
- There is a variable f/4-7.1 aperture.
- The lens features a unique Center Macro Focus position, which allows for a 1:2 maximum magnification ratio.
- Focus ring can be changed to fly-by-wire for follow focus work.
- Control ring can be de-clicked for a small fee at a Canon service center for aperture transitions.
- The lens has Image Stabilization, and you will get even better stabilization with a Canon R camera (R5, R6, etc.) that has IBIS as well.
- Great for dual pixel autofocus for video.
- It is not a parfocal lens.
- It exhibits breathing.
Can be great for the following types of filmmaking:
- Wedding filmmaking
- Documentary filmmaking
- Journalism
- Low budget music videos
- Long events, seminars, religious ceremonies, etc.
- Gimbal use
- Product and macro filmmaking
EF vs RF: What’s the difference?
Difference between the RF and EF mount
Both are lens mounts specific to Canon. Let’s take a look at some important distinctions.
Flange focal distance
The RF is a new lens mount, with a smaller flange focal distance.
Here’s how the flange focal distance compares:
| Mount | Flange Focal Distance |
|---|---|
| RF | 20mm |
| EF | 44mm |
EF lenses were designed for DSLRs. Now with the mirror gone, that’s space and weight savings. However, that’s not the only advantage.
Canon (and every one else) maintains the smaller flange focal distance allows for larger apertures (for some focal lengths), better corner to corner sharpness and reduced light fall off.
Ergonomics
RF lenses are supposed to be lighter, making them easier to handle for photography, but slightly problematic for video. Weight gives better stability and smoother movement for most use cases. For gimbal, drone and steadicam use, the lower weight is an advantage because a lighter lens puts less strain on motors, and the human arms that have to hold it up.
The RF mount is equipped with 12 communicator pins compared to 8 pin connection of the EF mount. Canon claims this contributes towards quicker autofocus, better AF tracking and improved image stabilization.
Canon has redesigned the focus actuators for a hassle-free filming. They claim the new Nano USM and Dual Nano USM have been designed for video. Canon claims that the introduction of these actuators in RF lenses will result in a quieter and quicker autofocus.
The last major change is in the optics. Canon have redesigned the optics from the ground up to account for the smaller flange focal distance. This one simple change considerably changes the optical characteristics and challenges.
Naturally the prices of RF lenses match the high quality Canon have put into these series! The assurance is, the quality isn’t compromised, and with proper care Canon RF lenses should last for years. Let’s compare the EF version of the 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 with its newer RF counterpart.
Canon EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM vs Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM
| Lens | RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 | EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 |
| Filter Thread | 67mm | 77mm |
| Size | 76.6mm x 88.8mm | 83.4 x 104 mm |
| Weight | 395g | 525g |
| Lens Control | Ring control | none |
| Closest Focusing Distance | During AF: 0.7 – 1.12 ft./ 0.2 – 0.34m During MF: 0.43 – 1.12 ft./ 0.13 – 0.34m | 1.31 ft. / 0.4 m |
| Image stabilization | 5 Stops | 4 stops |
| Max. Aperture | Wide: f/4 Telephoto: f/7.1 | Wide: f/3.5 Telephoto: f/5.6 |
| Min. Aperture | f/22-40 | f/22-32 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 blades | 7 Blades |
| Angle of View (Diagonal) | 84° – 23°20′ | 84°- 23°20’ |
There are some important differences between the two lenses.
The Canon EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM (Amazon, B&H) is heavier and quite longer than the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM (Amazon, B&H). Part of the reason is the wider maximum aperture so there’s more glass in it.
What the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM can do in manual focus mode is focus closer. It’s basically a macro lens. You can also stop down to f/40 for crazy depth of field in macro and product work.
Canon claims the RF version has better image stabilization and smoother, quieter autofocus.
Further more, the RF version has a focus ring that can turn into a special customizable control ring that can be customized to change exposure on the go. This is only available on cameras that natively have an RF mount.
Features
Coverage
The RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM (Amazon, B&H) is a full frame lens. It is designed to completely cover a sensor the size of 36mm x 24mm.
On a camera with an APS-C sensor with 1.6x crop, you get an equivalent of 38-168mm. If you are considering this lens for an APS-C sensor or other cinema camera, check out this article:
Focal Range
The minimum focal length is 24mm. This is considered wide on a full frame 35mm sensor.
The maximum focal length is 105mm. This is considered telephoto on a full frame 35mm sensor.
This focal range is very useful. It means you can cover an event in a room with the wide end. If you’re standing in a large hall at the other end, the 105mm end will be very useful. This is why this focal range is popular.
It does come with its set of compromises. The maximum aperture decreases as you go closer towards 105mm. The consistency in optical characteristics and fall off will be different.
The lower price of the RF 24-105 f/4-7.1 IS STM (Amazon, B&H) should be an indicator of where it sits in the RF pantheon.
Aperture
At 24mm, the maximum aperture is f/4 and the minimum aperture is f/22.
At 105mm, the maximum aperture is f/7.1 and the minimum aperture is f/40. Below is how the aperture varies depending on the focal length you are using.
- 24-26mm – f/4.0
- 27-36mm – f/4.5
- 37-49mm – f/5.0
- 50-62mm – f/5.6
- 63-79mm – f/6.3
- 80-105mm – f/7.1
Not having a constant aperture can be crippling at times for video and cinematography. Imagine you’re covering a scene or event where the light doesn’t change. You cannot move quickly from wide to telephoto at a variable aperture without compensating for exposure. That’s a difference of almost 2 stops of light!
The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM lens (Amazon, B&H) has 7 rounded diaphragm blades. The bokeh should be reasonable but don’t expect much. More about bokeh:
Resolution
From Canon’s official MTF charts:
The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM (Amazon, B&H) does well at 24mm and 105mm. It’s sharp for most of the frame, and you shouldn’t have issues matching shots for sharpness.
The 24mm falls off faster, as is expected of wide angle lenses. At 105mm, though, the fall-off is quite steep. This is disappointing.
With the variance in the Sagittal and Tangential lines, you can infer (somewhat) that the bokeh won’t be as smooth as the best zoom lenses on the planet. But why should it?
I think most people looking for a versatile lens in this price range will not be disappointed by the optical quality of the 24-105mm f/4-7.1. However, it won’t replace its more expensive cousin.
If you are curious and want to read the MTF chart for yourself. Here’s a guide on how to read them easily.
Close Focus
In autofocus mode, the closest focusing distance at 24mm is 0.2 meters or 0.78 feet. At 104mm the closest focusing distance changes to 0.34 meters or 1.12 feet.
In manual focus mode, at 24mm the closest focusing distance goes down to 0.13 meters or 0.43 feet. This will make this a somewhat useful macro lens.
At 105mm, the close focusing distance in both AF and MF is 1.12 feet or 0.34 meters. This is a great macro range.
If you like stopping down your macro shots, this lens is a really useful addition to your kit.
Image Stabilization
Canon claims that the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM (Amazon, B&H) lens has up to 5 stops of Image stabilization (IS).
5 stops? 8 stops? What are these stops?
How do you calculate Image Stabilization? Check this out:
Pairing the 5-axis IBIS-equipped Canon EOS R5 or Canon EOS R6 with an IS-equipped lens can deliver 8-stops of combined IS. This can be toggled on and off if you choose so.
It’s obvious the best stabilization is realized when an RF lens with IS is combined with an R-body camera with IBIS. E.g., the 24-105mm f/4L will be more stabilized on a Canon EOS R5 over a Red Komodo (which also has an RF mount).
Is it Parfocal?
The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 IS USM is not a parfocal lens. To know what a parfocal lens is, check this out:
Control
Manual focus system
The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 (Amazon, B&H) has no AF-MF switch on the lens barrel. This switch can be performed in-camera. There are three modes:
- AF/MF – in this mode you can switch from AF to MF just by rotating the focus/control ring
- AF – complete autofocus mode
- MF – complete manual focus mode
The close focusing distance drops down to 13cm when you switch to MF.
By default the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM (Amazon, B&H) is set to ‘fly by wire’. But you can turn it off.
What is the meaning of focus by wire and fly by wire?
Focus by wire: Let’s say you turn the focus ring to change focus from point A to B. You’d expect the focus to shift accordingly. When you stop point B will be in focus. Now bring the focus point back to A and try again, but at a different speed. Slower or faster, doesn’t matter. Now, even if you precisely rotate to the exact same degree, the focus will not be on point B! The speed of rotation determines which point it is focused on. That’s just completely useless for follow focus work. If an actor or person moves at a different speed, evens lightly, you’ll never get the same focus. Avoid focus by wire lenses like the plague (for video work).
Fly by wire: The distance of focus shifted is directly proportional to the speed at which the ring is turned. This is how a manual focus ring is supposed to operate for video and cinematography.
How to change to fly by wire on RF lenses
You can switch to ‘link to rotational degree’ where the focusing distance will be directly proportional to the rotational degree regardless of the rotational speed.
It is a quick two-step affair that requires you going into the Canon menu and switching the RF manual focus ring sensitivity to ‘linked to rotational degree’ instead of ‘varies with rotational speed’.
This feature will be exceptionally useful for anyone who wants absolute control over the focus ring.
This feature makes an RF lens a game changer for many videographers, filmmakers and cinematographers.
Autofocus system
Dual Pixel Autofocus is, without a doubt, one of the most revered video autofocus systems in the world. Canon claims the new AF actuators will help focusing to be smooth and phantom-quiet.
Canon claims that their STM motors work in near silence and are super fast. We will need to test the lens in the field to see if the claim is an empty promise or a fact.
The dual pixel AF system works better (in theory) than original EF lenses on native EF bodies. I don’t think anyone will be disappointed with its performance.
Zoom Ring
The zoom ring allows you to manually change the focal length from 24mm to 105mm and anywhere in between.
There is no zoom lock, unfortunately. The lens extends by over two inches when zoomed in.
Control System
Canon RF lenses usually come with an extra customizable ring. The ring is a third ring, in addition to the zoom and focus rings. Since this is not an L series lens or a high priced lens, Canon has included the control ring and manual focus ring in one.
This ring is only customizable with cameras that have a native RF mount, such as the Canon EOS R5/6 and Canon EOS C70.
To toggle the Control Ring on and customize it to control one of the exposure determinants, follow these steps:
- Go into Settings
- Go to the Customize dials option
- Select Control Ring and switch it to Enabled.
- Now you can customize it to control aperture, shutter speed, ISO and exposure compensation.
Some videographers will find it helpful in riding the aperture due to its favorable placement right on the lens close to the focus and zoom ring.
Although the turn of the ring appears to be smooth, there is a soft clicking sound. Some might find it inconvenient. If you want to remove the sound you can.
The clicking of the control ring on every RF lens is removable through a chargeable service fee of about $79.99 (depending on your country) at your nearest Canon service center.
Basics
Filter Thread
The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM (Amazon, B&H) has a filter thread diameter of 67mm. This is the not a common “large” filter diameter.
Build Quality
The majority of the lens exterior is plastic, though the lenses don’t feel cheap.
The optical design consists of 13 elements in 11 groups, including one aspherical element.
Size and Weight
The RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM (Amazon, B&H) has a diameter of 88.8mm and a length of 76.6mm. It is shorter than the EF variant and is quite handy to fit in small camera bags.
The weight is about 395 grams. It’s light!
Weather resistance
Canon claims that all RF lenses are weather sealed. But again this only holds true if the camera body you will be using is also weather sealed. No camera is truly and officially weather sealed, so the best you can hope for is reliable weather resistance.
Keep in mind that this is not a L series lens. So it would be advisable to be safe than sorry on this one.
What’s in the box
This is what you get in the box (other than the lens):
- Lens cap (E-67 II)
- Lens dust cap (D1)
Alternatives to the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM Lens
If you are on the fence about either renting or buying the Canon RF 24-105mm 4-7.1 IS STM for your next film or project maybe these lenses will be interesting alternatives:
- Best bang for your buck: Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM lens (Amazon, B&H) – same focal range but with a constant aperture, L-series build, better optical performance but no macro.
- Top class: Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8L IS USM (Amazon, B&H) – Larger max aperture but a smaller zoom range. Optically superior, and expensive.
- More zoom: Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM (Amazon, B&H) – more zoom range, wider maximum aperture at 105mm. and even 240mm. No macro, though.
I hope you found this overview of the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM (Amazon, B&H) useful. If we have missed out on something, please let us know in the comments below.
