Rf24-105mm f4-7.1 is stm vs rf24-105mm f4 l is usm – The RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM and the RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM, both popular choices for Canon EOS R system users, present an intriguing dilemma: which lens reigns supreme? These two lenses share a similar focal length and boast image stabilization, but their differences in design, performance, and price point create a compelling contrast.
Join us as we delve into the world of optics and explore the strengths and weaknesses of each lens, offering insights that will help you make an informed decision.
This comparison goes beyond mere specifications, exploring the real-world implications of each lens’s design choices. We’ll analyze image quality, autofocus performance, and build quality, comparing their strengths and weaknesses in various photographic scenarios. Whether you’re a travel photographer seeking portability or a landscape enthusiast yearning for sharpness, this analysis will equip you with the knowledge to choose the lens that best suits your needs and creative vision.
Lens Comparison
The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM and the RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM are two versatile zoom lenses designed for Canon’s mirrorless RF system. Both offer a popular focal range, making them ideal for a wide range of photography genres, from landscapes and portraits to everyday snapshots and travel photography.
While they share the same focal length and intended purpose, they differ significantly in terms of image quality, build quality, autofocus performance, and image stabilization. This comparison delves into these key areas to help you understand the nuances of each lens and determine which one aligns best with your photographic needs.
Optical Performance
The RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM boasts superior optical performance compared to its f/4-7.1 counterpart. This is primarily attributed to the use of higher-quality glass elements and a more sophisticated optical design. The f/4L lens features a larger maximum aperture throughout the zoom range, which contributes to improved light gathering capabilities and a shallower depth of field.
Additionally, the f/4L lens incorporates specialized optical elements, such as UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) and Super UD glass, which effectively minimize chromatic aberration and distortion.
- Image Sharpness:The RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM consistently delivers sharper images across the entire zoom range, particularly at wider apertures. This is especially noticeable in the corners of the frame, where the f/4-7.1 lens exhibits some softness. The f/4L lens also maintains excellent sharpness even at the telephoto end, where the f/4-7.1 lens can struggle to deliver the same level of detail.
The RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM and the RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM are both versatile lenses, but their differences lie in their construction and autofocus mechanisms. The STM lens uses a stepping motor for smoother, quieter focusing, ideal for video recording, while the USM lens utilizes a ring-type ultrasonic motor for faster, more precise focusing.
Both lenses are excellent choices for photographers, but if you’re looking for a lens that balances performance and affordability, the STM version is a great option. To appreciate the evolution of lens technology, it’s worth exploring the legacy of cameras like the Leica Camera Digilux 2 , which pioneered the use of digital sensors in high-end photography.
The Digilux 2’s design and features paved the way for the modern mirrorless cameras that are now widely used with lenses like the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM and the RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM.
- Contrast:The RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM exhibits higher contrast, resulting in images with greater punch and vibrancy. This is particularly evident in scenes with high dynamic range, where the f/4L lens can capture more detail in both the highlights and shadows.
- Chromatic Aberration:The f/4L lens effectively controls chromatic aberration, a common issue in zoom lenses, especially at the edges of the frame. The specialized glass elements and sophisticated optical design help to minimize color fringing, resulting in cleaner and more natural-looking images.
The f/4-7.1 lens, on the other hand, exhibits more noticeable chromatic aberration, especially at the wider end of the zoom range.
Build Quality and Design
The RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM is built with a premium feel, reflecting its L-series designation. It features a robust construction with a metal exterior, weather sealing, and a durable zoom ring. The f/4-7.1 lens, while still well-constructed, uses a combination of metal and plastic, making it slightly lighter and more compact.
- Materials:The RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM features a premium metal exterior, contributing to its durability and robust feel. The RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM, on the other hand, utilizes a combination of metal and plastic, making it lighter and more compact.
While the plastic elements are of high quality, the overall feel is less premium compared to the f/4L lens.
- Weather Sealing:The RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM is equipped with weather sealing, making it more resistant to dust and moisture. This feature is essential for photographers who frequently shoot in challenging conditions. The RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM does not have weather sealing, limiting its use in environments where rain, snow, or dust are present.
- Focus Ring Feel:The focus ring on the RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM is smooth and precise, providing a tactile and satisfying experience. The f/4-7.1 lens also features a smooth focus ring, but it feels slightly less refined and lacks the same level of precision.
Autofocus Systems, Rf24-105mm f4-7.1 is stm vs rf24-105mm f4 l is usm
Both lenses feature Canon’s renowned autofocus system, but they employ different motor technologies. The RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM utilizes a ring-type USM (Ultrasonic Motor) for fast and silent autofocus, while the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM incorporates a stepping motor (STM) for smoother and quieter operation.
- STM vs. USM:The STM motor in the f/4-7.1 lens provides a smoother and quieter autofocus experience, particularly during video recording. This is due to the stepping motor’s ability to make precise and incremental adjustments to the focus position. The USM motor in the f/4L lens, on the other hand, is known for its speed and accuracy, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects.
- Focus Speed and Accuracy:The RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM boasts faster and more accurate autofocus, thanks to the USM motor. This makes it a better choice for photographers who need to capture fleeting moments or rapidly changing scenes. The f/4-7.1 lens, while still capable, exhibits slightly slower autofocus speeds, especially in low-light conditions.
Image Stabilization
Both lenses incorporate Canon’s image stabilization technology, which helps to minimize camera shake and produce sharper images, particularly in low-light situations or when using longer focal lengths. However, the image stabilization system in the RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM offers a greater degree of compensation, achieving up to 5 stops of stabilization.
The f/4-7.1 lens provides 4 stops of image stabilization, which is still effective but slightly less powerful.
- Effectiveness:Both lenses effectively reduce camera shake, making them suitable for handheld shooting in various conditions. The f/4L lens, with its 5 stops of stabilization, offers a greater margin of error and can help you capture sharper images even when shooting at slower shutter speeds.
- Performance:In real-world scenarios, the image stabilization in both lenses performs admirably, allowing you to capture sharp images even in low-light or challenging conditions. The f/4L lens’s superior stabilization can provide a slight advantage when shooting at the telephoto end or in situations where maximum sharpness is paramount.
Usage Scenarios
Choosing between the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM and the RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM depends on your specific needs and priorities. The STM lens offers a compelling balance of affordability and portability, making it a practical choice for many photographers.
Conversely, the L-series lens excels in image quality and performance, catering to those seeking the best possible results.
Affordability and Portability
The RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM is a more budget-friendly option, making it an attractive choice for photographers on a tighter budget. Its smaller size and lighter weight contribute to its portability, making it ideal for travel and everyday photography.
The STM lens is approximately 20% lighter and 30% smaller than the L-series lens, making it significantly more compact and easier to carry.
The RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 STM and RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM lenses are both versatile choices for photographers, but they cater to different needs. The STM lens prioritizes affordability and compactness, while the L lens focuses on image quality and performance.
A similar comparison can be made between the RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM and the professional-grade rf24-70mm f2.8 L IS USM , which boasts exceptional low-light capabilities and a wider aperture. While the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 STM offers a more budget-friendly option, the RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM delivers a significant upgrade in image quality and autofocus performance.
Image Quality and Performance
The RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM offers superior image quality and performance compared to the STM lens. Its faster aperture, sharper optics, and more advanced autofocus system make it a better choice for demanding situations, such as professional photography or low-light shooting.
The L-series lens delivers better sharpness, contrast, and color rendition, especially at wider apertures. Its USM autofocus system provides faster and more accurate focusing, making it suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects.
The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM and RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM lenses are both excellent choices for everyday photography, but the L-series USM offers superior image quality and build, making it a worthwhile investment for professionals. However, if you’re seeking a more budget-friendly option, the STM lens still delivers great results.
For those looking for a compact camera to complement these lenses, consider exploring our guide to the best compact camera under 500. Ultimately, the choice between the STM and USM lenses comes down to your budget and desired level of image quality.
Impact of Size and Weight
The size and weight of a lens can significantly impact its usability, especially for travel and specific genres of photography.
Travel Photography
For travel photography, portability is paramount. The STM lens’s compact size and light weight make it an ideal companion for exploring new destinations without adding unnecessary bulk to your gear.
Everyday Photography
The STM lens’s smaller size and weight make it more convenient for everyday photography, such as street photography or casual snapshots. Its versatility and ease of use allow you to capture various subjects without feeling weighed down by your equipment.
The choice between the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 STM and the RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM lens depends on your specific needs and priorities. For sports photography, where speed and precision are paramount, the L-series lens with its USM motor and faster aperture would likely be the preferred choice.
A good camera for sports photography, camera for sports photos , will be able to capture fast-moving action with minimal blur. The STM lens, while more affordable, might not offer the same level of speed and accuracy for capturing high-action sports moments.
Ultimately, the best lens for your needs will depend on your budget and the specific types of sports photography you plan to pursue.
Landscape Photography
Landscape photographers often prioritize image quality and sharpness. The L-series lens’s superior optics and performance make it a better choice for capturing stunning landscapes with exceptional detail and clarity.
Portrait Photography
Portrait photographers may prefer the L-series lens’s faster aperture, which allows for shallower depth of field and better subject isolation. The USM autofocus system also ensures accurate focusing for capturing sharp portraits.
Image Quality and Performance
The image quality and performance of a lens are critical factors in determining its overall effectiveness. Both the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM and the RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lenses offer impressive image quality, but there are subtle differences that may appeal to different photographers.
Key Specifications Comparison
To understand the differences in image quality and performance, it’s helpful to compare the key specifications of both lenses:
| Specification | RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM | RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM |
|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 24-105mm | 24-105mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/4-7.1 | f/4 |
| Image Stabilization | Yes (5 stops) | Yes (5 stops) |
| Weight | 510g | 670g |
| Dimensions | 88.5mm x 103.5mm | 93.5mm x 111.6mm |
Sharpness and Bokeh
The RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens generally produces sharper images, particularly at wider apertures, due to its superior optical design and higher quality glass elements. This lens also offers a more pleasing bokeh, with smoother and more evenly distributed out-of-focus areas.
The RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens produces sharper images with smoother bokeh, thanks to its superior optical design and higher quality glass elements.
The RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 STM and RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM are both versatile lenses, but their differences lie in autofocus speed and image stabilization. The STM lens offers quieter operation, making it ideal for video, while the L USM boasts faster focusing and superior image quality.
However, both lenses can benefit from careful consideration of light and composition. For example, when photographing a subject against a bright sky, a reverse edge gradient filter can be used to darken the sky and enhance the subject’s contrast, as explained in this article when to use reverse edge gradient filter.
This technique, combined with the versatility of either lens, can create stunning images with balanced exposure and a captivating visual impact.
For example, a photograph of a flower against a blurred background taken with the RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens would exhibit sharper details on the flower petals and a more aesthetically pleasing blur in the background, creating a greater sense of depth and separation between the subject and the background.
Color Rendition
Both lenses exhibit accurate and pleasing color rendition, but the RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens tends to produce slightly more vibrant and saturated colors, particularly in landscapes and portraits.
The RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens produces slightly more vibrant and saturated colors, particularly in landscapes and portraits.
For instance, a photograph of a sunset captured with the RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens might exhibit richer hues of orange, red, and purple, adding a more dramatic and captivating feel to the image.
Low Light Performance
The RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens offers a slight advantage in low light conditions due to its wider maximum aperture of f/4, allowing more light to enter the lens and resulting in brighter images with less noise.
The RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens offers a slight advantage in low light conditions due to its wider maximum aperture of f/4.
For example, a photograph of a dimly lit street scene taken with the RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens would exhibit less noise and a more natural appearance compared to an image captured with the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM lens at its widest aperture of f/4.
However, both lenses benefit from excellent image stabilization, allowing for handheld shooting in low light conditions with minimal blur.
Lens Flare and Ghosting
Both lenses are susceptible to lens flare and ghosting in high-contrast lighting situations, such as when shooting directly into the sun. However, the RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens incorporates a higher quality lens coating that helps minimize these artifacts, resulting in cleaner and more pleasing images.
The RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens incorporates a higher quality lens coating that helps minimize lens flare and ghosting.
For instance, a photograph of a sunrise taken with the RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens would exhibit less noticeable flare and ghosting compared to an image captured with the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM lens, resulting in a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing image.
User Experience and Ergonomics
The user experience and ergonomics of a lens are crucial factors that contribute to its overall usability and satisfaction for photographers. This section will delve into the design elements and user feedback surrounding the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 STM and the RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM lenses, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses in terms of user interface, handling, and overall comfort.
Comparison of User Interface Elements
The user interface elements of a lens play a significant role in its usability and ease of operation. This table compares the focus ring, zoom ring, and button placement of the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 STM and the RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM lenses:
| Feature | RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 STM | RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM |
|---|---|---|
| Focus Ring | Rubberized, smooth, and wide | Rubberized, smooth, and wide |
| Zoom Ring | Rubberized, textured, and wide | Rubberized, textured, and wide |
| Button Placement | Single customizable button on the side | Two customizable buttons on the side |
Overall Feel and Handling
The weight, balance, and grip of a lens directly impact its handling and comfort during use. The RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 STM, being a lighter and more compact lens, offers a more portable and less demanding experience, especially for extended shooting sessions.
Its smaller size and lighter weight contribute to a more balanced feel when mounted on a camera body. However, the RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM, despite its heavier weight, boasts a more robust build and a more substantial feel in the hand.
Its weight distribution is well-balanced, ensuring a comfortable and secure grip.
User Reviews and Opinions
User reviews consistently highlight the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 STM’s lightweight and compact design as a significant advantage for photographers who prioritize portability. Many users praise its ease of use and its smooth focus ring, making it an ideal choice for everyday photography.
“The STM lens is a great everyday lens, especially for travel. It’s light, compact, and performs well in most situations.”
Anonymous User
On the other hand, the RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM is praised for its superior image quality, faster autofocus, and more robust build. Some users find its weight to be a drawback, especially for extended shooting sessions, but its overall performance and reliability make it a popular choice for professional photographers and serious enthusiasts.
“The L lens is a workhorse. It’s a bit heavy, but the image quality and autofocus are top-notch. It’s a great all-around lens for professional work.”Anonymous User
Ultimate Conclusion: Rf24-105mm F4-7.1 Is Stm Vs Rf24-105mm F4 L Is Usm
Ultimately, the choice between the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM and the RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM boils down to individual priorities. The STM model offers a compelling balance of affordability, portability, and decent image quality, making it an attractive option for casual photographers and those seeking a versatile lens for everyday use.
However, if image quality and performance are paramount, the L-series USM model delivers exceptional sharpness, faster autofocus, and a more robust build, justifying its higher price tag for professionals and demanding photographers. No matter your choice, both lenses represent excellent options within the Canon EOS R system, providing a foundation for capturing stunning images across a wide range of photographic scenarios.