Zoom Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM

This has become my favorite walking around lens. I've had it for several years and have used it with my 7D Mark II, an EOS M5, two EOS M6 Mark II's and now I'm using it with my R7. I've considered replacing it with the RF 100-500, but several factors have so far convinced me this is a better choice for me:

• It works with all of the bodies I currently own, where, to my knowledge, the RF lenses will only work with R bodies.
• I like the fact that it's metal, rather than the plastic that the RF lens is constructed of, despite the weight penalty that incurs.
• I like the fact that, even with an extender mounted, the lens is still fairly compact, unlike the RF 100-500 with an RF extender mounted
• It's much more affordable. I already own it and a couple of extenders, so the price isn't really a factor, but the cost of replacing it with the RF lens and any extenders is pretty steep. I have to say that the price of the lens is pretty reasonable, but the extenders aren't, which makes the whole package unattractive.
• It's really sharp. I haven't done any comparison tests myself, but I've watched a lot of videos comparing the two lenses, by people I respect and trust, and from what I've seen, this lens compares very favorably.

I'm primarily a wildlife photographer, so I spend a lot of time carrying my gear as I walk in the field looking for my subjects. I'm constantly looking for ways to maximize my options while keeping the burden that I'm carrying to a minimum. Especially with the R-series cameras and the enhancements they offer in terms of handling high ISO settings, relatively slow zoom lenses (compared with prime lenses) have become very attractive, given their smaller size and comparatively lighter weight. Now, with this one lens, along with at least a 1.4x teleconverter, I have a very broad range of focal lengths in a compact, easy to carry, and relatively lightweight package. The fact that it also work with my non-R-series lenses makes it an even better choice for me.

This lens is truly the ultimate travel lens with a range that covers the most frequently used focal lengths. Sure, a wider lens or a longer lens will come in handy at specific times, but for a one-lens solution with great sharpness, color, and a constant aperture, this one can't be beat.

I bought this as a 'kit lens' when we all know it is far from that. I had the opportunity to get it with my R5 and it was a good bit cheaper than buying it on it's own ... so like many, I went ahead and bought it.

I have previous experience of the older EF version and never used that much. I bought it as the range and f4 made it an ideal lens ... but it never grabbed me. The RF version is different . It may be f4 but in my view is a lot better than the older EF version and has surprised me. It has more contrast and greater sharpness than the older EF version + more contrast than the RF 24-70 f2.8 I bought !! It is not quite as sharp as the 24-70 f2.8 but the extra contrast makes it seem sharper until you look an images closer.

The extra range of this lens and it's sheer quality led me to sell my RF 24-70. I do have a 28-70 to use and that also figured in my rationale ... but this lens is light, easy to use, quick focusing and very sharp. The contrast added and the image quality is simply faultless.

I bought it as a 'L kit lens' but to be totally honest the title 'kit lens' is totally wrong ! This is probably the most versatile of the RF lenses and, as I say, in a different league to at least my older EF 24-105 f4.