Canon's flagship RF-mount standard zoom and the workhorse lens for EOS R system shooters.
The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM was launched in September 2018 alongside the original EOS R, one of four lenses that opened the RF system. It fills the same role as the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II but was built from scratch to exploit the RF mount's shorter flange distance and larger diameter throat — a geometry that allows greater optical freedom than the EF mount permitted. The RF version was frequently bundled with EOS R and EOS RP bodies and quickly became the highest-volume L-series zoom in the RF lineup. It remains the default all-purpose standard zoom for the EOS R system, covering the most-used focal length range in a single constant-aperture package.
The optical design uses 18 elements in 14 groups, including three aspherical elements and one UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) element. The 77mm filter thread is the standard Canon L-series diameter, compatible with most filters already owned for EF L-series glass — a practical carry-over advantage for photographers moving to RF. At 700g the lens is heavier than the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II it effectively replaces, reflecting the expanded optical formula the RF mount's wider geometry enables. Image stabilisation provides 5 stops of compensation; used with IBIS-equipped bodies such as the EOS R5 or R6 via Canon's Coordinated IS, the combined figure reaches up to 8 stops. The front and rear elements carry fluorine coating to repel dust, moisture, and oils. ASC (Air Sphere Coating) reduces flare and ghosting in backlit conditions. The customisable control ring allows direct assignment of aperture, ISO, or exposure compensation. Minimum focus distance is 45cm. Autofocus uses a Nano USM motor.
The 24-105mm range covers the most useful focal lengths for travel, events, portraiture, and documentary work. At 24mm the lens is wide enough for environmental portraits and building interiors; at 105mm it compresses for tighter portraits and moderate telephoto reach. Sharpness is consistently strong across the zoom range; corner performance at 24mm improves markedly by f/5.6-f/8. The RF mount geometry allows better control of chromatic aberration and field curvature than the EF predecessor. The 5-stop IS performs well for static handheld shooting; the 45cm minimum focus distance is adequate for most documentary use but limits close-up and detail work.
Used RF glass commands a consistent premium — the system's relative youth and high demand for native optics keeps prices elevated compared to adapted EF alternatives. Inspect zoom ring smoothness, IS operation, and weather sealing at the mount. The 77mm filter thread matches most L-series EF glass, allowing filter carry-over. There is also an RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM at a lower price point; the f/4L offers constant aperture, better weather sealing, and the full L-series optical standard. Check early production copies for delamination on the aspherical elements, which affected a small proportion of early batches.