Canon RF 24-105mm: f/2.8 vs f/4 vs f/4-7.1
Same zoom range, three totally different lenses. Which 24-105mm is right for you — in 60 seconds.
Three Canon lenses, one focal range, and a price gap from 209.000 to 1099.000 OMR. So why does the dear one cost five times the cheap one? Here's the honest, no-jargon answer — and which one actually fits your shooting.
The Pro
RF 24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z
Constant f/2.8 across the whole zoom, click-less iris ring, weather-sealed, ready for the optional power-zoom adapter. The one lens a working shooter can leave on all day.
1099.000 OMRThe All-Rounder
RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM
Constant f/4, real L-grade dust & moisture sealing, and light enough to live on your camera. The classic "walk-around" lens for enthusiasts.
394.900 OMRThe Traveller
RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM
Tiny, 395g, retractable, and gets you up to 0.5× close-ups. The smart first zoom or the go-anywhere travel lens on a budget.
209.000 OMR| Spec | f/2.8 L Z | f/4 L | f/4-7.1 STM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max apertureLower f-number = more light. Constant = same brightness as you zoom; variable dims as you zoom in. | f/2.8 constantLots of light — best in the dark & for creamy background blur | f/4 constantBright enough for most everyday situations | f/4-7.1 variableNeeds more light — best in daylight/outdoors |
| Aperture bladesMore blades = rounder, smoother background blur | 11 | 9 | 7 |
| StabilizationMore stops = steadier handheld shots, less blur at slow shutter / in the dark | 5.5 stops (8.0 w/ Coordinated IS) | 5 stops | 5 stops |
| Closest focusHow near you can get to your subject and still focus | 0.45 m | 0.45 m | 0.13 m (24mm) |
| Max magnificationHigher = gets closer for detail; 0.5× is half life-size (near-macro) | 0.29× | 0.24× | up to 0.5× |
| Filter sizeThe screw-on filter size you'd buy for this lens | 82 mm | 77 mm | 67 mm |
| Weather sealedResists dust & light rain for outdoor shooting | Yes | Yes | No |
| Size (dia × len) | 88.5 × 199 mm | 83.5 × 107.3 mm | 76.6 × 88.8 mm |
| WeightLighter = easier to carry all day | 1430 gHeavy — you'll feel it on a long day | 700 gMid-weight — comfortable most days | 395 gLight — easy to carry all day |
| Price (VAT-incl) | 1099.000 | 394.900 | 209.000 |
Weddings, events & paid video → f/2.8 L Z
Dim ballrooms and majlis lighting eat f/4 lenses alive. The constant f/2.8 gathers twice the light, gives you cleaner low-ISO frames and softer backgrounds, and the click-less iris ring plus optional power-zoom adapter make it a serious video tool. If the camera pays your bills, this is the one.
Everyday, family & landscapes → f/4 L
The enthusiast's sweet spot. Constant f/4 is plenty outdoors and in decent light, you keep real L weather sealing for the khareef and dusty desert trips, and at ~700g it won't wreck your shoulder on a long day. Best balance of quality, size and price.
Travel, vlogging & first-time buyers → f/4-7.1 STM
At 395g and retractable, it disappears in a bag and is easy on the wallet. The 0.5× close-focus is genuinely fun for food, flowers and product shots. Just know the aperture narrows to f/7.1 at 105mm, so it likes daylight — pair it with a bright body and you're set for travel.
FAQ
Is the f/2.8 really worth 5× the STM?
If you shoot indoors, events, or paid video — yes: constant f/2.8, the iris ring, weather sealing and build are a different class. If you shoot mostly outdoors for fun, the f/4 L or even the STM will make you very happy for far less.
Do all three fit the same cameras?
Yes — all three are Canon RF-mount and fit Canon EOS R full-frame and APS-C bodies. On an APS-C body (like the R7 or R10) the field of view is tighter (roughly a 38-168mm equivalent).
Does the cheaper lens take worse photos?
In good light, the differences are small. The gap shows in low light (aperture), weather resistance, and build. The STM even beats both on close-up magnification (0.5×).
Which is best for video?
The f/2.8 L Z — its click-less iris ring gives smooth exposure changes, and it's the only one of the three built for the optional Power Zoom Adapter PZ-E2.
Do you have all three in Muscat?
Yes, all three are genuine and in our catalog. Come handle them side by side in our Muscat showroom, or message us and we'll help you pick.
All three, genuine, at SkyOrbits Muscat
Every lens is genuine with warranty we handle locally, and free sensor/lens cleaning for life. Installments available (Bank Muscat / Meethaq / NBO + in-house).
Specs reflect official Canon information as of July 2026.
