24-70mm f/2.8 vs 24-105mm f/4 : Which one is the best ?

Understanding the “Workhorse” Zoom Lens

If you’ve spent any time exploring camera gear, you’ve inevitably encountered the debate: the fast 24-70mm f/2.8 versus the versatile 24-105mm f/4. This isn’t just a random comparison; it’s a fundamental choice that shapes a photographer’s entire shooting experience. These lenses are known as standard zooms or, more affectionately, “workhorse” lenses, because they are designed to handle the vast majority of shooting situations with competence and quality. Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of aperture and focal length, let’s understand why this specific choice is such a common crossroads for photographers of all levels. For a deeper dive into the essentials, check out our Camera Gear 101 for Newbies.

Why this comparison is so common

The decision between these two lenses often represents a photographer’s first major investment beyond a basic kit lens. They are the backbone of a professional’s camera bag and the ultimate upgrade for a serious hobbyist. Their popularity stems from the incredibly useful focal range they cover, from wide-angle landscapes and architecture at 24mm to classic portraits and details at 70mm and beyond. Understanding Camera Anatomy & Functions can help you appreciate the role these lenses play.

This choice is also central to the concept of the “holy trinity” of lenses. For most professional photographers, this trinity consists of three f/2.8 zoom lenses that cover a vast range of possibilities: a wide-angle (typically 16-35mm), a standard zoom (the 24-70mm), and a telephoto (the 70-200mm). The 24-70mm f/2.8 is the heart of this setup, the lens that often stays on the camera for 60-80% of a shoot. The 24-105mm f/4 serves as a popular and compelling alternative, often forming an “f/4 trinity” for those who prioritize a lighter kit and greater reach over the light-gathering ability of f/2.8. This makes the choice between them a defining moment in building a versatile, high-quality lens collection. You can explore Different Lens Types and Their Uses to see how these fit into a broader kit.

Setting the stage: What both lenses offer

Despite their key differences, it’s important to recognize that the 24-70mm f/2.8 and 24-105mm f/4 share a significant amount of professional-grade DNA. They are more alike than they are different, which is precisely what makes the decision so challenging. Here’s what you can typically expect from both:

• Overlapping Focal Range: Both lenses cover the critical 24mm to 70mm range. This gives you the power to shoot sweeping wide shots, environmental portraits, street scenes, and classic head-and-shoulders portraits without ever changing your lens. For those interested in longer focal lengths, consider a super telephoto lens or explore the nuances of zoom and focal length.
• Professional Build and Weather Sealing: Lenses in this class are built for demanding use. They generally feature robust construction with metal components and comprehensive weather sealing to protect against dust and moisture, giving you confidence when shooting in less-than-ideal conditions. This is also a consideration when looking at Essential Camera Accessories for Beginners.
• Constant Maximum Aperture: Unlike variable aperture kit lenses, both of these maintain their maximum aperture (either f/2.8 or f/4) throughout the entire zoom range. This is a critical professional feature. It means your exposure settings don’t change as you zoom in or out, providing consistency and predictability, which is especially vital for shooting in manual mode or recording video. Mastering Camera Settings is key to leveraging this.

The Core Difference: Aperture vs Reach

At the heart of this debate lies a fundamental trade-off. Choosing between these two lenses isn’t about picking a “better” or “worse” option; it’s about deciding which core capability is more valuable to your specific style of photography: the light-gathering and subject-isolating power of a wide aperture, or the compositional flexibility of a longer zoom range. Let’s break down what each advantage truly means in practice. If you’re new to photography, understanding these differences is key, and a good starting point is Camera Gear 101 for Newbies.

The Power of f/2.8: More Light, Less Depth

The “f/2.8” designation is the 24-70mm’s headline feature, and for good reason. This wider maximum aperture gives it two distinct, game-changing advantages over its f/4 counterpart.

Low-Light Dominance

The most significant technical benefit of an f/2.8 aperture is its ability to gather light. It lets in precisely twice as much light as an f/4 aperture. This is what photographers refer to as a “full stop” of light, and its impact is profound in any situation where the sun isn’t shining brightly.

• Cleaner Images: With double the light hitting your sensor, you can use a lower ISO setting. For example, where an f/4 lens might require ISO 3200 to get a proper exposure, the f/2.8 lens can achieve the same exposure at ISO 1600. This directly translates to images with significantly less digital noise, more detail, and better color fidelity. Understanding Camera Settings Mastery will help you leverage this.
• Freezing Motion: Alternatively, you can use that extra stop of light to enable a faster shutter speed. This is critical for freezing action in dim environments. Capturing a couple’s first dance in a dimly lit reception hall or a speaker’s animated gestures at a corporate event becomes far easier when you can use a shutter speed of 1/250s instead of a blurry 1/125s. This is also crucial when you Snap Dancers & Musicians.

Subject Separation and Bokeh

Beyond the technical exposure benefits, the f/2.8 aperture is a powerful creative tool. It allows you to control the depth of field—the plane of acceptable sharpness in your image—with much greater precision. By shooting “wide open” at f/2.8, you can achieve a very shallow depth of field. The different lens types offer varying degrees of this capability.

This effect makes your subject tack-sharp while rendering the background into a soft, creamy blur. This is the secret to that coveted “professional look” where the subject pops from the scene, free from distracting background elements. The quality of this blur, known as bokeh, is often a defining characteristic of premium f/2.8 lenses, producing smooth, pleasing out-of-focus areas that elevate portraits from simple snapshots to artful compositions. For portraiture, consider 20 Fun Ways to Elicit Laughter for Perfect Portrait Photography.

The Versatility of 105mm: More Range, More Options

While the 24-70mm f/2.8 wins in the dark, the 24-105mm f/4 champions flexibility in the light. Its advantage lies in its extended zoom range, offering a degree of versatility that can simplify your workflow and open up new creative possibilities.

The “Reach” Advantage

That extra 35mm of focal length on the long end (from 70mm to 105mm) is more significant than it sounds. It provides a tangible increase in “reach,” allowing you to frame your subjects in different ways without having to move your feet. This is especially useful when you want to capture distant details, a concept explored in The Zoom Dilemma.

• Tighter Portraits: At 105mm, you can capture a classic head-and-shoulders portrait from a more comfortable and less intrusive distance. This longer focal length also provides flattering compression, which can de-emphasize facial features like the nose for a more pleasing result. For travel, learning how to take pictures of people when you travel is essential.
• Landscape Compression: In landscape photography, zooming to 105mm can make distant elements, like a mountain range behind a lake, appear larger and more imposing in the frame. This “compresses” the scene, creating a sense of scale and layered depth that you can’t achieve at 70mm. This is a key aspect of Capturing the Essence of Destinations.
• Detail-Oriented Travel: When exploring a new city, the 105mm end is perfect for picking out architectural details on a building, capturing a candid moment in a bustling market from across the street, or isolating a subject without disturbing the scene. For those interested in specific devices, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra: Comprehensive Review and Using the Xiaomi 14 Ultra Mobile Lenses at their Best might be of interest.

The One-Lens Solution

The extended range makes the 24-105mm f/4 a compelling candidate for the ultimate “one-lens” or “travel” setup. It comfortably covers everything from wide-angle vistas (24mm) to standard street scenes (35-50mm) and telephoto details (85-105mm). For photographers who want to pack light and avoid swapping lenses, this versatility is a massive benefit. It allows you to stay in the moment and focus on composition, knowing you have the right focal length for almost any situation you’ll encounter during a day of shooting. This is a great alternative to carrying multiple lenses, like a prime vs zoom, or even considering the trade-offs between an Expensive Pro High End Camera vs Compact Camera for Landscape Photography. The evolution of photography is also interesting, with The Evolution of Photography tours showing how gear and techniques change.

Deep Dive: Technical Performance and Image Quality

Beyond the headline debate of aperture versus reach, the real-world performance of these lenses is what often justifies their price and place in a photographer’s bag. While both are professional-grade tools, the design priorities for each lead to subtle but important differences in sharpness, focus speed, and optical characteristics. Let’s put them under the microscope.

Sharpness and Detail

In the modern era, it’s difficult to find a bad lens from a major manufacturer, especially in these professional-tier categories. However, “good enough” is different from “exceptional.” The 24-70mm f/2.8 is engineered with peak optical performance as a primary goal, and it often shows.

• Center Sharpness: When you compare both lenses at a shared aperture like f/4, the 24-70mm f/2.8 is often phenomenally sharp in the center. Having been “stopped down” by a full stop from its maximum aperture, it’s operating in its sweet spot. The 24-105mm f/4 is also very sharp at f/4, but it’s performing wide open, where lenses are rarely at their absolute best. By f/5.6 or f/8, the differences in center sharpness often become negligible for most applications.
• Corner-to-Corner Performance: This is where the premium price of the f/2.8 lens truly reveals its worth. It is typically designed to deliver excellent sharpness across the entire frame, even at wider apertures. For landscape photographers who need crisp details from edge to edge, this can be a significant advantage. The 24-105mm f/4 is still very good, but you may notice a bit more softness in the extreme corners, especially at 24mm.
• Performance at Maximum Focal Length: All zoom lenses make compromises, and performance often dips slightly at the longest end of the zoom range. The 24-70mm f/2.8 is generally very sharp at 70mm. The 24-105mm f/4 might be slightly softer at its 105mm maximum, but it provides a focal length its counterpart simply cannot reach. The question becomes: is a slightly softer image at 105mm better than no image at all? For many, the answer is a resounding yes.

Autofocus Speed and Accuracy

A great image is worthless if it’s out of focus. Here, the wider aperture of the 24-70mm f/2.8 provides a distinct physical advantage that software can’t fully replicate.

• Low-Light Autofocus: Your camera’s autofocus system works by seeing contrast, and it sees through the lens at its widest aperture. The f/2.8 aperture lets in twice as much light as the f/4 aperture, giving the AF sensor a brighter, clearer view of the subject. This translates to faster, more confident, and more accurate focusing in dimly lit environments like wedding receptions, concert venues, or indoor events. We’ve explored how good the autofocus on the Canon EOS R5 is, and a faster lens certainly helps.
• Motor Technology: Both lens classes typically employ high-end focusing motors—whether they’re called USM (Ultrasonic Motor), SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor), or some variant of a linear motor. These systems are designed to be fast, silent, and precise. While both are excellent, the flagship 24-70mm f/2.8 models often feature the manufacturer’s latest and most powerful motor technology, giving them a slight edge in tracking speed.
• Suitability for Fast-Moving Subjects: For sports, wildlife, or energetic children, the 24-70mm f/2.8 is generally the more capable tool. Its superior low-light AF performance and ability to achieve faster shutter speeds work together to more reliably freeze motion and nail focus on unpredictable subjects. Understanding the zoom dilemma can help you decide if longer lenses are needed for these situations.

Optical Characteristics

No lens is perfect. Every design is a balance of compromises to control optical artifacts. Generally, the more expensive f/2.8 lenses use more complex designs and exotic glass elements to minimize these imperfections.

• Vignetting: Vignetting, or the darkening of corners in an image, is present on both lenses, especially when shot wide open. The 24-70mm will show noticeable vignetting at f/2.8, and the 24-105mm will show it at f/4. Interestingly, when you stop the 24-70mm down to f/4, its vignetting is often less pronounced than that of the 24-105mm at f/4. In any case, this is one of the easiest optical flaws to correct with a single click in modern editing software.
• Distortion: As a rule, the greater the zoom range, the more challenging it is to control geometric distortion. Both lenses will exhibit some barrel distortion (where straight lines bow outwards) at 24mm and pincushion distortion (where lines bow inwards) at their longer ends. The 24-105mm, with its more ambitious 4.4x zoom range, typically shows more pronounced distortion than the 2.9x zoom of the 24-70mm. Like vignetting, this is automatically and effectively corrected by in-camera JPEGs and raw editor lens profiles.
• Chromatic Aberration: This appears as unsightly purple or green fringing along high-contrast edges. The 24-70mm f/2.8 lenses, with their flagship status, are typically packed with special lens elements (Aspherical, ED, Fluorite, etc.) specifically designed to suppress these aberrations. While the 24-105mm f/4 lenses are also very well-corrected, they may show slightly more color fringing in challenging situations. This can also be corrected in post-processing, but a cleaner initial file is always preferable. If you’re interested in different focal lengths, exploring different lens types and their uses is a great start.

Practical Considerations: The Day-to-Day Experience

Technical charts and pixel-peeping are one thing, but how a lens feels in your hands and fits into your workflow is just as important. The differences between the 24-70mm f/2.8 and the 24-105mm f/4 become starkly apparent when you move from the spec sheet to the real world. Let’s break down the practical realities of owning and using each of these lenses.

Size, Weight, and Ergonomics

The most immediate and noticeable difference between these two lenses isn’t in the images they produce, but in their physical presence. This is a factor that will influence every single shoot.

A 24-70mm f/2.8 is built around large glass elements needed to gather that extra stop of light. As a result, it is almost universally heavier, longer, and wider in diameter than its f/4 counterpart. We’re often talking about a weight difference of 200-400 grams (roughly half a pound or more), which might not sound like much, but becomes significant over a long day.

This added bulk has a direct impact on handling. On a larger, professional camera body (like a Canon 1DX, Nikon D6, or a mirrorless camera with a battery grip), the f/2.8 lens feels balanced and substantial. However, mount it on a smaller, non-gripped mirrorless body, and it can feel front-heavy and unwieldy, putting more strain on your wrist.

The 24-105mm f/4, by contrast, is designed with portability in mind. It strikes a much better balance on a wider range of camera bodies, especially the compact mirrorless systems that are now so popular. When it comes to “all-day carry” comfort, the f/4 is the undisputed champion. If you are a travel photographer, a hiker, or someone who spends eight hours on their feet at an event, the weight savings of the 24-105mm f/4 can be the difference between an enjoyable day and a fatiguing one.

Build Quality and Durability

Both of these lenses typically fall into a manufacturer’s professional or prosumer lineup, meaning you can expect a high standard of construction. However, there are subtle differences in philosophy.

• Materials: The flagship 24-70mm f/2.8 lenses often feature more metal components in their barrels and internal construction, giving them a dense, premium, “built-like-a-tank” feel. The 24-105mm f/4 lenses frequently use high-quality, engineering-grade plastics for the outer shell to reduce weight, while still retaining a durable metal lens mount and internal frame. It’s important to note that modern plastics are incredibly tough and are not an indicator of poor quality.
• Weather Sealing: Professional use demands reliability in adverse conditions. Both lens categories typically offer extensive weather sealing, with rubber gaskets around the lens mount, switches, and rings to protect against dust and moisture. You can generally feel confident using either lens in a light rain shower, though the f/2.8 models might occasionally boast a slightly more robust implementation.
• Tactile Feel: The physical experience of using the lens can also differ. The zoom and focus rings on an f/2.8 lens are often wider and have a more dampened, fluid resistance, which can feel more precise and luxurious. The rings on an f/4 lens are perfectly functional and smooth but may feel a bit lighter and quicker to turn. This is largely a matter of personal preference.

The Price Factor

Beyond performance, the most significant deciding factor for many photographers is the cost. Here, the choice becomes very clear.

The 24-70mm f/2.8 is a flagship, top-tier professional lens, and it carries a price tag to match. New models are consistently among the most expensive standard zooms available, often costing nearly double that of their f/4 siblings. Even on the used market, a well-maintained f/2.8 holds its value and represents a substantial investment.

So, is that performance worth the significant price jump? The answer depends entirely on your needs. For a working professional who shoots weddings in dimly lit churches or corporate events in dark reception halls, the f/2.8 isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity that pays for itself by ensuring they can capture clean, sharp images in any lighting. The ability to get “the shot” when money is on the line makes the cost justifiable.

For most enthusiasts, travelers, and hobbyists, the 24-105mm f/4 offers far more “bang for your buck.” You get a lens with a more versatile zoom range, excellent image quality in good light, professional-grade build, and weather sealing, all for a much more accessible price. The money saved could be put towards another lens (like a fast prime for low light), a new camera body, or a photography trip. In terms of pure value, the 24-105mm f/4 is incredibly hard to beat.

Which Lens is Best for YOU? A Scenario-Based Breakdown

Technical charts and pixel-peeping can only tell you so much. The real test of a lens is how it performs in the situations you actually shoot in. Let’s break down which of these workhorses is better suited for different types of photographers and videographers.

For the Wedding & Event Photographer

In the fast-paced, unpredictable world of event photography, the 24-70mm f/2.8 is widely considered the industry standard, and for good reason. Weddings and corporate events often take place in dimly lit venues like churches, ballrooms, and reception halls where flash is either prohibited or disruptive. The f/2.8 aperture’s ability to gather a full stop more light than the f/4 is a game-changer.

This translates directly into two critical advantages:

• Cleaner Images: You can use a lower ISO, resulting in significantly less noise and better color fidelity in your final images.
• Freezing Motion: The extra light allows for faster shutter speeds, which are essential for capturing sharp photos of people walking down the aisle, dancing, or giving speeches without motion blur.

Furthermore, the shallower depth of field at f/2.8 is perfect for isolating subjects—like the happy couple during their first dance—from busy, distracting backgrounds. While the 24-105mm is a capable lens, the f/2.8 provides a crucial low-light advantage that professionals can’t afford to sacrifice.

Verdict: The 24-70mm f/2.8 is the clear winner for its low-light performance and subject separation capabilities, which are paramount in this field.

For the Portrait Photographer (Studio & Environmental)

This category presents a fascinating debate, with compelling arguments for both lenses. The best choice depends heavily on your style and shooting environment.

• The case for the 24-70mm f/2.8: For environmental portraits where the background is part of the story, the f/2.8 aperture is king. Shooting at 70mm and f/2.8 creates a beautiful, soft background blur (bokeh) that makes your subject pop in a three-dimensional way. This “look” is highly sought after and helps to create a clear focal point, directing the viewer’s eye exactly where you want it.
• The case for the 24-105mm f/4: In a studio with controlled lighting, the f/4 aperture is rarely a limitation. Here, the extra reach to 105mm becomes a significant advantage. A longer focal length provides more flattering compression for headshots and upper-body portraits, minimizing distortion of facial features. It also allows you to work from a more comfortable distance from your subject. The compression at 105mm can create a very pleasing and classic portrait aesthetic.

Verdict: A tie, based on preference. Choose the 24-70mm f/2.8 for maximum background blur and a modern environmental portrait style. Choose the 24-105mm f/4 if you value flattering compression and a longer working distance, especially in a studio setting.

For the Landscape & Travel Photographer

For those who spend their days hiking trails or exploring new cities, the 24-105mm f/4 often emerges as the more practical and versatile companion. Landscape photography is typically done at smaller apertures like f/8 or f/11 to maximize depth of field, making the f/2.8’s speed advantage irrelevant for most shots.

The benefits of the f/4 lens in this genre are clear:

• Lighter Weight: When you’re carrying your gear all day, every gram counts. The 24-105mm is noticeably lighter and more compact, reducing fatigue.
• Greater Reach: That extra 35mm of zoom range is incredibly useful. It allows you to isolate distant mountain peaks, compress layers in a scene for a more dramatic effect, or capture architectural details without having to change lenses.

However, there is one important exception: astrophotography. If your travels involve shooting the Milky Way or starry skies, the 24-70mm f/2.8 is vastly superior. That extra stop of light is critical for capturing clean, detailed stars without excessively high ISOs.

Verdict: The 24-105mm f/4 is the better choice for most travel and landscape work due to its versatility, reach, and lower weight. Only consider the f/2.8 if night sky photography is a primary focus.

For the Videographer

Both lenses are strong contenders for video, thanks to their constant maximum apertures. This crucial feature means you can zoom in or out during a shot without the exposure changing, a hallmark of professional video lenses. The decision again comes down to your specific needs.

The 24-70mm f/2.8 is the go-to for cinematic low-light scenes, interviews in dimly lit rooms, and documentary work where you can’t control the lighting. The ability to create a very shallow depth of field is also a powerful storytelling tool in video, guiding the viewer’s focus. High-end f/2.8 models also tend to have better control over focus breathing (the subtle shift in framing as focus is adjusted), which is critical for professional focus pulls.

The 24-105mm f/4 is a fantastic all-in-one “run-and-gun” lens for vlogging, travel documentaries, and corporate videos shot in well-lit environments. Its greater zoom range offers more framing flexibility without needing a lens swap, which is ideal for solo shooters or fast-moving productions.

Verdict: The 24-70mm f/2.8 for cinematic, low-light work where depth of field is a creative tool. The 24-105mm f/4 for maximum versatility, travel vlogging, and all-in-one documentary shooting in good light.

For the Hobbyist & Everyday Shooter

For the enthusiast photographer who captures a wide variety of subjects—from family gatherings and kids’ sports to vacation landscapes and street scenes—the 24-105mm f/4 presents an almost unbeatable combination of value and versatility.

It acts as a true “one-lens solution,” covering the vast majority of photographic situations you’re likely to encounter. Its lower cost makes it a much more accessible entry point into professional-grade optics, and its lighter weight means you’re more likely to have it with you to capture life’s moments. The image quality is still superb and a massive step up from any kit lens.

So, when should a hobbyist invest in the 24-70mm f/2.8? You should consider the upgrade if you find yourself consistently frustrated by two specific limitations:

1. You frequently shoot indoors without flash (e.g., school plays, museums, family events at home) and your photos are often blurry or noisy.
2. You are passionate about portraiture and find that you cannot achieve the level of background blur and subject separation you desire with your current gear.

Verdict: Start with the 24-105mm f/4. It’s the more practical, affordable, and versatile choice for everyday photography. Only upgrade to the 24-70mm f/2.8 if you have a specific and persistent need for its low-light or creative aperture capabilities.

Final Verdict: A Summary for Your Camera Bag

After weighing the technical specifications, practical handling, and ideal use cases, the choice between a 24-70mm f/2.8 and a 24-105mm f/4 becomes less about which lens is definitively superior and more about which lens aligns with your personal photography goals. To help you make the final decision, let’s summarize the ideal user for each lens.

Profile of a 24-70mm f/2.8 User

This lens is likely the right choice for you if your photography is defined by a need for maximum light-gathering ability and creative control over depth of field. You might be a 24-70mm f/2.8 user if:

• You identify as a working professional or a deeply committed enthusiast who demands uncompromising image quality.
• Your work frequently places you in challenging, dimly lit environments like wedding receptions, indoor events, or concert venues, where every photon counts.
• Creating a shallow depth of field for significant subject isolation and soft, pleasing bokeh is a cornerstone of your artistic style.
• You are willing to accept the trade-offs of a heavier build and a higher price tag in exchange for peak optical performance and that extra stop of light.

Profile of a 24-105mm f/4 User

This lens is your ideal companion if your priorities lean towards flexibility, convenience, and an all-in-one solution without sacrificing professional-level quality. The 24-105mm f/4 is probably for you if:

• You prioritize a versatile, single-lens setup and a lighter camera bag, valuing extended reach over a wider maximum aperture.
• You are primarily a travel, landscape, or general daylight photographer who typically shoots at smaller apertures like f/5.6 or f/8.
• Much of your work takes place in a studio environment where you have complete control over the lighting, making a fast aperture less critical.
• You are working within a more constrained budget but still require the robust build, weather sealing, and excellent image quality of a professional-grade zoom lens.

Ultimately, the debate has no universal winner. The 24-70mm f/2.8 is a master of light and depth, a specialist tool for those who need the best in demanding situations. The 24-105mm f/4 is a master of versatility, a reliable jack-of-all-trades that offers incredible flexibility for a wider range of scenarios. There is no single “best” lens—only the best lens for your specific needs, your style, and the stories you want to tell.