Canon EF 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Lens

This model was designed by Canon to be somewhat wider than the EF 28-105mm 3.5-4.5 USM, but not quite as long in the telephoto range. It is light and compact, but it does not sacrifice anything when it comes to performance. This model has excellent optics, capable of capturing very crisp images with excellent color and very impressive contrast.

The large 67mm front element has a nice big “sweet spot” when used on a “small frame” Digital SLR camera body. I had used this model on my old EOS 10S 35mm film body several years ago, but I was disappointed by the edge performance and visible barrel distortion at the wide end. Even though the center of the image was outstanding, I just wrote it off as “unacceptable” because of the annoying vignetting and distortion problems.

On a whim, I tried a new copy the EF 24-85mm on my EOS 10D and WOW, what a shock! This lens actually outperformed my old faithful EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 USM. The colors were more deeply saturated and the contrast was definitely boosted up a notch. I always considered my 28-105mm to be very sharp, but this new lens was a step closer to my “L” lenses.

I suspect that the larger front element, combined with the more limited zoom range, must be responsible for these improvements. I wondered if this lens had been recently redesigned? I mounted it on my 10S, and the dark corners and distortions were still there. It turns out that it wasn’t an improvement in the lens. Instead, the lens had simply found the right camera to bring out its best performance. This lens on a "small frame" EOS Digital SLR is a PERFECT combination.

We are living in the digital world now. Small frame digital SLRs only “see” through the center portion of a standard EF lens, due to the small sensor size. By using only the “sweet spot” of the optics, the problems that were unacceptable on the film camera were completely eliminated! After tons of test shots, I can tell you that this is the best performing reasonably priced “normal range” zoom lens that you can get for your EOS digital camera!

This inexpensive little marvel features a stainless steel lens mount, FTM (Full Time Manual) focusing override and the top-of-the-Line “Ring” type USM Ultrasonic Auto-Focus design, just like the “L” lenses. Focusing is performed internally, so the front lens does not move as the focus is adjusted. The zoom ring zips from 24mm all the way out to 85mm in about an eighth of a turn! The barrel extends for zooming, but the front lens element does not rotate, making it easy to use polarizing and special effects filters. The position of the zoom ring, relative to the focus ring, makes this lens a pleasure to use. Flare is non-existent and distortions are gone. Image quality easily outperforms all of the popular “standard” kit zooms! Unlike the EF 28-105mm USM, this one is just wide enough to get everything (or everyone) included in the shot.

This is definitely one of the best lenses ever produced for the Canon EOS Digital SLR lineup. I might eventually upgrade to the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L (if I win the lottery), but in the meantime, I am completely thrilled with the results I am getting with this outstanding little lens!

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