Err 01

[Rose]

Whilst in France the other week my Canon 24-105 lens malfunctioned and I got the dreaded Err01 Cleaning the lens contacts doesn't fix it and I can now only use it at f/4. Searching the web indicates it's a known issue with this lens and probably means the lens will have to go to Canon for repair. It's my oldest lens and the one that has had the most use as it's my default carry around lens. Part of me however, is now wondering if I should take the opportunity to replace it with the 24-70... but the f/4 with IS (and a pretty good macro function too) ...or the 2.8 ???

[davidc]

Consider the Tamron 24-70 f/2.8 which also has IS too. I have it and love it. Probably my most used lens since getting it a year or two ago.

Also - I reviewed it albeit this was a while ago and I've improved the standard of reviews since

http://davidcandlish.photography/reviews/tamron2470

Happy to answer any questions you might have. I'm also looking to get the Canon 24-70 II on review from canon for the national day events over here soon so hopefully will have info about that if interested. Although it's hugely expensive.

[Mike Farley]

Hi Rose

Sorry to hear of your problem with the lens, which does seem to be an endenic fault with this particular model. Your question about whether to repair or replace it is only one which you can answer, of course. It really depends on the type of photography you do, but if a lot of your shots were taken at the longer end of the 24-105 that would indicate a 24-70 might not be best for you. The other question you need to ask yourself is whether you intend to buy one of the 5Ds cameras as the 24-105 is not on Canon's list of recommended lenses.*

When I saw this post last night, I too thought of the Tamron. You might be interested in these links to the LensRentals website. In the first, Roger Cicala gives a short summary which tells you most of what you need to know:

https://www.lensrentals.com/rent/canon/ ... -for-canon

Ignore the comment about the lens hood, as that only relates to copies of the lens supplied by LensRentals.

The Tamron has not been without its own issues, but I would want to satisfy myself that this particular problem has been rectified in the manufacturing process before making an investment:

http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2012/09 ... 8-vc-issue

Finally, you might be interested in seeing the teardown. My impression is that Tamrons are not quite as well designed as those from Canon, especially the latter's more recent models:

http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2013/01 ... comparison

* Based on other comments you have made on the forum and your recent purchase, we both already know the answer to that.

[Mike Farley]

I should also have said that a f/2.8 maximum aperture incurs size and weight penalties compared to a slower lens. If you have your shots in Lightroom, it would be worthwhile using the Metadata filter function to see which focal lengths and apertures you most commonly use.

[Rose]

Thanks David and Mike - I have been looking at reviews of the Tamron too since another friend mentioned it to me yesterday. She has one too. I have read however, that the lens quality can be very variable. If you're lucky enough to get a good one first time then it's great. But there are a number of reports of people getting one or even two bad copies.

I am, as Mike suggests, going to have a look at the metadata in LR to see what focal lengths I use most. I have a hunch 24 gets quite a lot of use - and the 24-70s are all much better at that end than the 24-105. I am half crossing my fingers that 105 doesn't come out too strong though, as I do think the 24-70s are generally sharper. Must admit, I quite like the idea of the macro function on the Canon f/4 version - I sold my 100mm macro and it would be nice to have a macro facility integrated into another lens. That version is smaller and lighter too, which would definitely be a bonus for travelling and using as a carry round lens. Really not sure I would relish the added weight (Or cost, frankly!) of the Canon 2.8.

Well it seems I have some research and more thinking to do ! LOL

[davidc]

Even if you do get a defect copy - and the chances of that are overstated IMO, the third party lenses are hugely popular out here and rarely is a duffer ever heard of - Tamron has a great return/warranty policy. Maybe it's hassle but you WILL get a good one eventually.

The likelihood of it being defective is really low I think, and the places I've seen that report multiple defective copies tend to be from dyed in the wool Canon fans or those paid for their content - e.g. the digital picture, Ken Rockwell.

It's definitely worth trying out as the only 24-70 with better quality is the 2x as expensive Canon mk2

[Rose]

The more I look at the Tamron the better it looks - especially as HDew are selling it for £599 ! I'm tempted to get one at that price and leave the 24-105 for the moment. I can always hang on to it, and get it repaired later if I really miss it.

I've now looked at the metadata in LR - the figures are interesting and not as clear cut as I might have liked. Of all the shots I've taken with my 24-105 with both 5Dm2 and 5Dm3 - 59% were at 24-70 and 41% at 72-105. The numbers are also polarised at either end, with 22% being at 24mm and 27% at 105mm. I love my 70-200 f/4 though and often pair that with a shorter zoom (usually the 24-105 but most also recently the 16-35) The question is would I end up carrying two lenses more often ? However, I've just purchased a lens flipper to solve that problem

Reviews comparing the 24-105 and Tamron also indicate that the Tamron is simply much sharper overall than the 24-105 and has much less chromatic aberration, even when cropped to simulate 105mm. You can see which direction I'm heading now, I think ? Perhaps carrying a 24-70 2.8 and not relying upon a longer zoom would change my photography for the better ?

[davidc]

The next lens I want is a 70-200 and I'm covered from 14-600mm I think two good lenses is better than one mediocre solution.

[Rose]

Yes I agree with you David. I think the 24-105 has had its day. It's a good kit lens - and I've certainly had great value out of mine - but the newer lenses have better optics now.

I love my 70-400 f/4 by the way... it's a cracking lens, incredibly sharp, light and portable, discreet too, as it zooms within its length.

[Rose]

Another look at my lens metadata though shows that since I've had my 5Dm3 I've been using the shorter end of the 24-105 much more than the longer end. I'm sure I've been using my 70-200 more often, so perhaps moving to a 24-70 wouldn't be such a tough decision after all ?