My Favorite Lens for Photography, and Why: Canon 24-105mm f/4L II

Ben Gifford
Jun 6
3 min read

The guitar box of Luke Combs — Guitar Box for Luke Combs, shot in low light with the Canon 24-105mm (c)Ben Gifford Media

As a photographer working with small businesses, individuals, and events throughout Upstate New York, I rely on equipment that’s flexible, fast, and durable. The Canon EF 24–105mm f/4L IS USM II is that go-to piece of gear that I pair with my Canon R6 bodies with an adaptor. Whether I’m capturing a branding shoot for a local shop, a muddy farm event, or a packed-out concert at a barn venue, this lens delivers consistent results without slowing me down.

What Makes The Canon 24-105mm f/4L II My Favorite?

1. Unmatched Versatility

With a zoom range from 24mm to 105mm, this lens lets me cover:

Wide storefronts or markets
Mid-range portraits
Tight detail shots of products or performers

I can go from a group photo to a candid close-up without changing lenses. When you're on the move, that matters.

2. Built for Real-Life Conditions

This lens is weather-sealed, stabilized, and rugged—perfect for unpredictable Upstate weather and outdoor shoots. Whether I’m in the Catskills, the Finger Lakes, or a tiny rural festival, I know I can trust this lens to perform.

3. Sharp, Clean, True-to-Life Results

Even at f/4, this lens produces sharp images with accurate colors and soft, natural background blur. Skin tones look great. Landscapes are crisp. It works in nearly every shooting scenario.

Why It Works for Concert Photography, Too

You might think an f/4 lens would struggle in dark venues—but with Canon’s Image Stabilization and strong high ISO performance from my Canon R6 bodies, the 24–105mm holds its own in concert settings. I was nervous thinking f/4 wasn't going to be enough in most venues, however I realized I would use the extra focal length a lot more compared to the f2.8 24-70mm. Of course, a big shoutout to the lighting technicians - because they make our jobs a lot easier these days!

Any who, here’s why I trust it at local NY concert venues:

Performs Well in Low Light

Paired with a full-frame body, I’ve captured sharp, dramatic images at indoor venues and outdoor festivals—even when stage lighting is minimal. IS helps stabilize handheld shots, so I can still work at lower shutter speeds without blurring.

Covers the Stage & the Crowd

At 24mm, I get immersive wide shots that showcase the entire stage or crowd energy. At 105mm, I can zoom in for more detail shots of a singer’s expression or a dramatic lighting moment—without moving from my spot. In tight, energetic spaces, that flexibility is everything.

Tells the Full Story of the Show

The lens is perfect for a documentary-style approach. I can capture:

Crowd reactions
Musicians mid-performance
Behind-the-scenes setup moments
Branding or merch at the venue

It’s not just about the band—it’s about the vibe, the visuals, and the full experience.

Perfect for personal & brand photography, too

While I love it for concerts, this lens shines in small business branding work—a major focus for me here in Upstate NY. It handles:

Portraits of business owners
Products in natural settings
Storefronts, workshops, and farm stands
Social-ready content for websites or social media

The Canon 24–105mm f/4L lets me deliver high-quality, consistent visuals across every niche.

If I had to keep just one lens in my kit, it would be this one. The Canon 24–105mm f/4L II is a trusted tool that helps me capture everything from quiet farms to loud concerts, always delivering crisp, vibrant images.

Whether I’m telling the story of a local brand or documenting a night of live music, this lens gets the job done—and that’s why it’s my favorite.