The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Canon 24-105mm f4L IS USM and the Canon 24-105mm F3.5-5.6 IS STM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Canon 24-105mm f4L IS USM is the longer of the two lenses at 107mm. The Canon 24-105mm F3.5-5.6 IS STM with a length of 104mm, is 3mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Canon 24-105mm f4L IS USM also has a larger diameter of 84mm compared to the Canon 24-105mm F3.5-5.6 IS STM's 83mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Canon 24-105mm F3.5-5.6 IS STM weighs 525g, 21% (145g) lighter than the Canon 24-105mm f4L IS USM's weight of 670g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Standard Zoom Lenses in Canon EF Mount for size comparison purposes.
Standard Lenses in Canon EF Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
Both the Canon 24-105mm f4L IS USM and the Canon 24-105mm F3.5-5.6 IS STM have the same Filter thread size of 77mm.
Below are links to the 77mm filters that we recommend you to consider for these lenses:
Lens Mounts
Both the Canon 24-105mm f4L IS USM and the Canon 24-105mm F3.5-5.6 IS STM has the same Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Canon EF lenses are Canon 1D X III, Canon 6D MII and Canon 5D MIV.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
24-105mm but while Canon 24-105mm f4L IS USM has the fastest aperture of
F4.0, the Canon 24-105mm F3.5-5.6 IS STM's widest aperture value is
F3.5 - F5.6.