24-70/2.8 or 24-105/4 on 5D MK2

[Jim Pascoe]

Just to add one further point to the debate about these two lenses, which has not yet been mentioned, is the subject of lens hoods.

The 24-105 has a fairly shallow hood fixed to the front element.  This has been kept small so as to avoid vignetting at the wide end of the focal range.
The 24-70 by contrast has a much deeper hood attached to the lens barrel.  The front element moves in and out during zooming, so that at say 24mm
the lens hood is effectively shallow, but at the 70mm end the hood is nice and deep.

If you like shooting against the light a lot as I do, the 24-70 has much more protection against flare.  Having used the two lenses extensively I much prefer
the 24-70 for this reason, and because of it's extra stop of aperture.

[atassy]

Just to add one further point to the debate about these two lenses, which has not yet been mentioned, is the subject of lens hoods.

thanks! i was aware of this but it's a very good point.

[Adam Schallau]

Another consideration is the minimum focusing distance (MFD) of both lenses. The MFD of the 24-105 is 1.5' and the 24-70 is 1.25'. I own both lenses and noticed this difference on my first outing with the 24-105.