5D MkII and kit lens

[bluekorn]

If buying the Canon 5D MkII, is the 24-105 L kit lens worthy of the sensor's resolving power. The focal length range is perfect but there's enough skepticism about this lense to give pause. Would the sensor be wasted without using primes in this range for prints up to 16x24 at 300 dpi. Thank you for your opinions.

[cjmonty]

I just did a test comparing the Zeiss ZE 50/1.4, the Canon 50/1.4 and the 24-105 @50mm all shot on a 5D Mark II.  The Zoom then is a little bit softer, but not by too much.  Either the primes slightly barrel or there is an odd pin-cushion distortion with the 24-105 at 50mm.  Maybe someone else has a clue about that.

Regarding resolving power, at normal zoom its really not too far behind the primes.  Not ideal but definitely sharp.  For 16x20 i think you'd be hard-pressed to see a difference

[marcmccalmont]

The 24-105 is is one of my best lenses. Even better after DxO optics
Marc

[sojournerphoto]

If buying the Canon 5D MkII, is the 24-105 L kit lens worthy of the sensor's resolving power. The focal length range is perfect but there's enough skepticism about this lense to give pause. Would the sensor be wasted without using primes in this range for prints up to 16x24 at 300 dpi. Thank you for your opinions.

No the sensor isn't wasted on this lens. It's very good and you will have no problems at 24 by 16 inch prints. I also second Marc's comments about the impact of DX0 on this lenses performance - corrects the distortions inherent in the design really well.