The 24-105 is nice because it has IS. It is an L lens so the quality is certainly there. It isn't really much heavier than the 24mm L lens but compared to the 24 f/2.8 IS it is 400g more. Anyone know what the trade off in flight time is for 400g? Anyone flying with either of these lens and have a reccomendation? I'm tempted to go with the zoom to get a larger variety of lenses to shoot with in one purchase but flying with the 24mm and switching out to a 50mm or 100mm when needed would be a lot nicer on my flight times. The 100 IS lens is the same weight as the zoom however and there is no 50mm IS option.
I use the 24/2.8 IS and I love it. I find that with the current 2-axis gimbal I can't get usable footage at any focal length over 50mm or so because of the magnification of all the minute vibrations. At 24mm (or wider) the problem is effectively masked. I also use my 17-40 for stills, though, which is closer to the weight of the 24-105, and it definitely shaves a minute or so off my flight times. Another issue with the 24-105 is that there's a potential for "zoom creep" while flying, so you will probably have to tape the zoom ring or something.
Thanks for the info- useful stuff. A minute less time is quite a bit and you make a good point at vibrations being increased with longer focal lengths. Perhaps I should stick to the 24mm, a 35mm IS lens for a bit tighter shots and the nifty 50 1.8 if I want to go any closer. It'll keep my flights longer, my motors and ESC's will probably thank me as well.
I use my 24-105 all the time. Mine is so loose that when shooting straight down gravity takes it to 105. Rather than goo up my lens with tape I use a couple of broccoli or asparagus rubber bands. The zoom can still be adjusted pre-flight and stays put.
For video; probably half zoomed. For stills I have shot fully zoomed. The difficult part is for the camera operator to find the target. It is like looking through a paper towel roll. I want to try it with a 200mm zoom but balancing the load will be problematic. May have to install a longer top tube for that.
John...I fly the same lens and use gaffers tape to prevent lens roll-out. Zero sticky residue on the lens, comes off quick and clean. Available at your local Home Depot. http://www.homedepot.com/p/3M-2-in-x-60-yds-Gaffer-s-Tape-6910/100193027#.UaNXv5xq--0
I tried it but (a) it was heavy, and (b) no image stabilization, so it's a very unforgiving lens. I'd only rented it to try it but I then purchased the 24mm f2.8 IS lens because it's lighter and stabilized. Andy.
Thanks for the thoughts everyone. I ended up purchasing the 24mm f2.8 iS and the 35mm with IS. If I feel they are different enough I'll keep them both, or if not, I'll sell the one I like the least.