New 70D with EF 24-105 L IS USM or EF-S 18-135 IS STM?

quiquae wrote:

As an owner of 24-105 and 18-135, I concur with the specialist's recommendation not to buy the 24-105.

The biggest problem with using 24-105 with 70D is simply that it is not wide enough for a general purpose zoom. You will feel awfully constrained by not having 18-24mm. The image quality on APS-C is OK, but not so special that I'd want to spend money over 18-135, which is already OK and definitely much more convenient. 24-105 is ultimately a good standard zoom, but only for full frame. You should get one as a kit with a full frame camera; I see little point in getting it standalone.

The 24-105 is fine for general purpose on a crop sensor. I shot a whole ceremony with a 24-105 on a 70D and used the 24mm once. If you need the wider range get a 10-22. The F4 throughout the range is super nice.

There are a bunch of alternatives you should weigh instead:

1) EF-S 18-135 STM zoom kit. Great convenience lens, decent image quality. very cheap.

2) EF-S 18-55 STM and 55-250 STM double zoom kit. Very good image quality (especially the 55-250 STM). very cheap.

3) EF-S 15-85 USM. Comparable in price to 24-105 and much better suited for APS-C cameras.

4) EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 USM. Best APS-C standard zoom from Canon, and priced like it.

5) Sigma 18-35 f/1.8. Great image quality; learn to live with the range.

6) EF 17-40mm f/4 L. Possibly worth considering if you plan to move up to full frame in the next few years. Otherwise, don't bother.

Personally I'd recommend 1) or 2), and spending the difference on another lens. YMMV.