Canon EOS 5D Mark IV: Body vs 24-105mm Kit Buying Guide

Quick answer

Buy the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV body if you already own EF lenses or plan to put the savings toward a specific prime. Buy the 24-105mm f/4L II kit if you want one zoom that covers wide to short telephoto without adding a second purchase.

The real cost difference is the lens, not the camera

Both options use the same 30.4MP full-frame sensor, 61-point AF system, and 7 fps burst, so your decision comes down to the lens. The kit adds the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM, a standard zoom that covers everything from landscapes to tight portraits. The body-only option leaves that money in your pocket for a lens you choose yourself.

At catalog prices, the kit costs USD 2,282.90 versus USD 1,496.25 for the body, a difference of USD 786.65. That is the effective price you pay for the 24-105mm lens in this bundle. If you were already planning to spend around that amount on a general-purpose zoom, the kit is straightforward. If your lens budget is smaller or already spoken for, the body-only route avoids paying for a lens you may not need.

When the 24-105mm f/4L II earns its place

The 24-105mm range is a practical one-lens solution for events, travel, and outdoor portraits. On a full-frame body it goes from a wide 24mm view to a flattering 105mm short telephoto, which means you can shoot group shots and head-and-shoulders portraits without changing lenses. The constant f/4 aperture keeps exposure consistent as you zoom, and image stabilization helps in lower light.

The trade-off is aperture. At f/4, you get less background blur than an f/2.8 zoom or an f/1.8 prime. For portraits where separation is the priority, a dedicated fast prime will do more for the look than the kit zoom. The 24-105mm is a capable all-rounder, not a specialist portrait lens.

When the body-only route makes more sense

If you already own Canon EF glass, the body-only price lets you put the savings toward a lens that matches how you actually shoot. A portrait photographer might prefer an 85mm f/1.8 or 70-200mm, while a landscape shooter might want a wider zoom or a tilt-shift. The 5D Mark IV accepts the full range of EF lenses, so the body is the stable part of the system.

There is also a practical handling argument. The 24-105mm f/4L II is a substantial lens; paired with the 5D Mark IV it makes a heavier, front-heavy combination. If you value a compact walk-around setup or mostly shoot on a tripod, a smaller prime or a different zoom may suit you better. The body-only option keeps that choice open.

Portrait use: what the camera gives you either way

The 5D Mark IV is well suited to portraits regardless of which option you choose. Its 61-point AF system and Dual Pixel CMOS AF in live view help with eye-level framing, and the 30.4MP sensor leaves room to crop. The difference is the lens: the 24-105mm at 105mm and f/4 gives a classic short-telephoto perspective, while a fast prime gives more blur and better low-light headroom.

If portraits are your main work and you already have a favorite portrait lens, the body-only kit is the cleaner buy. If you are building a first full-frame setup and want to try portraits alongside other subjects, the 24-105mm kit covers the focal length you need to start.

Decision rules for body vs kit

• You already own two or more EF lenses: Choose the body-only option. You avoid duplicating a focal length you already cover and can spend the difference on a lens that fills a real gap. List your current lenses first; if 24-105mm is already covered, the kit adds little.
• You are starting with no EF lenses: Choose the 24-105mm kit. It gives you a usable wide-to-portrait range immediately, and the f/4 aperture and stabilization handle most daylight and indoor event work. Budget for a fast prime later if you want more background blur for portraits.
• Portraits are your primary paid work: Choose the body-only option and put the savings toward a fast prime or f/2.8 zoom. The 24-105mm is versatile but f/4 limits subject separation compared with faster glass. Decide on your portrait lens before you decide on the kit.
• You want one camera and one lens for travel: Choose the kit if you value not changing lenses. Accept the extra weight and front-heavy balance as the cost of covering 24-105mm in a single zoom. Handle the combo in person if possible; the lens is not lightweight.

Product facts

• Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR Camera with 24-105mm f/4L II Lens: Includes the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM lens with the 30.4MP full-frame body. One purchase covers wide-to-telephoto shooting, so you can start working without a separate standard zoom.

  

• Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR Camera - Body: Body-only option with the same 30.4MP sensor, 61-point AF, and 7 fps burst. You get identical camera performance and can direct the saved budget toward a lens that fits your specialty.

  

Who should choose which

Best for

• First-time full-frame buyers who want one versatile lens
• Event and travel shooters who need wide-to-telephoto coverage without switching lenses
• Photographers who already own EF lenses and want the same body for less

Not for

• Portrait specialists who need maximum background blur and low-light speed
• Buyers who already own a 24-105mm or similar standard zoom
• Shooters who prioritize a compact, lightweight setup