Just upgraded my gear for a big upcoming trip to Japan next month and picked up the R5 Mark II. Now Im totally stuck on glass. I need one solid everyday walkaround lens for street stuff, shrines, and food shots mostly in low light. Right now Im torn between the RF 24-70mm f2.8 and that newer RF 24-105mm f2.8 with the big heavy zoom, though honestly Ive even been eyeing the lighter 24-105 f4 to save my back since I'll be walking ten miles a day. Budget is around 2k to 3k max. Which one would you actually pack if you only had one lens for two weeks of heavy travel?
Having spent considerable time traveling through Japan with similar camera setups, I would strongly recommend the Canon RF 24-70mm f2.8 L IS USM for your specific itinerary. Walking ten miles a day in cities like Tokyo or Kyoto is genuinely brutal on your shoulders, which immediately rules out the Canon RF 24-105mm f2.8 L IS USM Z for a one-lens travel kit. That lens is an incredible piece of engineering for video and studio work, but the sheer bulk and weight will cause serious fatigue during long days of shrine hopping and street photography. On the other end, the Canon RF 24-105mm f4 L IS USM is fantastic for weight savings and gives you that extra reach, but you will definitely miss the f2.8 aperture when stepping into dimly lit temples, narrow izakayas, or shooting late-night neon streets. Japan has countless incredible indoor and evening shooting opportunities where every stop of light matters significantly for keeping ISO levels manageable on the R5 Mark II. The 24-70mm f2.8 hits the optimal balance of weight, physical dimensions, and low-light capability. It fits comfortably within your 2k to 3k budget, leaving a little room leftover for a spare battery or ND filters. The optical performance is stellar across the entire focal range, and the constant aperture gives you consistent exposure control when lighting conditions shift rapidly. Stick with the faster standard zoom and your back will thank you by day four.