Ive been shooting with my R7 for a few months now, but the kit lens just isnt cutting it for wide-angle landscape work. I need something sharper that handles the crop factor well. My budget is around 1000 bucks and I really prefer something weather-sealed for hiking in the PNW. What are you guys using?
Honestly, the kit lens was a total letdown for me too. I tried to make it work for a few months, but the corners were always soft and it just felt cheap. Dealing with weather in the PNW is brutal, and unfortunately, that lens isnt up to the task. If you want something that actually holds up, look at these instead:
- Canon RF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM for a lightweight option but watch out for the lack of weather sealing.
- Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM which is super sharp for the price but again, no professional sealing. Honestly, I ended up getting a Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM with an adapter. Its heavy, but it is built like a tank and handles the rain perfectly. Dont waste cash on gear that is gonna fail you when the weather turns bad.
Regarding what #2 said about spending a fortune, I totally agree! You gotta grab the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM, it is amazing for landscapes and super cheap for your budget!
Re: Regarding what #2 said about spending a fortune, I totally hear you. I have been struggling with the exact same gear dilemma for my R7 since last month. Honestly, trying to find a balance between sharpness and actual weather protection has been a total nightmare. Be really careful though. I have seen so many people ruin their bodies by trusting lenses that claim to be rugged but really arent sealed properly for the PNW moisture. Make sure you check the mount connections closely before you head out in the rain. I learned the hard way that just because a lens fits the mount doesnt mean your gear is actually safe. I would suggest holding off until you are absolutely certain about the seal quality. Dont rush into it just to get a wider shot, because one drop of condensation inside the camera body is gonna cost you way more than the lens itself.
Saved for later, ty!
Adding my two cents, I spent a fortune on glass before realizing the crop factor on the R7 is a beast. Honestly, I find the Canon RF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM works well for my hiking trips. It's super light and sharp enough to make me happy. Quick tip, use a circular polarizer to cut that wet PNW glare, and always shoot in RAW to save your dynamic range.