So I finally pulled the trigger and bought the Canon R8 because everyone said it was great for travel since it is so small and light but now I am totally panicking because I have no idea what lens I actually need to bring with me. I am going on a huge trip to Japan in like three weeks and I am terrified I am going to bring the wrong thing and miss all the good photos of the temples and the food. I have the lens that came in the box but people say it is not very good for low light or zooming in much? I dont even really know what those numbers like 24-50mm mean to be honest and every time I look at reviews I get more confused by all the jargon like f-stops and distortion.
I really just want one single lens that can do everything because I dont want to be that person fumbling around with caps and switching glass in the middle of a crowded street. Here is what I am dealing with:
- My budget is pretty tight like maybe $600 max because the camera was so expensive
- It needs to be light because I will be walking like 20k steps a day
- I want to take pictures of everything from big buildings to my ramen bowls
- I am super worried about it being too bulky to carry around all day
Is there something that fits this or am I asking for something that doesnt exist? Should I just stick with the kit lens and hope for the best or is there a better all in one thing I should get before I leave?
Jumping in here to help clear up some of that jargon. Basically, the first number like 24mm is how wide the shot is, which is perfect for big temples or wide landscapes. The second number like 105mm is your zoom for details. Your current lens stopping at 50mm is kinda short for picking out cool statues or architecture details that are far away. I am really happy with the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM for general travel. It is light enough to not kill your neck during those 20k step days. Here are a couple technical tips to make it work well:
- Dont be afraid to bump your ISO up to 6400 or higher inside dark temples. The R8 sensor is a beast and can handle the noise.
- For food shots, zoom in a little bit rather than getting the camera right in the bowl. It makes the perspective look more natural.
- Keep your shutter speed above 1/125 when walking around to avoid blurry shots from movement. If you find that one too bulky, look at the Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM. It is a pancake lens, which basically means it is tiny and flat. You lose the zoom, but it lets in way more light for night shots in Shinjuku and makes the camera feel like a small point-and-shoot. I am very satisfied with how it performs for street shots. Honestly, for Japan, being discrete is a huge plus when you are in crowded areas and want to blend in.
Just saw this and totally get the panic. For a one lens setup that actually zooms, check the used market for a Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM. It fits your $600 budget if you buy second hand and covers everything from wide shrines to far off details. Carrying the extra weight is the only downside, but never having to swap glass is a huge relief in a crowd.
The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM is what I use and honestly I am very happy with the results. It fits your budget easily and works well for almost every situation. I dont have any complaints about the weight, which is key for those long walks. Tbh it gives you way more zoom range than your kit lens without being bulky.
Japan is gonna be amazing!! If you want to keep things safe and not stress about your gear being too heavy or confusing, you should totally grab the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM. It is super reliable and way more versatile than your current kit lens because you wont have to stand right on top of your food to get a good shot. Heres my best advice for keeping your setup safe:
- Get a glass screen protector for the R8 screen so it doesnt get scratched in your day bag.
- Pick up a basic lens hood to protect the front glass from rain or accidental bumps in the crowded Tokyo subways. Youll love how light it feels while you are walking around all day! It is such a fantastic choice and fits your budget perfectly so you have extra money for snacks.
