What is the best lens to get for a Canon R6 if I only want to carry one single thing for my whole trip? I am leaving for Italy in literally six days and I am freaking out because I just realized the lens that came with my camera doesnt zoom at all so I cant get close to anything. I think it is called a 35mm? I dont know. I just spent a ton of money on the R6 because the guy at the store said it was great for beginners who want pro photos but now I feel like an idiot because I dont know how to use it. I need something that can take a picture of a big building like the Pantheon but then also zoom in on a statue or something across the street.
My budget is probably around $1000 give or take but I honestly just want one lens that does everything so I dont have to keep taking things on and off while we are walking around Rome because I am super clumsy and I know I will drop something or get dirt inside the camera body. Is there like a do-it-all lens that is good for a newbie like me who doesnt understand all the numbers like f/4 or whatever... please help I need to order this by tomorrow so it gets here before my flight...
TL;DR: The Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM is exactly what you need. I've tried many setups and swapping lenses in a dusty city like Rome is a bad idea. This zoom range covers everything from the Pantheon to distant statues without ever exposing your sensor. It fits your budget too. Quick question though: will you be doing much shooting at night or is this strictly for daytime sightseeing?
To add to the point above, I agree that the 24-240mm range is perfect for what you want, but I have to share a few warnings. Unfortunately, I had issues with the weight of that lens when I was in Florence last summer. It is pretty bulky for all-day sightseeing and can get heavy on the neck. Also, it is not as good as expected for taking photos inside dark places like the Pantheon because of those f/numbers you mentioned... it basically means the lens struggles to see in the dark when you zoom in. If you are worried about the $1000 price tag, you could grab the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM. It is much cheaper and lighter, tho the zoom is way more limited than the other one mentioned. Since you said you are clumsy, please buy a Canon EW-78F Lens Hood too. It acts like a bumper for the front of your lens. Just keep the camera strap around your neck at all times and you wont drop anything while swapping memory cards. You got this... Italy is going to be incredible regardless of which one you pick.
Building on the earlier suggestion, I really think the Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM is your only real choice if you refuse to swap lenses, but I have to ask... how do you plan on carrying the camera while you are walking? Since you mentioned being clumsy and Rome is full of pickpockets and crowds, I am a bit worried about you just dangling a heavy setup from your neck. You might want to consider getting a sturdier strap like the Peak Design Slide Lite Camera Strap so it stays secure against your body. Also, definitely make sure to grab a Hoya 72mm NXT Plus UV Filter to keep on the front of that new lens. If you trip or bump into a wall, the filter takes the hit instead of the glass you just spent $900 on. Just be careful with the weight because that lens is way bigger than the 35mm you have now. It might feel a bit front-heavy on the R6 at first so just take it slow.
You should definitely pick up the Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM. Its easily the most versatile option for a trip like this and I've been very happy with how it performs on my R6 for travel. The technical range is perfect because 24mm is wide enough to capture a whole building like the Pantheon, while 240mm lets you zoom in tight on statues across a square. It works well for beginners because it has solid image stabilization, so your photos stay sharp even if you're handheld. Plus it fits right in your $1000 budget. Honestly, just leave this lens on the camera the entire time. You wont have to worry about getting dust on the sensor or dropping anything while swapping lenses in a crowd. It covers everything from wide landscapes to long-distance shots without any hassle.
+1
