So I finally did it and bought the big fancy Canon R5 everyone talks about! Im super excited because Ive been saving up for like two years and Im finally taking my dream trip to Zion and Bryce Canyon in about three weeks. I really want those huge epic mountain shots but honestly I am so lost looking at all these lenses. The numbers are just confusing and I dont really get what the mm thing means for mountains. Is a bigger number better for landscapes or a smaller one??
I saw one that says 15-35mm and another one that is 24-70mm and they both look the same to me lol. Sorry if this is a really basic question but I have no idea where to start and I really dont want to buy the wrong thing and ruin my photos since the camera was so expensive. I have about $3000 left in my budget for glass but Im worried about the weight too since Im gonna be hiking a lot. Does anyone have a favorite they use for big views? I just want my pictures to look like the ones in the magazines but right now I just have the body and no way to actually take a photo...
Im really happy with the Canon RF 14-35mm f/4L IS USM because its way cheaper than the 2.8 and perfectly wide... smaller mm numbers basically just mean you see more stuff.
Building on the earlier suggestion, I've been super satisfied with the f/4 versions of the RF glass. You really dont need the heavy, expensive f/2.8 lenses for landscapes because you usually stop down for depth anyway. Its a much safer bet for your budget and your back while hiking through the canyons.
- The Canon RF 14-35mm f/4 L IS USM is my go-to for those huge views. Its actually wider than the 15-35mm and costs way less money.
- Check out the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM too. It works well for almost everything and is super reliable for a general walk-around lens.
- Just remember that smaller numbers (like 14mm) show more of the scene, while bigger numbers zoom in on the details. Saving money on the f/4 versions means you can get a high-quality tripod, which is basically essential for those sharp magazine-style shots. I have no complaints with this setup and it honestly makes the hiking part way more enjoyable since its not so heavy.
Congrats on the R5! It is an absolute beast for landscapes! Regarding the numbers, just remember that smaller mm means a wider view. For those massive vistas in Zion, you definitely want the smaller numbers. Since you are hiking and have a $3000 budget, I recommend this combo for your trip:
- Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM
- This is your wide-angle workhorse for epic canyon views. The image quality is fantastic and it captures everything.
- Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM
- This is a lighter, more versatile option than the 24-70mm and gives you extra zoom for mountain details. The 15-35mm is what gives you that magazine look by capturing the whole scale of the landscape. Its a bit heavy, but the results are incredible! I use these two for almost every trip and they never let me down. Youre gonna have such an amazing time out there!
tbh it can be overwhelming at first but you picked a killer camera to start with. Just remember that smaller numbers like 14mm or 15mm are for those wide wow shots where you see everything at once. Since you are hiking Zion and Bryce, I would suggest being careful about the total weight in your bag... those canyons get steep fast and heavy glass gets old after a few miles.
- Canon RF 14-35mm f4 L IS USM: This is probably your best bet for reliability and weight. It is super sharp and covers those epic wide views without breaking your back or your budget.
- Canon RF 70-200mm f4 L IS USM: Dont ignore the big numbers tho. Sometimes you want to zoom into a specific peak or rock formation, and this one is incredibly compact for a telephoto.
- Canon RF 15-35mm f2.8 L IS USM: I might want to consider skipping this one for a first trip. It is heavy and you usually dont need that wide aperture for landscapes anyway. Make sure to grab a decent circular polarizer too... it makes the sky pop and helps with reflections on the rocks. You are gonna have a blast out there!
