What is the absolute best budget-friendly zoom lens for a Canon RP right now? I am taking a trip to Zion in about two weeks and really need something more versatile than my 50mm prime for landscapes. I am trying to keep it under $350 which I know is a big ask for full frame gear. Ive been looking at the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 STM since its so cheap but everyone online says the slow aperture makes it totally useless in low light which has me worried for sunrise shots. I also saw the EF 70-300mm IS II USM is great with an adapter but is that just gonna be way too bulky for hiking all day? Just not sure if I should go native or adapt...
TL;DR: Grab the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM. The aperture isn't an issue for tripod-based landscape work. I have used both, and for Zion, weight is basically everything. The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM is surprisingly sharp for the price and fits your budget easily if you find it used or refurbished. Regarding the low light concern, if you are shooting sunrise, you really should be on a tripod anyway to keep ISO low. At f/8 or f/11, the slow max aperture doesnt actually matter at all for landscapes. The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM is great glass, but once you add the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R, it gets bulky fast. It's also often too tight for those wide canyon shots. Keeping it native and light is definitely the better play for all-day hiking.
