Top budget wide-angle lens options for Canon EOS RP?

Question

So I finally picked up a used Canon RP for my trip to Utah next month but now Im stuck on the lens. My logic was to grab the RF 16mm f2.8 because its so cheap and tiny which is great for hiking but I keep reading reviews saying the distortion is basically a circle if you dont use the software profiles and the corners look mushy.

Then I looked at the RF 24-105 STM kit lens since its budget friendly but I worry f4-7.1 is gonna be too slow for some of those deeper canyon shots. Im trying to stay under $350ish total for this. Should I just bite the bullet on the 16mm or is there an older EF lens I should adapt that wouldnt be a total brick to carry around...

WillieHox · Accepted Answer

I took the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM out to Arches last spring and unfortunately it was a total disappointment. The barrel distortion is objectively terrible, like nearly 12 percent natively, which basically ruins your framing once the digital correction kicks in. I ended up with mushy corners that just didnt hold up on the RP sensor. Since youre heading to Utah, youll really notice it on those rock formations. If youre on a budget but want real glass, here is what I did:Look for a used Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM. I found one for $240 recently. The constant f/4 is way more predictable than that variable aperture kit lens.Grab a cheap Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R. It adds some weight, but the weather sealing and build quality on the L glass is better for desert dust.Seriously, avoid the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM. I had issues in the deeper canyons where f/7.1 forced my ISO way too high for my liking. That 17-40mm might be old tech, but it still beats the cheap RF stuff for landscape work.

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Top budget wide-angle lens options for Canon EOS RP?