I finally pulled the trigger on the R5 after years with my old 5D, but man, I totally underestimated how much the RF glass was gonna set me back. I basically spent my whole savings on the body alone.
I've got this trip to Sedona coming up in about three weeks and I really need a decent zoom that wont break the bank. I was looking at the RF 24-105mm STM but I'm worried the f/7.1 is gonna be a total nightmare in lower light even with the IBIS doing its thing. Should I just get an adapter and stick with my old EF glass or is there a hidden gem I'm missing for under $800? What are you guys using when you're on a tight budget?
Like someone mentioned, stick to your budget. Be careful with f/7.1 in Sedona shadows tho.
- Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM Make sure to check ebay prices first.
You might want to consider hunting down a used Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM. I know its not the flashy f/2.8 everyone drools over, but its way more compact and the image quality is actually stellar even on a high-res sensor like the R5. Plus it has that built-in macro mode which is super useful for capturing desert flora and rock textures up close. Be careful when buying used EF glass tho, make sure you look for any signs of fungus or heavy wear on the rear mount since these have been around the block. I would suggest sticking to a constant f/4 if you can manage it. That f/7.1 on the STM lens is gonna force your ISO way up even in daylight if you want to keep your shutter speed fast for any movement. The R5 handles noise well, but you dont want to muddy up those 45 megapixels. If you can find a Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art for the EF mount, thats another solid option. Just be aware its a total beast to carry. Make sure to check the weight before you buy because hiking around Sedona with a heavy kit isnt for everyone... honestly the EF L glass holds its value so well you can basically use it as a placeholder until you can afford the native RF stuff later. Let me know if you find a listing and want a second set of eyes on it.
Honestly, the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R is the most logical path for your situation. Using this adapter with legacy lenses for over a year has shown that autofocus performance is actually superior compared to old DSLR bodies. It works perfectly and preserves your budget for future high-end glass. If native RF glass is a must under that $800 limit, the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM is a surprisingly capable performer. While f/7.1 might seem restrictive, the R5 sensor handles high ISO so cleanly that noise rarely becomes a factor for outdoor travel photography. One quick tip: prioritize a lightweight tripod for those Sedona golden hour shots. That combination works well and eliminates any concerns about the slower aperture. No complaints at all after taking this setup on multiple desert treks.
