I finally pulled the trigger on the R5 and man I am so pumped to get shooting!! But now I'm stuck in this massive rabbit hole trying to pick the one lens to rule them all. I am heading out to Olympic National Park in about three weeks for a big hiking trip and I really only want to bring one piece of glass so I dont kill my back. My budget is roughly $2500 but I could stretch it a bit if its really worth it.
So I was thinking about the 24-70mm f/2.8L because obviously its the gold standard and that extra stop of light seems huge for those dark forest shots under the canopy. But then my logic was like... do I need the extra reach of the 24-105mm f/4L? Its way lighter and cheaper which leaves room for filters and stuff but then I worry I'll regret not having the f/2.8 when the sun goes down. I also looked at that beastly 28-70mm f/2 but its like carrying a literal brick and honestly might be over my budget anyway plus I need to be able to hike with it.
Im torn between the 24-70 and the 24-105 mostly. Is the image quality jump on the R5 sensor really that noticeable between the two for landscape and some random portraits? Just dont want to spend three grand and then feel like I brought the wrong thing to the mountains...
^ This. Also, if you're watching the wallet, definitely check the Canon refurbished store for the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM. I've been super satisfied with my refurb copy; it's sharp and works perfectly for way less cash. You're gonna want that extra stop in the Hoh Rainforest... those canopies get dark fast. Saving money there lets you grab a Breakthrough Photography 82mm X4 CPL for those moody river shots.
Like someone mentioned, f/2.8 is the only way to go in those woods. Unfortunately, the new RF prices are just insane now. I had issues with the native lens cost being way higher than expected for the performance jump. Maybe look for a used Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM and grab the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R. Its basically the same quality for way less money. Let me know if you need more tips!
I had issues with the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM on my R5, it just isnt as sharp as expected for a pro lens. Unfortunately, that f/4 aperture is gonna leave you struggling in the dark rainforests.
- Get the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM instead.
- Its heavier, but the sharpness is actually worth the weight.
- The 24-105 edge softness is a huge letdown on a 45MP sensor.
Re: "Like someone mentioned, f/2.8 is the only way..."
- Honestly, in my experience after dragging gear through the Cascades for years, weight becomes your worst enemy. While everyone is obsessed with the fast glass, you might actually be happier with the Canon RF 24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z if you can find one, though it is a bit of a tank. Over the years, I've found that the R5 handles high ISO so well that the f/2.8 vs f/4 debate is sometimes overstated for landscapes. If you are hiking hard, consider these thoughts:
- Check out the LensRentals blog or their gear data pages; they track real-world MTF charts that show how these lenses actually perform on the 45MP sensor.
- Don't underestimate the need for a solid lightweight tripod. Even a sharp lens is useless if you're fighting vibration in those long exposures under the canopy.
- If you really want to save your back, look into a Peak Design capture clip. It makes carrying a heavier setup way more manageable on the trails. I'm not 100% sure if the weight penalty of the 24-70 is worth it for you, but definitely check the weather sealing ratings on the specific lens you pick. The humidity in Olympic is no joke.
