im honestly so sick of my 50mm prime. keep missing shots at these weddings because im constantly swapping lenses and its driving me crazy. got a huge gig in nyc next weekend and i just need one lens that does it all for under $2k. what is the best all-around lens for a canon eos r6 mark ii?
@Reply #1 - good point! Satisfied with that too.
- Nano USM is instant.
- 5-stop IS helps handheld.
- Constant f/4 keeps lighting consistent. Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM basically rules...
> just need one lens that does it all for under $2k Late to this but over the years ive learned to prioritize value. In my experience, check the Canon USA Refurbished site first. You can grab the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM there for way less than retail. If you need f/2.8 speed tho, hunt for a used Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM on MPB. It basically fits your budget and covers everything you need.
Building on the earlier suggestion of the 24-105, I have to politely disagree about using an f/4 for weddings. Over the years, I've shot dozens of indoor ceremonies, and one time I tried relying on an f/4 zoom in a dim NYC loft. It was a nightmare. The R6 II has great low light performance, but you still need that extra light gathering for fast-moving moments in dark rooms. In my experience, instead of rushing to drop two grand on a permanent buy right before a huge gig, do the smart DIY move and rent first. Go to a site like Lensrentals and grab the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM or even the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM for the weekend. It will run you around $150. You get to test the weight, see if the focal range actually solves your swapping issue, and you wont be stressed about making a major purchase decision under pressure. If you love it, buy a used copy after you get paid.
Exactly what I was thinking
I've been using the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM for my shoots lately and honestly im very satisfied with how it works. It's a safe choice because that zoom range covers everything from wide group shots to portraits without needing a lens swap. I havent had any complaints about the image quality or the build. It's usually listed around $1,299 which is well under your budget limit. If you feel like you really need the extra stop of light for dark venues then the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM is the standard choice tho it usually runs over $2,000 brand new. I stuck with the 24-105 because the reliability and extra reach matter more to me when things get busy. Its been super solid so far...
Just caught up on this and wow, the leap in tech is massive! When I switched over from my old Nikon gear, I was obsessed with comparing MTF charts and the Nano USM motor speeds... the focus acquisition is just fantastic on the R6 II compared to my old DSLR setup! Love the way the RF mount handles data throughput, its amazing how much more responsive the glass feels. I'm curious about your specific needs tho:
- Is the NYC venue gonna be one of those super dark ballrooms or more of an outdoor rooftop situation?
- How often do you actually need that extra reach past 70mm for tight shots? I used to be a total prime snob but these modern zooms are so sharp now it's basically negating the need for constant lens swaps. Ngl the way the R6 II communicates with the native motors is a total game changer!
TIL! Thanks for sharing
