So I finally got an R6 and im planning this big trip to Japan next month and I need to settle on one lens for the whole thing. My logic was to grab the RF 24-105mm f/4L since the range is killer for travel but then I keep looking at the 24-70mm f/2.8 and worrying I'll miss that low light performance for shots of the kids at night in the city. My budget is like $1,800 max so the 24-70 would have to be used which is kinda scary. Is the extra reach on the 105 better than the f/2.8 bokeh for a general walk around setup? I'm just stuck between the two.
Ngl I spent way too much on the Canon RF 24-70mm f2.8L IS USM and it really wasnt as good as expected for a long trip. Carrying that brick was a huge mistake and I had issues with the weight constantly... unfortunately my neck was killing me by day three. If you're on a tight budget and worried about buying used, just grab the Canon RF 24-105mm f4L IS USM and save your cash for the actual vacation. Tossing a cheap Canon RF 50mm f1.8 STM in your bag is a much better move for those night shots of the kids. It weighs basically nothing and keeps you way under that $1,800 limit. Honestly, having that extra reach to 105mm is way more useful for random street shots than f/2.8 is anyway. The R6 stabilization is so good you wont even notice the slower glass.
Jumping in here... I went through this exact struggle before my last trip to Kyoto. I ended up grabbing a used Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM and honestly, be careful. I noticed some soft focus on the edges that the seller didnt mention, and since I had no warranty, I was just stuck with it. Japan involves so much walking—like 20k steps a day—and that 2.8 gets heavy real fast. I would suggest this setup instead:
- Get the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM brand new so you have a solid warranty for the trip.
- Spend the leftover cash on a Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM for those night shots of the kids.
- Use the 105mm reach for those distant temple details you cant get close to. The f/4 is plenty for daytime and the R6 sensor is a beast anyway, so you wont miss the f/2.8 as much as you think. Tbh having a small prime in your pocket for dinner is way better than lugging that huge 2.8 brick all night.
I would suggest the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM for travel. Be careful buying a used Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM.
- more range
- lighter weight The R6 sensor handles low light perfectly.
My buddy told me the exact same thing last week. Guess he was right lol.
This ^
