so i just pulled the trigger on a canon r6 and i am panicking a little bit because i have a big family wedding coming up in like ten days and then a trip to zion right after and i still havent picked a main lens. i keep seeing everyone say the rf 24-105mm f/4l is the gold standard for an all-arounder but then i read some forums where people say the 24-70mm f/2.8 is the only way to go if you want that professional look for portraits.
my logic was that the 24-105 gives me more reach for the hiking part of my trip but then i worry the f/4 is gonna suck when the sun goes down at the wedding reception. i found a used 24-70 for about 1800 which is stretching my budget of 1500 big time but maybe its worth it? or is the 24-105 actually sharp enough? i also saw that cheap 24-105 stm version but i feel like putting a 400 dollar lens on a 2k camera is a waste of the sensor. i just need one lens that can do it all so i dont have to swap stuff out while im traveling. what are you guys actually using day to day on the r6 because im totally overthinking this and running out of time to order...
I have been very satisfied using the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM on my R6.
- Focal range: 24-105mm is way more versatile for Zion landscapes.
- Low light: The 5-stop IS combined with R6 IBIS makes up for the f/4 aperture.
- Value: Much cheaper than the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM. Dont stress the f/2.8 too much tho. The R6 sensor stays clean even at ISO 6400.
I saw your post and honestly, just take a breath because overspending right before a big trip is a total recipe for stress. I once did exactly what you are thinking... bought a massive heavy lens on credit for a family event and ended up hating how heavy it felt on the trail in Utah later that week. You really gotta be careful with that Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM. If it is stretching your budget that much, it might not be worth the constant worry about dropping or scratching it in the dirt at Zion. The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM is a total workhorse, but I have to warn you, f/4 at a wedding reception can be real risky. If the venue is one of those moody dark barns or a dimly lit hall, you might find yourself bumping the ISO way higher than you are comfortable with. Here is how I would handle it to save money and stay safe:
- Buy the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM used for around 900. It is incredibly sharp and that extra reach at 105mm is a lifesaver for landscape shots.
- Grab a Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM for about 170 bucks. It is tiny, cheap, and acts as your insurance policy for when the sun goes down at the wedding.
- Make sure to check the autofocus speed in a dark room as soon as the gear arrives. The R6 handles high ISO well, but having that cheap f/1.8 prime in your pocket is much safer than blowing 1800 bucks on a single heavy zoom that might leave you short on cash for your trip.
Wow ok that changes things. Gonna have to rethink my approach now.
Regarding what #3 said about how the conversation shifted, honestly you should just stop stressing over the gear and focus on the light. I have used the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM for years and unfortunately realized the hard way that, while it is sharp, the focus breathing and corner softness at wide angles are not as good as expected for the price. If you want a real pro look without the weight, rent the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM for the wedding and carry a lightweight prime for the hikers. Check out The-Digital-Picture for the lens comparison tools before you drain your bank account. Don't waste your budget on a lens that will literally kill your back in Zion when the R6 high ISO performance handles the shadows just fine. Keep it simple or you will regret the weight more than the aperture.