What is the best all-around lens for a Canon R6?

Question

Japan trip is in three weeks and I need one lens for everything because I dont want to carry a bag full of gear around Tokyo.

I keep seeing the 24-105 f/4 is the standard but I worry about low light and the f/2.8 is way over my $1200 budget. What is the best all-around lens for this camera?

Shawnseefs · Accepted Answer

Coming back to this... I totally get the one-lens struggle. My first time in Kyoto I lugged around a huge gear bag and regretted every second of it! When I finally upgraded to the R6, it completely changed how I think about fast lenses because the sensor and IBIS are just incredible. I have done extensive testing with the coordinated stabilization system, and honestly, you can get away with much slower apertures than you would think. Lets look at the technical side of the Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM. On paper, f/6.3 sounds scary for night shots, but the R6 provides up to 8 stops of shake correction when used with native RF glass. I have shot handheld at crazy low shutter speeds in the middle of Shinjuku and the results were fantastic! The versatility of having 240mm for those tight architectural details on shrines is something you just wont get with the standard 105mm range. It is a total game changer for street photography because the Nano USM motor is basically silent and focuses instantly. Another option I have explored is finding a used Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM and pairing it with a tiny Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM for your pocket. The 50mm weighs next to nothing and gives you that f/1.8 safety net for dark izakayas without the bulk of a massive f/2.8 zoom. Having that extra stop of light is amazing for subject separation too. Tokyo is all about the vibe, and being weighed down by a massive kit is the quickest way to ruin the experience imo!

sretvforum · Answer

Get the Canon RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM and dont look back! Tokyo is bright enough at night. Plus the R6 sensor is amazing at high ISO anyway... honestly f4 is plenty.

versatile range for tight streets and shrines

light enough for all-day walking

fits that $1200 budget easily if you buy used Youre gonna love the results! The image quality is just killer. It basically never leaves my camera tho.

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What is the best all-around lens for a Canon R6?