So I finally pulled the trigger on the R5 Mark II after months of debating if it was worth the upgrade from my old DSLR setup. It is actually arriving in a few days and I am scrambling to pick a lens because I sold all my old glass to fund this beast. I am heading to Japan in about three weeks for a huge trip through Tokyo and Osaka and I really want a one-lens solution for the whole thing. I dont want to be that person constantly swapping lenses on a crowded subway or in the middle of a temple.
I have narrowed it down to two main choices but I am totally stuck. First there is the RF 24-70mm f/2.8L. Everyone says it is the gold standard for a reason and the f/2.8 would be amazing for those moody night shots in Shinjuku. But it is expensive—like $2,300 expensive—and it is definitely on the heavier side. My other thought is the RF 24-105mm f/4L. It is way cheaper and that extra reach to 105mm seems super useful for catching details on buildings or candid street stuff without getting too close.
My main concern is whether the f/4 is gonna feel like a waste on a high-res 45MP sensor. Like, if I am spending this much on a flagship body, am I doing it a disservice by not getting the fastest glass? But then again, the 24-105 is lighter and for a two-week walking trip that might be a literal lifesaver for my back. I did look at the 28-70 f/2 but that thing is a tank and I think I would regret it by day two.
So if you had to pick just one lens for a high-end travel and general use setup where you need to balance image quality with actually being able to carry the thing all day, which way would you go? Is the 24-70 2.8 really worth the extra weight and cost for the R5 II or does the 24-105 hold its own?
Honestly, congrats on snagging the R5 II. Its an absolute beast of a machine. Over the years, I have learned the hard way that the best glass isnt always the one with the widest aperture, especially when you are trekking through Tokyo and Osaka. I've tried many setups for travel, and for a high-res body like yours, I would definitely recommend the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM. Heres why I think its the safer, more reliable pick for your trip:
- That extra reach to 105mm is a lifesaver for architectural details on shrines or getting candid street shots.
- Carrying a heavy setup all day will kill your enthusiasm. The weight difference is very noticeable after 10 miles of walking.
- The Image Stabilization is rock solid, especially paired with the new sensor. I know there is this fear that f/4 is a waste of a flagship sensor, but thats just not the case anymore. In my experience, the sharpness on the RF 24-105mm is stellar, and the R5 II handles high ISO so well that you wont even miss the f/2.8 in most night scenes. You get more flexibility with the zoom range which is way more important when you are in a foreign country and cant always move your feet to frame the shot. Stick with the 24-105, your back and your photo album will thank you. Let me know if you have questions about how it handles the weather over there tho, since it can get pretty humid.
Jumping in because I did something similar for a Kyoto trip last year. You really gotta be careful about weight when you're walking miles a day in Japan. I once lugged a heavy f/2.8 setup and by day three, my neck was so sore I barely wanted to use it. Honestly, the R5 II handles noise so well that you might not need that extra stop of light as much as you'd think. I would suggest weighing these against each other:
- Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM: Best for those moody night shots, but it's very heavy and quite expensive for a travel lens.
- Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM: More sensible for all-day carry and that extra reach is great for temple details, tho you'll lose some bokeh. Make sure you get a discrete bag too... having a brand new flagship on display in crowded spots always makes me nervous. Better to play it safe and stay light.
Regarding what #2 said about "Jumping in because I did something similar for..." - honestly, i totally get the weight concerns. i actually disagree with the idea that you have to stick to L-glass just because you have the R5 II. if you want to be cost-conscious and super versatile for your Japan trip, the Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM is a legit sleeper pick. it isnt as fast as the 24-70 2.8, obviously, but you get insane range for a fraction of the price. you can get those tight detail shots of temple carvings from far away then immediately go wide for a street scene without ever touching your bag. it handles well, tho you do lose the weather sealing and some corner sharpness compared to the L-series. quick tip: just lean on the high ISO capabilities and the ibis of the R5 II for those moody night shots. it is basically magic anyway. going this route saves you a few grand and a ton of shoulder pain while walking 20k steps a day in Tokyo.
