I finally saved up and bought a Canon R6 for my trip to Japan next month but now I realized I don't actually have a lens for it lol. I'm such a newbie at this sorry. I want just one lens that can do everything like buildings and people and maybe some food shots too. I was looking at that 24-105mm one but there are like two versions? One is way more expensive and I dont really get the difference. My budget is around 800 bucks left after buying the camera body. My logic was just buy the biggest zoom range but maybe that's wrong... I just don't want to carry a bag of heavy glass everywhere.
Congrats on the R6! Since you're on a budget, definitely look at the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM. It's a fantastic travel companion!
- STM version: Weighs only 395g and fits your budget easily.
- L version: The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM has a constant f/4 but is way heavier at 700g. The STM actually has amazing 0.5x macro capabilities for those food shots. You'll love it!
Unfortunately, the variable aperture zoom wasn't as good as expected for indoor settings. I transitioned to the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM. Tip: prioritize wider apertures for better versatility.
> I was looking at that 24-105mm one but there are like two versions? Honestly, I've been super happy with the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM. I took it to Kyoto last year and the Center Focus Macro feature is actually insane for food shots. Technically, it's not a true macro, but getting 0.5x magnification at 24mm works well for tight close-ups. For under $400, no complaints about the sharpness or 5-stop stabilization.
^ This. Also, saw this earlier but just now responding... Japan involves a ton of walking, like, way more than you would think. In my experience, lugging a heavy kit around Tokyo for 10 miles a day is basically a death sentence for your back. I am not 100% sure but I think the cheaper zoom you mentioned gets a lot darker as you zoom in, which might be tricky in those dimly lit shrines. IIRC the pro version stays consistent and lets in more light. Someone told me the autofocus is also way faster on the expensive one, but the weight difference is the real story here. Heres what I've learned over the years:
- Light gear means you actually take the camera out of your bag
- Image stabilization is a lifesaver for handheld shots in temples
- Weather sealing is nice but a plastic bag works in a pinch I dont know for certain which one will handle the humidity better, but I've tried many setups and the heavy ones usually end up staying in the hotel room. Reliability is key so you wont miss the shot while you're busy catching your breath.
