What is the best all-around lens for Canon EOS R6 Mark II?

Question

So I finally pulled the trigger on the R6 Mark II last week but now I'm in a bit of a crisis because I'm heading to Italy for a wedding in like three weeks and I realized I dont actually have a decent native lens for it yet. I've been using my old EF stuff with an adapter but it's bulky and I want something snappy for the trip that can handle everything from landscape shots in Lake Como to the actual ceremony.

I'm basically torn between two main options right now: the RF 24-105mm f/4L and the RF 24-70mm f/2.8L. I have about $2200 max to spend so I could technically swing either one if I find a good sale on the 24-70 but man that thing is heavy and I'm worried about carrying it around all day. The 24-105 seems like the smarter "all-around" choice for walking around the streets and doing some light hiking but I'm really worried about the f/4 aperture during the wedding reception or at night when we're out for dinner. I also looked at the 24-240 superzoom because it's cheaper but I feel like putting that on an R6ii might be a waste of such a good sensor. I need to order something by Friday to make sure it gets here in time to test it before my flight.

Between the 24-105 f4 and the 24-70 2.8, which one is actually the better do-it-all lens for this body?

EvgeniyQuish · Accepted Answer

Coming back to this after seeing the earlier advice... I remember doing a two-week trek through Tuscany years ago with a heavy setup and my neck was basically screaming by day three. Be careful with that 24-70mm weight. While the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM is an absolute beast for sharpness and low light, carrying it up and down the hills in Lake Como is no joke. Honestly, I checked the weight comparisons on a site like The-Digital-Picture and that extra bulk is real when you are walking 20k steps a day. I would suggest the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM for the versatility, but here is the trick for the wedding: use the leftover budget to grab a Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM. It weighs basically nothing and is perfect for when the sun goes down or the reception gets dark. I did this exact combo in Greece last year and it saved my back while still letting me get those creamy bokeh shots at dinner. You might even find a used copy of the 24-105 at a place like Keh or MPB to save some extra euros for the trip itself. TL;DR: Grab the 24-105mm f4L for the zoom range, then throw a tiny 50mm prime in your pocket for the low-light wedding shots. It is the best of both worlds without the shoulder pain.

Edgardobuh · Answer

ngl I think you might regret hauling the 24-70 through the streets of Italy for three weeks. It is a total brick. I would suggest grabbing the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM as your primary lens. I have used it for years and that extra reach to 105mm is a lifesaver for those tighter shots or distant landscapes in Lake Como. Just be careful tho... f/4 can get pretty dark during a wedding reception once the sun goes down. Since your budget is around $2200, here is what I would do:

Grab the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM for your day-to-day shots.

Pick up a Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM with the extra cash for the wedding ceremony and late dinners. This setup beats the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM for travel because it is way lighter and gives you more reach during the day. The R6ii handles high ISO like a beast, so f/4 isnt the end of the world for most situations, but having a dedicated fast prime for the reception is way better than struggling with a heavy zoom all night. I would definitely avoid that 24-240 zoom, it is just gonna leave you wishing for more sharpness on such a nice camera body... especially for wedding photos.

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What is the best all-around lens for Canon EOS R6 Mark II?