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?
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.
Jumped back in because I saw the specs debate starting up and I literally just got back from a similar trip with my R6 Mark II! Man, the tech in this body is absolutely insane. I was stressing about the f/4 aperture too when I first picked up the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM for a shoot in some dimly lit cathedrals. But here is the thing... the way the IBIS on the R6ii syncs with the optical stabilization in these lenses is pure magic. I was hitting half-second handheld shots that were tack sharp because of that Coordinated IS system. Like, total wizardry. Honestly, the sensor on your camera is so freaking good at high ISO that the one-stop difference between f/2.8 and f/4 isnt the dealbreaker it used to be. I pushed mine to ISO 12800 at a wedding reception last month and the files looked fantastic. If you are really worried about the ceremony lighting or depth of field, maybe toss the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM in your bag too? It weighs basically nothing. That gives you that f/1.8 bokeh for the artsy portraits while the 24-105 handles the rest. The Nano USM motor on that lens is also incredibly snappy... it just locks on to eyes instantly. Youre gonna love the results in Lake Como, the contrast on that L glass is amazing. Buying the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM is great for studio work, but for a 3-week trek, your neck will thank you for sticking with the f/4.
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.
> 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 To add to the point above: I actually compared the native Canon RF system to my old Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Art EF lens, and native RF autofocus is just so much faster and quieter on the R6ii! I highly recommend getting the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM for your main travel lens. It is absolutely amazing for walking around! Then, to solve your low-light reception worry, just grab the tiny Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM for about $150. It fits right in your pocket and works wonders in dark rooms. You save tons of weight and money compared to the heavy f/2.8 zoom, and you still get that sweet f/1.8 aperture for the party! Let me know if you need any help finding the best bundle deals online before Friday!
Wait really?? Thats actually super helpful. I always thought it was the other way around.
