Should I just grab the RF 24-105mm f/4L or is there something better for a month-long trip to Italy? Ive been shooting with my R6 for about two years now and usually I'm a prime lens snob
- I carry a 35mm and an 85mm everywhere - but honestly the thought of swapping glass while walking through dusty streets in Rome sounds like a nightmare. I need something that covers the basics but doesnt weigh a ton because we are doing a lot of hiking in the Dolomites too. I was looking at the non-L 24-105 STM because its so light but I worry about the low light performance once the sun goes down or when I'm inside those dim cathedrals. Is the f/4 constant worth the extra weight and cash? My budget is sitting around 1200 bucks right now. I also saw some people mention the 24-240mm for the reach but that feels like a lot of compromise on sharpness. I really value the IBIS in the R6 so I want something that plays nice with it. What are you guys using when you want to travel light but still get professional looking shots without a bag full of gear? Maybe I should just stick to a single 35mm and crop in...
Honestly, for a trip like Italy where you are mixing tight city streets with the massive scale of the Dolomites, you really want the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM. Since you are used to primes, the variable aperture on the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM is gonna drive you crazy. It hits f/7.1 pretty fast as you zoom in, and even with the R6 having great high ISO performance, youll be pushing it way too hard in those dim cathedrals or during evening walks. The L lens is heavier, sure, but it balances well on the R6 body and the weather sealing is a nice peace-of-mind thing when you are hiking and it starts to drizzle. I have used both and the sharpness on the f/4L is significantly more consistent across the frame. You mentioned the Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM but that lens relies heavily on digital corrections and the edge softness is noticeable if you are used to prime quality. For your 1200 dollar budget, you can easily find a new or refurbished f/4L. The constant f/4 lets you stay in manual mode more comfortably without your exposure jumping around every time you adjust the focal length. It plays perfectly with the IBIS too, letting you handhold shots at surprisingly low shutter speeds. Its basically the gold standard for a one-lens travel setup when you dont want to compromise too much on glass quality and need that 105mm reach for architectural details.
