I just bought the R5 Mark II because my friend said it was the best but I have no idea what I am doing yet. Sorry if this is a dumb question but I am going to Italy next month and I just want one lens that does everything. I dont want to carry a huge bag while walking around Rome. My budget is around $1500 and I keep seeing the 24-105mm and the 24-70mm. My logic was the bigger number is better for zooming? But then someone said the 2.8 one is better for when it gets dark? I am so confused what is the best do it all lens to just leave on the camera...
Man, starting with an R5 Mark II is like learning to drive in a Ferrari. Its a wild camera to start with but you're gonna love the results. Since you're headed to Rome, you definitely want something versatile because switching glass in a crowded piazza is a recipe for getting dust on your sensor or dropping something expensive. Heres the deal with those two types of lenses you mentioned:
- The one with the bigger zoom range is usually what I tell people to get for travel. That extra reach helps a lot when you're looking at details on statues or architecture that you cant get close to.
- The one with the wider aperture is all about that low light performance. If you plan on doing a lot of indoor museum shots or late night walks, it helps, but those lenses are usually way heavier to carry all day.
- Honestly, if you just get any of the Canon brand zooms that cover the mid-range, you're gonna be fine. The quality on their newer glass is so high that you wont really notice a massive difference in your vacation photos. For a trip like Italy, I always value the extra zoom range over the low light capabilities. You can always bump up the ISO on that camera anyway since the sensor is so good. Just grab one of the Canon RF zooms that fits your budget and dont overthink the technical specs too much... you will have a blast. Let me know if you need help with anything else.
