What is actually the best all-around lens for the Canon R6 because I am losing my mind trying to pick one? Ive been shooting with DSLRs for over a decade and honestly thought the switch to mirrorless would make my life easier, but these RF lens options are driving me insane. I need something that can handle everything from my kids running around the yard to some semi-pro portrait work and maybe the occasional landscape trip I have coming up in Maine this October.
I started out using my old EF glass with the adapter, which works fine, but its just so bulky and I feel like the balance is totally off on the R6 body. I tried the RF 24-105 f/4 L and while the range is perfect, the aperture just feels sluggish in low light, especially since I shoot a lot of indoor events where the lighting is garbage. Then I looked at the 24-70 f/2.8 but holy cow, that price tag is a nightmare. I have about 1,500 to 2,000 bucks to spend and I just dont want to regret the purchase a month later.
Is there a sweet spot here? I keep reading mixed reviews about the non-L glass and honestly I dont want to deal with soft corners if Im paying premium prices. Should I just bite the bullet on the f/2.8 or is there some third party lens that I should be looking at because everyone keeps telling me to wait for Sigma to drop something but I have a shoot in two weeks and I cant wait forever. My hands are getting tired of swapping primes all day long and I just want one piece of glass that stays glued to the camera for 90 percent of what I do. Seriously, does anyone actually like the 24-105 or am I just being too picky about the aperture? If I cant find a solid answer today I might just end up selling the whole kit and going back to my 5D mark iii because at least I knew what I was getting there...
@Reply #2 - good point! But honestly, I think you guys are overcomplicating it. If you really want that f/2.8 speed without selling a kidney, look at the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM if you can find it used, or just grab the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM and fix your low light issues with better glass elsewhere. I really disagree that f/4 is unusable for events. Modern sensors handle ISO noise so well now. Here is why you should just be happy with the 24-105:
- The stabilization on the R6 makes f/4 totally viable even in dimmer rooms.
- It weighs way less than those f/2.8 bricks, which helps with wrist fatigue.
- You wont regret the range when you are doing landscapes in Maine. Just push your ISO higher, the noise is barely noticeable compared to the old 5D files.
I totally feel your pain, the switch to RF is a headache at first. Since you need something today and cant wait on Sigma, stop overthinking the f/4 and look at this instead! I spent years hauling heavy glass, but I found the holy grail for my workflow and it might be exactly what you need to stop losing your mind.
- Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM is actually amazing if you just bump your ISO. The R6 handles noise like a champ, so dont let that f/4 number scare you away. It stays glued to my body for 90 percent of my trips.
- If you really need that extra stop of light for indoor events, you should honestly track down a used Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM. You can definitely find them within your budget if you look at reputable used gear sites. It is sharp, fast, and the build quality is insane. I used to be obsessed with perfect corners until I realized no one looking at my portrait prints ever notices that stuff anyway. Youre gonna love the AF on the R6 once you get a native RF lens on there; the balance is just way better than that clunky adapter setup. Seriously, just pick up the 24-70 used and save yourself the stress before your shoot. You wont regret it!
Honestly, stick with the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM if you need that range, but be careful with indoor shots since f/4 can be limiting. If you want that extra light, you really might want to consider saving up for the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM instead of settling for non-L glass.
- Check local rental shops for the 24-70 first
- Verify your indoor lighting setup Make sure to test it thoroughly before your big shoot.
