Im stressing out a bit because I have a big family wedding coming up in three weeks in Seattle and my current kit just isnt cutting it anymore. I finally upgraded to the Canon R6 but Im still stuck using my old EF lenses with the adapter and the focus just feels sluggish. I really need something that can handle everything from wide shots of the venue to portraits of the bride and groom without me having to constantly swap gear in a crowded ballroom. My budget is around 1500 bucks max.
I keep reading that the RF 24-105mm f/4 L is the go-to workhorse, but then I see people on other forums saying the f/4 aperture is way too slow for indoor receptions without a flash. Then I looked at the 24-70mm f/2.8 but that is way out of my price range unless I find a deal, and honestly Im worried about the weight since I have a bad wrist. Are those f/4 guys just relying on high ISOs or am I gonna be miserable in low light? Is there a middle ground I should be looking at or do I just bite the bullet and save up for the 24-70?
Honestly, grab the Canon RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM and dont overthink it! People complain about the f/4 aperture but the R6 handles high ISO noise like an absolute champ. You will be totally fine at the reception if you bump that ISO up a bit, especially since the stabilization is insane on this lens. Using the Canon RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM saves you a ton of cash compared to the 24-70mm, plus it is way lighter on your wrist for a long day. If you really get stuck, just throw a cheap flash on the camera. You get fantastic reach and it stays super sharp throughout the zoom range. Save your money for a memory card or extra battery instead!
Honestly, the f/4 versus f/2.8 debate is endless, but you really dont need to worry that much with an R6. I shot a wedding last fall using the Canon RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM and it was an absolute dream. People get so hung up on the aperture numbers, but they forget that modern stabilization and the R6 sensor are basically magic. I was pulling off shots in dim lighting that I wouldnt have even tried five years ago! If you have a bad wrist, the weight difference is life-changing. Youre gonna be carrying this thing for hours, and the extra weight of a f/2.8 lens just isn't worth the fatigue. Things that made my life easier:
- The extra reach to 105mm is fantastic for candid shots without getting in peoples faces
- The internal stabilization plays so nice with the R6 body
- You can pick up a prime lens like the Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM for basically peanuts if you get desperate for light If you really find yourself needing more light, just snag a cheap prime as a backup. Keep your setup light, save your wrist for the dance floor, and just enjoy the wedding. You'll be glad you went with the lighter setup by the end of the night, trust me!
Been thinking about your setup since I saw this earlier. You have a solid plan with the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM, but if you are still nervous about that f/4 aperture, there are a couple of other ways to play this without wrecking your wrist or budget.
- Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM is the king of convenience, and honestly, the R6 is a beast in low light so you will be fine.
- Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art is a killer alternative if you grab it used, though it might be a bit heavier than you want.
- Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is super cheap and light, just keep it in your pocket for when the lights go down low. Honestly, stick with the zoom for the ceremony and keep a fast prime for the dance floor. You'll be set for the wedding.