Ive been shooting with my R6 for about a year now and honestly its a beast. I mostly do street photography and some light portrait work for friends, but Im getting pretty tired of lugging around my adapter and my old EF glass. I want to fully commit to the RF ecosystem but everything is so pricey right now. My budget is around 1500 bucks, maybe 2k if I can find a solid deal used, but I just cant decide where to put the money.
I was looking at the 24-105 f/4 but I keep hearing people say the constant aperture is nice but the lens feels kinda soulless? I dont know. I really need something versatile because I have a trip to Japan coming up in three months and I dont want to be swapping lenses constantly while Im walking around Kyoto. Is the 24-70 f/2.8 worth the extra weight and the massive price jump or should I just suck it up and go for the 24-105? Im so torn between wanting that f/2.8 bokeh and actually being able to carry the thing all day without my back giving out. What do you guys actually use as your main walkaround lens?
Late to the party, but honestly ditch the zoom idea if your back is a concern for Japan. I spent years lugging heavy glass and realized smaller is better for street stuff.
- Canon RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM is tiny, sharp, and the 35mm focal length is perfect for Kyoto alleys.
- If you really need reach, pair it with the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM for portraits. Save your cash and your spine tbh.
Honestly, the Canon RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM is usually the best bet for travel. I took that lens to Tokyo a few years back and it never left my body. Yeah, people call it soulless because it isn't an f/2.8, but for street work in Japan, the extra reach is a lifesaver. You can zoom in on details in Kyoto without physically moving into peoples space, which is a huge bonus. Dont get me wrong, the Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM is incredible glass, but it is heavy and pricey. If you find a deal on a used one, go for it, but for an all-day walkaround, you might regret the weight. Save the extra cash for food or maybe a prime like the Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM for those portrait nights.
