Just picked up a Canon R6 last month after finally retiring my old dslr and honestly the body is amazing but I am struggling hard with picking a lens. Im heading to Japan in October for a two week trip and want to keep my bag light so I really just want one lens that can do it all. I keep reading that the RF 24-105 f/4 L is the go-to standard but then I see people swearing by the 24-70 f/2.8 for the extra light gathering. Is the extra stop of light really worth the weight and price difference? I also looked into that 24-240 lens because of the reach but heard the quality drops off pretty bad at the long end and I dont want to ruin my trip photos. Budget isnt super tight but I also dont want to spend like 3k if I dont have to. Do you think I should just grab the f/4 and maybe a cheap prime for night shots or just commit to the 24-70 and call it a day...
Get the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM. The stabilization is legit for night shots handheld, and the range is honestly perfect for Japan travel without the extra bulk.
Honestly, save your cash and get the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM. It is super light for travel and performs great. Check DXOMARK for reviews if you are worried.
Honestly, I have been shooting with the R6 since it dropped and unfortunately the standard zooms leave a lot to be desired. I grabbed the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM when I first switched over, but it was just not as sharp as I expected for an L-series lens. It feels kinda plasticky and the image quality drops off in lower light, which was a total bummer for my trip last year. If you want my honest take, skip the 24-105 if you can swing it. Here is what I would do instead:
- Forget the 24-240, the corners are basically soft mush. You'll regret it when you look at your files on a computer.
- Grab the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM. Yeah it is heavy, but that extra stop of light is a lifesaver in Tokyo at night. The build quality is actually solid unlike the f/4 version.
- Carry a tiny Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM in your pocket. It weighs nothing and when you really need to shoot in dark temples or bars, that f/1.8 will save the shot while your zoom is struggling. Dont overthink the weight. Youre gonna be so annoyed if you settle for a lens that cant handle the lighting conditions you'll find in Japan. Better to have the glass you need and just suck it up on the weight.