So I finally bit the bullet and bought a Canon R5 because everyone said it was amazing but now Im just staring at the body in my bag because I dont have a lens. I feel like such an idiot for spending this much without knowing what to actually put on it. My sister is getting married in Italy in three months and I really need to be able to take decent shots of her and the scenery. I have about 1500 bucks left for glass but Im totally overwhelmed by all the numbers and letters. What is the best all-around lens that just works for a total beginner like me?
Honestly, buying an R5 without a lens is a total mood, dont feel bad. Weve all done something goofy like that. If youre heading to Italy for a wedding, the worst thing you can do is overspend on something heavy that you wont want to carry around all day. I had some bad luck with the super expensive glass in the past where the weight actually made me stop taking photos entirely, which is a massive waste. Since your budget is tight after that body purchase, look into the Canon RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM. It is surprisingly sharp and the wide aperture is a lifesaver when you are inside those dim Italian cathedrals or shooting the reception later at night. It is much cheaper than the L-series stuff, leaving you enough cash to grab an extra SanDisk Extreme Pro 128GB SDXC UHS-I card or two. Seriously, dont skimp on storage. If you really feel like you need more zoom, maybe find a used Canon RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM instead. Its not perfect by any means, and the variable aperture can be a headache, but for the price, it gets the job done. Just be careful with dust since it isnt as sealed as the professional gear, but for a one-off trip, itll survive. Just bring a blower!
Listen, for a trip like that you really need something versatile because swapping glass in Italy is just asking for dust on your sensor. You might want to consider the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM as your primary workhorse. It is sharp, weather-sealed, and the focal range is perfect for landscapes and portraits. Just be careful with the f/4 aperture in dim cathedrals. Alternatively, if you want better low light performance, look at the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM. It is pricier, so check the used market to stay near your budget.
- The 24-105 gives you more reach, which is great for mountain scenery.
- The 24-70 is faster for evening reception shots. Honestly, stick to the L-series glass for that sensor resolution. Just make sure you get a good filter to protect the element.
Forget the L-series for a sec. Grab the Canon RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM. It is super light, saves you cash, and the stabilization is absolutely stellar for travel shots!
