Honestly im just so sick of swapping lenses in the middle of a shoot. I bought the R5 thinking it would make my life easier but carrying around a bag full of glass is actually killing my back and I feel like I miss half the candid shots because Im too busy messing with my gear. I do mostly street photography and some light portrait work around Seattle and the weather here is just brutal so changing lenses outside is a total nightmare.
My budget is around 2k maybe a little more if the glass is really worth it but I really need something that can cover a decent range without being the size of a bazooka. Ive been looking at the 24-105mm F4 but people keep telling me its too slow or not sharp enough for the R5 sensor and then I look at the 28-70mm F2 and my wallet starts crying because its massive. Is there literally anything else out there that balances well on the body for all day walking? Does the 24-70 really justify the price jump or should I just suck it up and deal with the 24-105... I just want one lens that can do it all so I can stop being miserable every time I go out to shoot.
> I do mostly street photography and some light portrait work around Seattle and the weather here is just brutal Honestly, I totally get the struggle with the weather. If you want to save your back and your wallet, seriously consider the Canon RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM. People complain about the aperture, but for street work, the stabilization is a lifesaver. You can keep your shutter speed lower and let the sensor work its magic. If you really crave that extra light, look at the Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 with a mount adapter if you dont mind the bulk, but honestly the RF glass feels so much better balanced. Save the cash and put it toward a solid weather-sealed bag instead. You wont regret it.
Tbh, I think the Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM is the only real answer here. The F4 just let me down in low light, unfortunately. Heavy, but worth it.
Regarding what #3 said about Tbh, I think the Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8, honestly that lens is a brick. I carried one for years and ended up needing physical therapy for my shoulder. If you are doing street stuff in Seattle, you need to be nimble, not lugging around a gym weight.
- The 24-105mm F4 is actually fine. People obsess over sharpness charts but forget that a blurry photo because you were too tired to shoot is the real killer.
- Watch out for moisture inside the zoom mechanism if you are out in the rain all day. Even with weather sealing, don't leave it pointed at the sky for too long.
- Do not overthink the aperture. You have an R5, that sensor is a beast in low light. Just push your ISO and stop worrying about being wide open. I have tried many setups over the years and found that keeping things light is the only way to actually enjoy the hobby. If your gear is a burden, you stop taking photos. Stick with the smaller lens and just shoot more.
Listen, I hear you on the back pain. Dealing with the Seattle rain while swapping glass is basically asking for sensor dust or worse. Honestly, the Canon RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM is way better than people give it credit for. Sure, it is not a prime, but in my experience, the stabilization is so solid that the f/4 aperture doesnt actually kill your low light performance on the R5, especially with the high ISO capability of that sensor. If you want the absolute best balance for street and portraits, here is why the 24-105 works:
- It is weather-sealed and lighter than the f/2.8 alternatives, which matters when you are walking for hours.
- The focal range hits the sweet spot for candids where you need a bit of reach without telegraphing your move.
- You stop missing shots. That is the biggest benefit. If you really think you need more light, the Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM is sharper edge-to-edge, but its significantly heavier and the front element is huge. I have used both for years, and for a walkaround lens, the 24-105 feels much more natural on the R5 body. Dont listen to the forum snobs whining about sharpness; if you arent pixel peeping, you wont notice the difference in 99 percent of your shots. Just grab the 24-105 and save your back. You wont regret it.