Just picked up an R5 because everyone said it was amazing but honestly Im totally lost with all these lens options. Im going on a trip to Japan next month and just want one lens that does everything so I dont have to carry a bag of glass. Budget is around 1500 maybe? What should I get
Honestly, for Japan, you dont want to be swapping lenses constantly. I grabbed the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM and it is basically glued to my R5. Its sharp, has great stabilization for street shots, and covers almost everything you need. Youll stay right around your budget too. Grab that and maybe a spare SanDisk Extreme Pro 128GB SDXC UHS-II and youre all set for the trip.
Honestly if you want to keep some cash in your pocket for food while in Japan, skip the big L glass for a second. You dont need top-tier pro lenses for travel unless youre printing billboards. I used the Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM for a trip last year and it was way more versatile than I expected. Sure, its not f/4 constant aperture, but having that extra reach when you spot a temple roof or a cat down an alley is pretty huge. Here is what I would do to save some bucks:
- Look for a used Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM on a reputable site, you can usually snag them for way under a grand.
- Spend the leftover money on extra batteries or a decent strap, because that R5 battery drain is real. Basically, the image quality is decent enough for travel memories and you wont be stressed about weight. Carrying around a massive lens just makes you stand out like a tourist anyway, and in places like Tokyo, being low profile is kinda nice. Dont overthink the gear too much, just grab something with a wide enough range and go enjoy the trip.
Like someone mentioned, sticking to one lens is key. I've taken heavy gear to Japan before and regretted it. Save your back and just bring one solid zoom lens, seriously.