What lens should I actually slap on my R5 to cover pretty much everything without needing to carry a giant bag of glass? Ive been shooting with the R5 for about a year now, coming from the old 5D Mark IV system, and while I love the sensor, Im finding my current setup is just killing my back when Im out on a shoot. I usually do a mix of street photography and occasional portrait work for friends, maybe some landscape stuff when I get out of the city here in Seattle.
I started with the RF 24-105 f/4 but I keep finding myself wanting a bit more reach or a wider aperture when the light starts to dip. Im not really looking for a prime set because changing glass in the middle of a shoot is becoming a nightmare, especially when I get caught in the rain. I have a budget of around 2500 bucks, give or take, and I need something that wont lose its mind with the autofocus tracking. I keep eyeing the RF 24-70 f/2.8 but the price tag is giving me a heart attack, plus Im not sure if the extra stop of light is worth the weight compared to the 24-105 or maybe something like the 28-70 f/2. I know the 28-70 is the dream lens for a lot of people but its just so heavy, I dont know if I could handle that all day.
- Need decent weather sealing because, well, Washington state.
- Has to be sharp enough to actually take advantage of the 45 megapixels.
- Definitely leaning towards a standard zoom range but open to suggestions.
Should I just bite the bullet and go for the 24-70 or is there some hidden gem I should be looking at? Maybe a third party lens that I havent considered yet? My shoulders are begging for a change and I just want to be able to grab one body and one lens and know I can handle whatever comes my way...
Honestly, if your back is killing you, avoid the massive f/2 zooms. I spent a week hiking with the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM and while the bokeh is insane, I felt like I was carrying a dumbbell. It just isnt practical for all-day shooting in Seattle. Since you are already dealing with the 24-105 f/4, have you looked at the Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8L IS USM Z? Yeah, it is a bit pricier, but you get that extra stop of light without jumping to the prime-killer weight class. Alternatively, just look at the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art if you can find a solid adapter. Honestly, the weather sealing on the Canon L-series is tough to beat for your climate, so maybe just stick to RF glass and save your sanity.
Honestly, if your back is killing you, avoid the massive f/2 zooms. If you want to save money and weight, look at the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM again or try the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art.
- The Sigma is a fraction of the cost of the Canon L glass.
- Sharpness across the frame is excellent for 45MP sensors.
- Weather sealing is solid for PNW rain. Keep an eye on the used market to save an extra 500 bucks.
Honestly, skip the heavy stuff. I used to haul that 28-70 around and my back hated me for it. I switched to the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM and it is honestly a dream. It balances way better on the R5 than you might think.
- Sharp enough to kill with that sensor
- Weather sealed for those PNW downpours
- Perfect walkaround focal range It works so well for my street stuff and portraits too.
