Just picked up the R5 Mark II and my old glass isnt quite cutting it anymore for my street photography. Im heading to Japan in three weeks and need something sharp that wont break the bank since I just spent a fortune on the body. Should I grab the RF 24-70 or is there something better?
TL;DR: The 24-70 is solid but heavy for street work. Honestly, what is your primary focal length preference? I shot Tokyo with the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM because the compact size is a lifesaver when navigating crowds. The optical performance is sharp enough for that sensor, and you save a ton of cash compared to the L-series glass. Are you looking for a single zoom or are you open to primes?
> need something sharp that wont break the bank since I just spent a fortune on the body. Been thinking about your situation since earlier. Honestly, picking up a beast like the R5 Mark II is exciting but draining the savings account is risky if you still need glass. Be careful about diving into the RF 24-70 f/2.8 right now because that lens is a massive investment and honestly quite heavy for long days walking through Japan. You might want to consider a prime instead if you want to keep costs down and stay stealthy. I would suggest looking at the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM first. It is incredibly cheap, surprisingly sharp, and light enough that you wont even notice it on your camera. If you feel like that is too tight for street stuff, the Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM is another solid, budget-conscious pancake lens that keeps your kit compact. Carrying a huge zoom lens in crowded Japanese markets can actually make you a target, so staying low-profile is smart. Make sure to check if you can find these used from a reputable shop to save even more cash. Just dont rush into buying a massive piece of glass before your flight, because you really dont want to be lugging extra weight around while trying to enjoy your trip.