Im losing my mind trying to pick a lens for my new R5 Mark II. Ive been researching the RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L, and everyone says its the gold standard, but then I read a thread saying the RF 24-105mm f/4 is actually better for travel since you get that extra reach. Honestly, im just so torn. My budget is around 2500 bucks and I need something by next month for a trip to Italy where I plan on shooting landscapes and some street photography. Is the extra stop of light really worth losing the reach of the 105mm? Im just not sure which way to go honestly...
Tbh going to Italy with just one lens is a classic dilemma. Honestly, the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM is built like a tank and that f/2.8 aperture is super helpful if you find yourself in darker cathedrals or shooting in the evening. It is sharp as a tack but heavy for all-day walking.
- The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM is probably the smarter pick for travel. That extra reach to 105mm is a lifesaver for street stuff when you cant get close to your subject. If you want my take, stick with the 24-105mm. The optical stabilization is solid and you will appreciate the weight savings when youre trekking around Rome all day. f/4 is perfectly fine for landscape work anyway since you'll be stopped down. Just keep it simple.
Building on the earlier suggestion, I have to say I felt a bit underwhelmed by the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM when I took it through Europe last year. Unfortunately, the weight distribution on the R5 Mark II is a bit front-heavy with that glass, and I had issues with focus breathing when doing street video. If you are really chasing image quality and versatility, maybe check out the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.0 L USM. It is way more expensive, but the f/2 aperture is a game changer for low light. TL;DR: The 24-70mm is solid, but the f/2 prime-like zoom is actually the real star if you can stretch the budget. Personally, I found the 24-105mm too slow for evening shots. Just my two cents from a frustrating trip.
Honestly, if you are heading to Italy, do yourself a huge favor and grab the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM. I took this exact setup to Rome and Florence last summer, and it was a total lifesaver! Having that extra reach up to 105mm makes a massive difference for street details and catching architecture that feels too far away with the 70mm. Here is why it is the better travel companion for you:
- Weight matters: Lugging gear around cobblestone streets all day is exhausting. This lens is noticeably lighter than the f/2.8 monster, so you can actually shoot all day without your wrist giving out.
- Reach for days: Being able to zoom in on statues or distant windows without cropping in post is amazing. You wont miss shots because you were physically unable to get closer.
- Versatility: Since you are doing landscapes too, that wider zoom range is just super convenient. You can go from a wide piazza shot to a tight detail shot in a split second. Sure, f/2.8 is nice, but with the high ISO performance of the R5 Mark II, you can totally get away with f/4 unless you are shooting in a literal cave. Youll save a good chunk of change too, which you can put toward a nice dinner or a gelato tour! Trust me, the extra reach wins on a trip like this.