Just got my hands on the R5 Mark II after waiting forever and honestly im kinda panicking about what glass to commit to as my main workhorse. Ive been shooting with the old EF 24-70 2.8 II on an adapter for years but it feels wrong putting that old brick on this fancy new body plus I want to take full advantage of the improved IBIS and those insane autofocus speeds. Im heading to Tokyo in like three weeks for a big solo project and I need something that can basically stay on the camera 90% of the time. I do a mix of fast-paced street photography, high-res landscapes, and some occasional b-roll video so I need something sharp but also versatile enough that I dont have to swap lenses in the rain or crowded subways. My main concerns:
- budget is around $2500 max right now
- needs to handle the 45mp sensor without looking soft at the edges
- weather sealing is a must since its monsoon season over there
- weight is a factor because im gonna be walking like 10 miles a day
Im torn between the RF 24-70 2.8 because of the speed or maybe the 24-105 f4 for the extra reach but I worry the f4 will struggle in low light at night in Shinjuku. Does the 24-105 actually hold up on the new sensor or am I gonna regret not having the extra stop of light...
Caught this thread today. In my experience, the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM shows its limits on a 45MP sensor, especially regarding corner resolution. I've used the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM on high-res projects and it's technically the better fit:
- Dual Nano USM motors maximize the R5II autofocus speed.
- Superior micro-contrast for those landscapes.
- Better sealing for monsoon conditions. Its within your $2500 budget and essential for night street work.
You might want to consider the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM to be safe. Since you are worried about night shots, the f/4 version could really struggle in Shinjuku tbh.
- f/2.8 is more reliable for low light
- Better sealing for monsoons
- Sharp enough for 45mp Try looking for a refurbished unit to save cash. Just be careful with the weight on those long walks!
@Reply #1 - good point! honestly that extra stop is basically non-negotiable for night street stuff in japan. late to the party here but ive been shooting for a long time and ive seen people try to save a buck on glass only to regret it when they see the noise in their shadows... i say just stick with the canon pro glass and you wont have any issues. their l-series stuff is built like a tank and handles the high-res sensors perfectly fine. in my experience, the autofocus speed you get with native rf stuff vs adapted ef glass on the Canon EOS R5 Mark II is like night and day. if youre worried about weight, maybe look into some of the fast primes theyve been putting out lately instead of a big zoom? either way just go with canon's top shelf stuff and dont look back. itll handle the monsoon rain in tokyo no problem.
Regarding what #5 said about "Bookmarked, thanks!" - honestly, I wish I had read a thread like this before I bought my kit. Everyone here is pushing you toward that f/2.8 zoom, but honestly, carrying that weight around Tokyo for 10 miles a day is gonna be brutal. I had issues with my own setup being way too heavy, and unfortunately, it really killed the fun of street shooting when my back started aching by noon. Most folks here are right that the f/4 glass is sometimes not as good as expected on the higher megapixel sensors, but have you considered if you actually need a single zoom lens? Would you be open to just bringing a couple of lighter primes instead, or is the constant swapping really that much of a dealbreaker for your project? Also, are you planning to do much tripod work, or is it all gonna be handheld during that rainy season?
To add to the point above: the weight distribution of the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM is unfortunately not as balanced as I initially anticipated. I spent three weeks in Kyoto with it on an R5, and by day four, the front-heavy fatigue became a legitimate factor for my wrist. The optical performance is objectively superb, but the physical reality of a 900g lens on an all-day walk is taxing. After long-term ownership, I realized a few things:
- The Dual Nano USM motors are significantly faster than EF glass, but you sacrifice portability for that speed.
- If you prioritize street shooting, prime lenses like the Canon RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM are often more effective for stealth and balance. My suggestion is to carry a lightweight strap system that distributes the weight across your chest rather than your neck. It honestly saved my project, though the gear still feels cumbersome compared to smaller mirrorless systems. Don't underestimate how much ten miles of walking magnifies a few hundred grams of extra glass.
Following
Bookmarked, thanks!