What is the best all-around lens for the Canon EOS R5 Mark II?

Question

I finally pulled the trigger and pre-ordered the R5 Mark II but now Im lowkey panicking about the glass. This is my first big jump into full frame mirrorless and I am heading to Iceland in three weeks for a once in a lifetime trip so I need something that can handle everything. Ive been looking at the 24-70mm f/2.8 because everyone says its the gold standard but then I see others saying the 24-105mm f/4 is actually better for travel because of the extra reach. Im scared the f/4 wont be fast enough for low light but the 24-70 is so expensive and heavy and Im already at my budget limit of like $2500. What should I actually get for a one-lens setup?

Timothywaf · Accepted Answer

Agreed. I used the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM in Iceland and the IBIS handles low light shots perfectly, tbh.way more versatile range its better for your budget.

Sunburstszv · Answer

^ This. Also, in my experience, photographers often obsess over the fastest aperture possible, but after years of shooting in places like Iceland, I realized I spent most of my time at f/8 anyway. On my first major trip, I brought the heaviest, most expensive zoom I could find, thinking I needed that low-light capability. By day three, my neck was killing me and I kept wishing for just a little more reach for those distant landscape details. Over the years, I've tried many setups and learned some hard truths:Physical weight matters way more than you think during long hiking days.Modern stabilization is a game changer for hand-holding slower glass.Saving money on the lens allows you to afford a quality tripod and filters. I eventually switched to a more versatile, lightweight zoom for my primary travel kit and havent looked back. Having room in the budget for extra batteries and a weather-sealed bag made the experience much better, tbh.

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What is the best all-around lens for the Canon EOS R5 Mark II?