Ive spent way too many years lugging a heavy bag through narrow European streets to tell you anything other than simplify your kit. I remember being in Florence five years ago, trying to swap a wide prime for a portrait lens while a sudden rainstorm started... absolute nightmare. I almost dropped my sensor right into a puddle in the middle of a crowd. After that experience, I pretty much swore off primes for international travel. Over the years, I have learned that safety and reliability matter more than having that extra stop of light. The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM is the only lens I really trust for these trips now. In my experience, having that constant f/4 aperture and the weather sealing gives you such peace of mind when youre out all day in unpredictable weather. Its built like a tank and the internal stabilization is a total lifesaver when youre shooting inside dim cathedrals where tripods arent allowed. Honestly, its the safest bet for your R6. It fits your budget perfectly if you look for a refurbished copy, and it covers everything from wide street scenes to tighter portraits without you ever having to expose your sensor to the dust and rain. I dont think youll regret it. Quick tips: Pick up a B+W 77mm Master Circular Polarizer MRC Nano filter to make the sky and water pop in Italy. Also, keep your camera strap across your chest, not just on one shoulder... way safer for your gear in those crowded tourist spots.

Look, in my experience, the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM is probably your best bet for peace of mind. I've tried many combos over the years and nothing beats the reliability of an L-series lens. The weather sealing is a total lifesaver when you're out all day and a random shower hits... you dont want to be panicking about your gear. Keeping one lens on the body also keeps your sensor clean from all that street dust in the city. Since you got a $1000 limit, check these out:

• Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM (Try to find a refurbished or used copy to stay under your budget)
• Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM The 24-240 is technically more versatile for those far away architectural details, but the f4 L is just built like a tank. Its the safer choice if you're worried about durability and want something that wont fail you. You're gonna have a blast in Italy, just bring a comfortable strap!

Saving this thread

Coming back to this because your "exhausting" comment hit home. Honestly, I spent years trying to be the "perfect" photographer with a prime for every street corner. It almost ruined my trip to Rome. I was so busy fumbling with my bag that I nearly got pickpocketed while I had my sensor exposed during a swap. Totally nerve-wracking and not worth the risk. In my experience, being low-profile and staying fast is way more important for safety and sanity. Over the years, I've moved away from the professional gear look. My current setup is way more undercover:

• I use black tape to hide all the logos so it looks like a cheap film camera
• swapped my gear bag for an old, beat-up messenger bag
• basically never open my camera body in public anymore Seriously, just grab one solid zoom that covers your bases and dont look back. You'll enjoy the trip way more if you aren't "that guy" struggling with gear in a crowded plaza while everyone else is eating gelato. Italy is too beautiful to spend it staring at your lens caps... trust me on that one.

Like someone mentioned, the f/4 L is the standard choice, but I actually disagree for a trip like this. It is a heavy piece of glass and usually sits around $1300 new, which blows your $1000 budget. In my experience, the Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM is the ultimate one-and-done travel lens for the R6. I know some people get snobby about non-L glass, but the technical performance is surprisingly sharp, and having that 240mm reach for architectural details in Rome is a total game changer. Since the R6 has such a beastly sensor, you can just bump the ISO and wont even miss the f/4 at the long end. Plus, it weighs less than the L-series. Grab a Peak Design Slide Lite with the savings because the stock strap is literal sandpaper for long days of walking. Just my two cents, but itll save your back and your wallet.

Same setup here, love it