Ugh, I'm pulling my hair out trying to pick a lens for my Japan trip in three weeks and I've already blown most of my budget on the R6II body. I really dont want to be that person swapping lenses every five minutes in a crowded temple or on a train.
Im stuck between the RF 24-105mm f4 L and the 24-240mm superzoom. The L glass is obviously better but that 240mm reach is so tempting for street shots and I only have about $1000 left to spend max. Is the image quality gap really that huge or should I just go for the versatility of the 24-240? Which one is actually gonna be better for a month of walking around Tokyo...
I spent weeks agonizing over this exact choice before my last trip. Japan is amazing but you do a ton of walking, and honestly, trying to swap lenses while people are pushing past you in a crowded Shinjuku station is just not the vibe. I have used both of these quite a bit and they both have their place. If you want the ultimate convenience, the Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM is actually a really solid option. It basically stays on the camera the whole time. The reach at 240mm is incredible for getting tight shots of temple roof details or people watching from across the street. The image quality isnt quite as surgical as the L glass, but for travel memories, it is honestly more than enough. Plus it fits right into your budget since it usually goes for around $900 new, maybe less if you find a deal. But the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM is the lens I usually grab if I know I am gonna be in dark shrines or if there is a chance of rain. The weather sealing is a big deal in Japan since it can get pretty drizzly out of nowhere. Since you are on a tight budget after getting that nice R6II, you could look for a used copy of the L lens to stay under that $1000 mark. The constant f4 aperture is definitely helpful when the sun starts going down. It really comes down to whether you value that extra zoom reach or the weather sealing and slightly sharper edges. I can help if you have more questions about the weight of these two on the R6II body!
Saw your post earlier but just getting back to my desk now. I've learned the hard way over the years that reliability beats range every single time when you're thousands of miles from home. Honestly, I once took a cheaper superzoom to Kyoto and a bit of mist at a shrine almost bricked it because the sealing was basically nonexistent. It was a total nightmare trying to dry it out in a hotel room while worrying if I'd ruined my whole trip. In my experience, you really want the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM for this. Here is why it wins:
- Weather sealing is a lifesaver for those random Tokyo rain showers.
- Constant f/4 helps a ton inside dark temples where the superzoom would struggle.
- Build quality is just way more solid for a month of heavy walking. If the price for a brand new one is too high, definitely look for a used or refurbished copy to stay under that $1000 mark. You'll thank yourself when you arent worrying about your gear failing in a crowded subway station.
Ugh, honestly, picking glass is such a headache lately. Like someone mentioned, youve got the trade-off between the L-series build and that superzoom reach, and honestly its ridiculous how much they charge for these things now. Everything is just priced through the roof, like they think we are made of money or something! It drives me crazy how the quality control just feels kinda hit or miss these days too. It is such a scam that we have to choose between a lens that might break in the rain or one that burns our entire budget.
- The constant need for more gear is exhausting.
- Companies definitely know we are stuck in this loop.
- Japan is amazing but trying to figure out your kit just ruins the fun. I feel your pain on the budget. It really feels like they are squeezing every penny out of us, and half the time the equipment doesnt even feel like it lasts like it used to back in the day. Dont even get me started on the weather sealing drama!