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!
