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

Question

So I finally pulled the trigger on the R5 Mark II and my bank account is definitely feeling it lol but now I'm stuck on what glass to actually put on it. I'm moving up from an old EOS R and I want one do-it-all zoom because I'm heading to Iceland in three weeks and I really dont want to be swapping lenses in the wind and rain.

I've been going back and forth between a few options:

RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM

RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

RF 24-105mm f/2.8L Z (maybe too big?)

My logic was that the 24-70 is the obvious choice for quality and that f/2.8 would be killer for some lower light shots, but then I keep thinking about the extra reach on the f/4 for landscapes. I have about $2,600 left in my gear budget and I'm worried the f/4 might not be sharp enough to really take advantage of that 45mp sensor. On the other hand, the new 24-105 f/2.8 looks amazing but I'm hiking a lot and it seems like a total brick to carry around. Is the image quality jump on the 24-70 worth losing that extra 35mm of zoom range for a one-lens setup? Just trying to figure out which one makes the most sense as a primary workhorse...

Philipziday · Accepted Answer

Adding my two cents here... @Reply #2 - good point! I totally get the weight argument, but coming from an old R to the R5 Mark II is a massive leap in sensor demand. I've spent way too much time analyzing raw files and over the years I have realized that the 45mp sensor is pretty unforgiving if the glass isnt top-tier. I once did a week in the Scottish Highlands with the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM and while it was light, I found myself cropping into the shots later and losing that crispness I paid for. The Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM is technically superior when you look at the edge-to-edge resolution. Check out the technical breakdowns on The-Digital-Picture if you want to see the actual lab results—the difference in corner sharpness at 70mm is actually pretty wild.Aperture: That f/2.8 is your safety net for those dark, moody Icelandic mornings when the sun barely peeks out.Optics: Better correction for chromatic aberration, which is huge for those high-contrast waterfall shots against white skies.Build: The weather sealing on the 24-70 feels significantly more robust for the price. Since you have $2,600, it fits right in your budget. I would honestly skip the Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8L IS USM Z... it is basically a video lens and way too much mass to hike with. Just grab the 24-70 and maybe a high-quality B+W 82mm Master Clear Filter to protect from the salt spray. Trust me, you dont want that volcanic grit on your front element... it ruins coatings fast.

LPSteven · Answer

Honestly, I have been in your shoes. I once lugged a massive f/2.8 setup through some coastal trails and by day two, I was ready to toss it off a cliff. For Iceland, you really want something reliable that doesnt break your back. The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM is the safest bet for your wallet and your spine.

Cost: Its way under budget, leaving you plenty for gas and food in Iceland.

Range: That extra reach is vital when you cant walk closer to a cliff edge.

Durability: Ive used mine in freezing sleet and it just keeps clicking. The sharpness holds up fine on my high-res bodies. I would put the leftover $1,300 toward some Canon LP-E6P Battery spares or a solid travel tripod. The f/2.8 Z is just a brick for hiking and honestly overkill for most landscape shots.

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