Im honestly so annoyed right now because I dropped all this money on the new R5 Mark II and now I am totally paralyzed trying to find one lens that actually makes sense for it. My logic was that the 24-105mm f/4 L would be the perfect do everything kit but honestly the f/4 is killing me in low light and the bokeh is just... meh. I tried using it for a family shoot last weekend in a forest here in Washington and I had to crank my ISO so high I felt like I was losing all that sensor quality I paid for. So then I looked at the 24-70mm f/2.8 but the reach feels so limited for travel and I dont want to be swapping lenses every five minutes while I am hiking around Olympic National Park next month. I have about $2800 left in my gear budget and I really need to figure this out before my trip. Is the 28-70 f/2 actually worth the weight penalty or is it just gonna break my neck after an hour? Or should I just give up and get that massive 24-105 f/2.8 even though it looks like a telescope? I just want one lens that stays on the camera 90% of the time and doesnt make me regret my life choices when the sun goes down. What are you guys actually using on this body that doesnt feel like a total compromise?
I've spent a lot of time with both those big lenses on my R5 and they're both monsters in their own way. Since the f/4 is causing you trouble, moving to a faster aperture is definitely the right move for those dark PNW forests.
- Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8L IS USM Z: This is probably your best bet for a single-lens setup. It gives you the range you want but with f/2.8 speed throughout. It is heavier than the f/4 version, but the stabilization is rock solid for low light shooting when you're handheld.
- Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM: This lens is basically a bag of primes. The f/2 is gorgeous, but missing out on 24mm and the 70-105mm range can feel really restrictive for travel and landscapes. Its also very front-heavy for long hikes. Honestly, if you want one lens that stays on the body, the 24-105mm f/2.8 is the most versatile despite the size. It covers basically every base without you having to swap gear constantly.
