Need to pick a new glass for my R5 asap since I'm heading to Iceland for a hiking trip in three weeks. Been reading up on the RF 15-35mm f/2.8 but some forums say the distortion at the wide end is a nightmare for landscapes, and then people keep pushing the 14-35mm f/4 instead because it is lighter but im worried about losing that extra stop for aurora shots. Looking to spend around 2k max.
- Needs to be weather sealed for the crazy wind
- Sharpness corner to corner is my main priority
- Weight matters because I am backpacking. Should I just save up for the 15-35 or is the f/4 enough?
If you are worried about the budget and weight, honestly dont overthink the L glass. I recently used the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM for a trip and for the price, its just hard to beat. Its super light for hiking, and that extra stop for the aurora is there. Sure, you lose some luxury features but when you are carrying your gear for miles, that lack of weight feels amazing.
- Pack the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM for the night shots.
- Use the cash you saved on a solid weather-resistant cover instead of a pricey lens.
- Dont stress about the distortion too much since software handles it fine these days. If you want a bit more versatility, the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM is also a dirt cheap option that covers most needs if you arent printing massive murals.
Honestly, I took the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM to Iceland last year and the weather sealing saved my life in those gale-force winds. Just be careful with the distortion, you really gotta correct it in post.
- The f/2.8 is mandatory for aurora, f/4 just wont cut it.
- Corner sharpness is solid if you stop down to f/5.6 or f/8.
- Weight is manageable for hiking.
^ This. Also, in my experience carrying gear through brutal conditions over the years, weather sealing reliability beats out saving a few ounces every single time.
- The Canon EOS R5 paired with the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM is a tank that wont quit when horizontal rain hits.
- Grab a heavy-duty rain cover anyway since Iceland wind finds every seam. Don't stress the distortion too much either. Lightroom profile corrections fix it in one click anyway. Have an awesome trip!
^ This. Also, dont overlook the Canon RF 14-35mm F4 L IS USM. While the other poster likes the f/2.8, the 14-35 is significantly lighter for hiking. If you need aurora speed, maybe grab a cheap prime like the Samyang AF 14mm f/2.8 RF for your bag. Its cheap, sharp enough, and saves you weight while keeping that extra stop for the night sky.