So I finally saved up and bought the Canon R5 because my friend said it was the best for pictures but honestly I feel a bit over my head with all the buttons and settings. I really want to take those big sweeping mountain shots when I go to Glacier National Park in August but I dont even have a lens yet besides the one it came with. I keep hearing about wide-angle lenses but I have no idea what that really means in terms of numbers or brands. Is there like a specific one that is best for beginners? I'm pretty confused about the difference between the RF and EF stuff too like do I need an adapter for certain ones? Sorry if these are really dumb questions I just dont want to buy the wrong thing.
Here is what I am looking for:
- budget: id like to stay under $1500 if that is even realistic
- weight: i am gonna be hiking like 5-10 miles a day so nothing that feels like a brick
- ease of use: i just want to be able to point it at a mountain and have it look good
- versatility: maybe something that works for the milky way too?
Does anyone have a favorite they use for landscapes? I'm looking at the Canon website and there are so many options it's making my head spin...
You should prioritize RF native glass to avoid the 110g weight penalty and added length of an adapter. Since you are on the Canon R5, sticking with RF lenses ensures the autofocus and stabilization systems communicate at the highest data rates. For a $1500 budget and high-mileage hiking, the Canon RF 14-35mm f/4L IS USM is the most logical choice. It offers a 114-degree diagonal field of view at the wide end, which is essential for capturing those massive mountain ranges in Glacier.
- Weight: 540g (1.19 lbs), which is significantly lighter than the professional f/2.8 zoom alternatives.
- Stabilization: Features 5.5 stops of Optical IS, which jumps to 7 stops when coordinated with your R5 IBIS.
- Optics: It is part of the L-series, meaning it has weather sealing for when it gets dusty or rainy on the trail. The f/4 aperture is perfect for daylight landscapes, though it is slightly narrow for high-end Milky Way photography. If the night sky is a major goal, you might consider pairing it with the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM. It is tiny, weighs almost nothing, and the f/2.8 aperture pulls in twice as much light as an f/4 lens for cleaner star shots.
^ This. Also, unfortunately, the high-end Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM is priced way over your $1500 limit. I found that settling for older adapted glass wasnt as good as expected for long hikes. To stay within budget, I suggest this:
- Watch the Canon Refurbished site for a Canon RF 14-35mm f/4L IS USM.
- Buy a separate Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM for night shots. Refurbished deals are honestly the best way to get pro glass without overspending.
^ This. Also, sticking with the official brand name is probably the safest bet honestly. I tried using some third-party glass with an adapter when I first got my R5 and it was honestly a letdown... I had issues with the autofocus hunting and it just felt way too bulky for long trails. Unfortunately, those setups usually aren't as good as expected once you're actually out in the mountains. Since you're heading to Glacier, you definitely want something that can handle a bit of mist. Just get any of the newer wide-angle zooms from Canon. You can't go wrong with their native line because:
- the weather sealing is more reliable
- it wont weigh you down
- the electronics just work better Don't feel bad about being overwhelmed tho, the R5 is a total beast and takes some time to learn. Let me know if you need help with the dials!
