Honestly so fed up with my current setup right now. I have been lugging around this bulky EF-to-RF adapter for months and it is just driving me crazy, like why is it still taking up space in my bag when I could be using native glass? I shoot mostly real estate and some architecture stuff around Seattle, so having a good wide-angle lens is basically non-negotiable for me. I started off using the 16-35mm f/4 on the adapter but the corners are just mush lately and the weight balance feels totally off on my R6, especially when I am trying to shoot handheld in tight bathrooms or hallways.
I have been debating the RF 14-35mm f/4 L but then I see the price tag and my bank account starts crying because I really dont want to drop two grand right now if I can avoid it. My budget is probably around $1200 or so, maybe a bit more if I sell my old glass. I also checked out the RF 16mm f/2.8 prime because it is so small and cheap but I keep hearing mixed things about the distortion and corner softness, and since I need crisp lines for interior shots, I dont know if that is gonna cut it for me. Is it even possible to get something sharp without selling a kidney? My logic was that maybe I could find a used copy of a higher-end zoom or maybe I should just bite the bullet on the prime and see if I can fix the distortion in post but that sounds like a headache I dont need.
I have a big shoot coming up in three weeks and I need to stop messing around with this adapter situation once and for all. Do you guys think the 16mm prime is actually usable for pro work if I stop it down, or should I just keep saving my pennies for the 14-35mm? Ive been staring at comparison charts for three hours and I think I might be losing my mind...
Ugh, I feel your pain with that adapter. It honestly makes the whole kit feel so front-heavy, especially on an R6. Look, if you are doing real estate, dont even think about that Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM for pro work. The distortion is wild and you will spend forever in Lightroom trying to get the lines straight, which isnt fun when you have a deadline. Honestly, you might want to consider looking for a used Canon RF 15-30mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM instead. Its super light, way cheaper than the L-series glass, and for interiors, it covers that wide range you really need. Just be careful with the aperture because it is a bit slow, but for real estate, you are likely on a tripod anyway, right? Itll save your back and your budget.
Honestly, stop stressing over the charts and just look for a used Canon RF 14-35mm f/4 L IS USM. If you camp out on some of the reputable used sites for a couple weeks, you can often find one in decent shape closer to your budget. I really wouldnt mess with the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM for architecture unless you absolutely have to. The correction profiles in Lightroom help, but you end up losing so much resolution at the edges that your interiors will look soft anyway. Here is how I would handle it:
- Check the major used gear dealers for a B-grade copy of the 14-35mm.
- Sell that old EF glass now to bridge the gap.
- Be careful with third-party manual glass, some have awful field curvature that ruins real estate lines.
Been thinking about your question for a few hours now and honestly, stay away from those cheap primes for real estate. Those corners will drive you insane during editing. Since you are in a rush for that shoot, maybe look into third-party options that offer manual focus or even some older manual wide primes from various legacy lens manufacturers. They are usually built like tanks and handle distortion way better than those plastic consumer lenses.
- Try hunting for used glass from big independent manufacturers who make stuff for the RF mount.
- Dont ignore manual focus lenses, as you are shooting architecture anyway, not sports.
- Check out high-end third-party brands that specialize in wide-angle optics. Basically, dont sacrifice your reputation on cheap glass just to ditch the adapter. Just be careful with the quality control on some of those off-brand zoom options.
