Honestly, i totally agree with the 35mm fans here, its a classic focal length for a reason. But from a technical standpoint, if you really want to lean into that "environmental" look you mentioned, you should seriously look at the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM. After shooting with it for over a year on the R6, the field of view is much more versatile for urban geometry and tight alleyways where even a 35mm feels a bit pinched. Heres why it wins on the long-term technical side:
- **Coordinated Control**: The lens IS works with the R6 IBIS to give you about 6.5 stops of stabilization. You can shoot handheld at 0.5 seconds in low light and still get clinical sharpness.
- **Distortion Management**: While it relies on a lens profile for the heavy lifting, the internal optics are solid. Even at f/1.8, the center resolution is impressive for a non-L prime.
- **Tactile Control**: Using the programmable control ring for Exposure Compensation makes street shooting way faster than fiddling with the main dials. Its basically the same weight as the 35mm but gives you that extra breathing room. Tbh, a 24mm + 50mm combo is usually more useful than 35mm + 50mm because the gap in focal length forces you to be more intentional with your compositions. Definitely worth a look if you prioritize IQ and weight.

Ngl, John makes a great point about safety. I've been shooting with the R6 since it dropped, and keeping a low profile is basically rule number one for me. I've owned a few of these lenses long-term and here is how I see them now: The Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM is my most reliable lens. It's lived on my camera for hundreds of miles and never failed me. The AF is snappy and it's tough enough to handle daily bumps without worrying. But lately, I've been using the Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM way more often.

• 35mm: Better in low light with that f/1.8. It feels more solid and versatile for different subjects.
• 28mm: The ultimate for stealth. It’s so flat that people don't think you're a serious photographer, which is exactly what you want sometimes to get natural shots. I'd probably skip the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM unless you really love that ultra-wide look. It's a fantastic piece of glass, but it's physically larger than the other two and definitely more noticeable to people on the street. Just my two cents after a couple years of trying to stay under the radar!

I'm totally with AccidentalGenius on those wider focal lengths for urban geometry. Coming from a 50mm, jumping to 35mm is nice, but for that real 'in the scene' feel, going even wider is super satisfying on the R6 sensor. I've been really happy with the technical performance of the STM motors lately... they're much snappier and quieter than the old EF gear. A few options that work well for me:

• The Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM is crazy light and lets you get right in the middle of the action for that immersive, gritty street look.
• For top-tier sharpness, the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM has surprisingly low chromatic aberration and stays very crisp at the edges even wide open.
• If you aren't sure on the focal length yet, the Canon RF 15-30mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM is a great way to test those wide ranges without a huge investment or much weight. Basically, the 24mm is the sweet spot for me tho. It gives you enough room to crop if you need to, but keeps all that environmental context you're looking for. You wont regret sticking to native RF glass on this body, the communication and the way the stabilization systems sync up is just way more reliable than adapted stuff.

Seconded!

Bump - same question here

Re: "Ngl, John makes a great point about safety...."

• I definitely agree on the stealth factor. Unfortunately, I've had issues with several setups mentioned here. I tried the EF adapter route to save cash but the communication between the body and lens was not as good as expected. Constant freezing and weird AF hunting. Basically, the thread is leaning toward the Canon RF 35mm f1.8 IS Macro STM for versatility or the Canon RF 28mm f2.8 STM for size. Just watch out for third-party lenses tho... some dont play nice with the R6 IBIS and you will get weird edge smears or jitters in your shots. It is super frustrating when you think you got the shot but the compatibility issues ruin it. Quick tips:
• Stick to native RF glass to avoid AF hunting issues.
• Use the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R if you must adapt, stay away from the cheap third-party ones.

Great info, saved!

Hey there! I totally get the 50mm feeling too tight sometimes for street. I actually went through a similar search with my R6 a couple years back, chasing that perfect wider street lens. I unfortunately bought a used 35mm f/2 that I had issues with... autofocus was inconsistent. After that, I tried the RF 24-105mm f/4L. While versatile, it's not as good as expected for low light. My advice? Consider the **RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM**. It's super compact, lightweight, and the image quality is surprisingly sharp, especially for the price. Plus, the IS helps a ton in low light. It's been my go-to for over a year now. Let me know if you have any other questions!

Hey! I hear you on the 50mm feeling cramped! While a 35mm is classic, have you considered the RF 28mm f/2.8? It's a pancake lens – super compact and light! I've been rocking it on my R6 for a year now, and it's fantastic for street. The slightly wider field of view gives you that environmental context without major distortion. Plus, the image quality is surprisingly sharp, even wide open. For the price, it's an amazing value and won't break your back carrying it around all day! Let me know if you have other questions!

Hey! I see you're looking for a wider street lens for your R6. Both the 35mm and 24mm options are popular, but before you jump in, let's talk about budget and getting the most bang for your buck – especially since image quality is a priority.

While the RF lenses are fantastic, have you considered adapting EF lenses? You can often find some real gems on the used market, especially Canon's older L-series lenses. For instance, the EF 35mm f/2 IS USM is a great performer, relatively compact, and usually significantly cheaper than its RF counterpart. You'll need an EF to RF adapter, of course, but those are readily available and reliable.

I actually went this route myself a while back. I was initially drooling over the RF 35mm f/1.8, but the price was a bit steep. I ended up finding a used EF 35mm f/2 IS USM in excellent condition for almost half the price, including the adapter! I've been incredibly happy with the image quality – sharp, great color rendition, and the image stabilization is a lifesaver for low-light street shooting. Plus, the R6's autofocus system works flawlessly with adapted EF lenses.

Just be careful when buying used lenses. Make sure to inspect them thoroughly for any signs of damage, like scratches on the glass or fungus. Test the autofocus to ensure it's working correctly. Also, check the lens compatibility with your camera before purchasing. I would suggest reading reviews and comparing prices on different websites to get the best deal.

Ultimately, the best lens is the one that fits your budget and meets your needs. Don't be afraid to explore the used market and consider adapting EF lenses – it can save you a lot of money without sacrificing image quality. Let me know if you have any other questions, happy to help!

Hey! I totally get wanting that perfect street lens for your R6! Everyone's talking about focal lengths, which is awesome, but has anyone thought about *safety* while you're out shooting?! I've been doing street photography for years, and I've learned a few things the hard way!

Think about this: A smaller, less flashy lens, like the RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro, might actually be *safer* in some situations. It's less likely to attract unwanted attention than a big, expensive zoom. Plus, it's still amazing quality! Also consider a good wrist strap or cross-body strap. I once nearly dropped my camera because someone bumped into me! A secure strap is a must-have for peace of mind. And finally, maybe avoid really isolated or dark areas, especially when you're alone.

Just my two cents, thinking about keeping your gear (and YOU!) safe out there. Let me know if you have any questions; I'm happy to share more safety tips I've learned over the years!

Hey! It's great you're expanding beyond the 50mm on your R6. While everyone's suggesting focal lengths, let's talk brands. I've tried both Canon's RF 35mm and Sigma's Art 35mm. Unfortunately, I had issues with sharpness consistency on the Sigma copies I tested, not as good as expected. The Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro is surprisingly good. It's lightweight, focuses fast, and the image stabilization is a lifesaver. Plus, you get that macro bonus! I picked one up a couple years ago, and haven't regretted it. The colors are great right out of the camera too. Let me know if you want to see some sample shots!