Looking for the best all-around travel lens for Canon EOS R10.

Question

So I just finally picked up an R10 and I am honestly so hyped to take it on my trip to Italy next month but I am totally stuck on which lens to bring as my main do everything glass. I did a bunch of digging and everyone keeps saying the RF-S 18-150mm is the obvious choice since it is made for the crop sensor and covers a huge range but then I saw some reviews saying it is kinda soft at the long end and that made me hesitate. Then I looked at the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 which seems better built maybe? But people on reddit were arguing that 24mm isnt wide enough on a crop body for street shots in cramped European alleys so now I am just spiraling a bit lol.

Here is what I am looking for:

Budget: trying to stay under $700 if possible, maybe a bit more if it is actually worth it

Use case: walking 10+ miles a day in Rome and Florence so it has to be light

Style: mostly landscapes, some food shots, and maybe some zoomed in architecture details

Timeline: need to buy it in the next two weeks before I fly out

Does anyone actually use the 18-150 as their only lens or am I gonna regret not having something faster or sharper? Or is there some secret third option I am missing like an adapter with an older EF lens? I really want to keep the setup small because I hate carrying a massive camera bag when I am trying to eat gelato...

Blake · Accepted Answer

Look, I have spent years testing travel kits and for an APS-C body like the R10, you absolutely have to consider the crop factor. That 24-105mm you were looking at is technically a full-frame lens. On your R10, it acts like a 38-168mm equivalent. You will be miserable trying to shoot the Pantheon or narrow alleys in Florence with a 38mm starting point. It just isnt wide enough for street work. In my experience, the Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM is the most logical choice for a one-lens setup. Here is why the technical trade-offs actually make sense for your specific trip:

Weight: It is only 310g. Walking 10 miles with an adapted EF lens and a heavy mount converter is a recipe for back pain.

Versatility: The 0.44x magnification at 35mm is basically a hidden macro mode. It is perfect for those close-up food shots you mentioned.

Focal Range: Having that 240mm equivalent reach for architecture details on the Duomo is something you dont want to give up. Regarding the softness people complain about... yeah, it loses some contrast at the long end, but honestly, unless you are printing billboard-sized posters, you wont notice it in your vacation photos. If you really want better optics and dont mind losing the reach, the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary for Canon RF is a killer alternative. It is sharper and better in low light, but you will definitely miss the zoom for those far-away building details. Stick with the 18-150mm for Italy and just enjoy the gelato.

DreamweaverDragon · Answer

Unfortunately, the Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM was technically disappointing. I'd grab a used Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM as a more reliable, budget-friendly alternative for sharpness, tbh.

Max · Answer

Yep been there done that. Can confirm everything said above is spot on.