I am in the exact same boat and honestly it has been a total headache for me lately. I have been shooting with the R6 Mark II for a year now but I still havent found a travel lens that gives me the same character I used to get from my old Fuji glass without it being a massive brick. It is honestly so frustrating that I have been stuck with this dilemma for months and still dont have a solid answer. Before I go any further tho, I gotta ask... what is the main reason you are looking to move away from the STM? Is it the slow aperture in low light or are you just not happy with the sharpness at the long end?

Like someone mentioned, that L series glass is definitely the dream, but I would suggest being a little cautious about the weight and the dent in your wallet. Travel photography is supposed to be fun, not a total workout lol. I started with the same kit lens you have and felt the itch to upgrade pretty fast too. If youre looking for something more budget-friendly, you might want to consider these two:

• Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM: Honestly my favorite for street. Its super tiny and cheap compared to the L lenses. The wide aperture is a lifesaver when the sun starts going down, though obviously you lose the flexibility of a zoom.
• Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM: This is basically the ultimate lazy lens. I love it because I dont have to swap lenses in dusty places. Just make sure to look at some sample images first because it isnt as sharp as the f/4L version at the corners. TL;DR: Grab the 35mm if you want to keep things light and save money, or the 24-240mm if you want one lens that does everything for a decent price.

To add to the point above: I have been quite satisfied with the performance of the R6 Mark II system lately as it has proven to be very reliable in the field. Before making a transition from your current kit lens, I would like to ask a couple of clarifying questions to better understand your requirements. It is always better to be cautious before investing in expensive glass.

• What is the specific budget you are working with for this upgrade?
• Do you prefer a single versatile zoom for safety, or are you comfortable switching between specialized prime lenses? I find that being methodical about these choices leads to much better long term satisfaction with the gear. Knowing if you prioritize weather sealing for harsh environments or a compact size for street photography would also be helpful. I basically just want to make sure you dont end up with something too heavy that stays in the hotel room.

Here are some of the top recommendations:

1. Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

   • This lens is highly versatile, covering a wide range from wide-angle to short telephoto. It features a constant f/4 aperture and built-in image stabilization, making it ideal for various travel scenarios, including landscapes and portraits. It is often considered a go-to lens for travel photography due to its flexibility and image quality.

2. Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM

   • Perfect for capturing wide-angle shots, this lens offers a fast f/2.8 aperture and image stabilization. It's particularly useful for architecture and landscape photography, allowing for stunning wide shots without compromising on quality.

3. Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM

   • This compact and lightweight prime lens is excellent for street photography and low-light situations. It has a fast f/1.8 aperture and macro capabilities, making it a great addition to your travel kit for capturing details and portraits.

4. Canon RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM

   • If you need more reach for wildlife or distant subjects, this telephoto zoom lens is a lighter and more compact alternative to the f/2.8 version. It maintains a constant f/4 aperture and offers excellent image stabilization, making it suitable for travel.

These lenses provide a good balance of versatility, portability, and image quality, making them ideal for various travel photography needs.

RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM lens. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=Canon+RF16+28mm+F2+8+is+STM&BI=8941&KBID=10361&SID=12345&DFF=d50

This thread is gold. Bookmarking for future reference 🔖