15/03/2026 8:40 am
Topic starter
Notifications
Clear all
RF Mount Camera & Lens Forum
4
Posts
5
Users
0
Reactions
288
Views
0
So my uncle actually just gave me his old camera which is the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and honestly I am so overwhelmed just looking at it. It has like a million buttons and I have no idea what I am doing but I really want to learn how to use it properly because we are going on this big family trip to Italy in like three weeks and I want to get some good shots. Right now it doesnt even have a lens on it just a cap thing because he kept his lenses for his new camera so I am starting from zero here and feel kinda dumb even asking this.
I tried looking online but everything is so confusing with all these numbers like 24-70mm and f/2.8 or f/4 and I dont really get what any of that means for someone who just wants to take nice pictures of buildings and my family. I have about 800 or maybe 1000 dollars saved up if I really stretch it to buy one lens that can kind of do everything. I dont want to be carrying around a huge bag of glass while we are walking around Rome or Florence so I just need one thing I can leave on the camera the whole time if that even exists.
Is there something that works for like wide views of churches but also can zoom in a little bit for photos of people? Someone mentioned something about a kit lens but then someone else said those are bad and I should get a prime lens but then I heard prime lenses dont zoom at all which sounds really hard to use if I am just starting out. I am really sorry if these are like super basic questions I just feel lost with all the options out there and I dont want to waste my money on the wrong thing since I know this camera is supposed to be really good.
What is basically the best all-around lens that isnt gonna break my back or my bank account for this specific Canon camera?
4 Answers
11
15/03/2026 9:05 am
In my experience shooting with the 5D line over the years, the Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 is a stellar alternative. Since you are visiting dim churches, that f/2.8 aperture is basically essential for low light. It is a bit heavy, but the image stabilization is top-tier for handheld shots. Honestly, it is a great one-lens solution that wont blow your budget.
11
15/03/2026 9:05 am
@Reply #2 - good point! Low light in those cathedrals is no joke. If you're on a budget, check out the Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art for Canon EF. It's usually cheaper than Canon L glass but still sharp. A few warnings tho:
- It's kinda heavy, so maybe get a Peak Design Slide Camera Strap.
- Buy used so you dont blow your budget.
- Practice focusing before you leave... it gets tricky!
4
15/03/2026 8:41 am
In my experience, the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM is the most logical choice for a 5D Mark IV. Over the years, I have found this specific zoom range is ideal for travel because it handles wide landscapes and tight portraits equally well. It fits your budget if you buy used. Its the perfect one-lens solution for Italy.
1
24/03/2026 12:41 pm
> Is there something that works for like wide views of churches but also can zoom in a little bit for photos of people? I remember when I first took a heavy full-frame camera abroad. I was so worried about having the perfect setup that I actually over-complicated everything. I ended up with a lens that was technically great but so heavy it actually ruined my back by the third day in London. You really have to be careful about the weight when youre walking five or six miles a day through cobblestone streets. One thing I learned the hard way was that reliability matters more than almost anything else when youre far from home. I had a gear failure once in a remote part of Europe because the build quality just wasnt up to the task of constant use. Make sure whatever you pick feels solid in your hands. I would suggest spending some time just walking around your neighborhood with the camera and your choice of glass before you actually get on that plane. It takes a while to get used to the ergonomics of a body like the 5D IV and you dont want to be figuring that out while youre trying to enjoy Rome. Just something to keep in mind.
