07/05/2026 3:31 pm
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RF Mount Camera & Lens Forum
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What is the absolute best all-around lens for the Canon R5 Mark II if I can only bring one single piece of glass on a trip? I finally bit the bullet and pre-ordered the Mark II after using a beat-up 5D Mark IV for nearly a decade and now I am honestly spiraling a bit about the lens situation. I leave for Iceland in exactly nineteen days (holy crap) and I need to make a decision like yesterday because I dont want to be stuck with the wrong setup in such a beautiful place.
I have been doing some research and looking at the RF 24-105mm f/4L because everyone says it is the classic do-it-all lens and the range is obviously great for travel but then I keep reading these forum posts where people say the f/4 is a waste of such a high-end body and that the 24-70mm f/2.8L is the only way to go if you want real sharpness. But is that extra stop of light really worth losing that 70-105mm range when I am shooting waterfalls and mountains? I am so worried I will get there and realize 70mm isn't long enough but if I get the f/4 and it is grainy in low light I will be totally devastated. I also saw that massive 24-105mm f/2.8 but that thing is like $3,000 and weighs a ton and I just cant justify that after the price of the R5II body plus I have to hike with this stuff.
My budget is capped at around $2,300 now since the camera was so pricey. Here is what I am mainly looking for:
- weather sealing because I know it is gonna rain or spray near the falls
- enough sharpness to actually use the 45 megapixels for big prints later
- something that doesnt feel like a literal brick around my neck all day
I am mostly doing landscapes but I want to be able to do some street stuff in Reykjavik too. Is the 24-105 f/4 actually sharp enough for the new sensor or am I gonna regret not having the f/2.8 glass? People keep mentioning lens breathing and peripheral illumination correction and it is just making me more confused because I just want one lens that stays on the camera 90% of the time and doesnt make me feel like I wasted the potential of the R5II. What are you guys actually using as your daily driver for this specific body?
2 Answers
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07/05/2026 4:05 pm
Technically, the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM is the most efficient choice for your budget. For landscapes, you're usually shooting at f/8, so the sharpness gap is kind of zero in the field. Its lightweight for hiking and the sealing is reliable. This lens leaves you cash for a high-end tripod or ND filters, which are more important for Iceland than an f/2.8 aperture. I dont think you'll regret it.
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07/05/2026 3:31 pm
The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM was not as good as expected for me. I had issues with the corners being soft, which is a bummer for landscapes. Unfortunately, it just doesnt do the R5II justice. I recommend the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM instead. It is much sharper and the f/2.8 is a lifesaver in dim light. Youll love the results!
