14/05/2026 3:30 am
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I finally bit the bullet and upgraded to the R5 Mark II because I needed the autofocus speed but man, my lens situation is just making me want to throw the whole bag in the lake. Im shooting this outdoor wedding in Seattle in like two weeks and I spent all day yesterday scouting locations and swapping between my 35mm and 85mm primes in the drizzle and it was just a total disaster. Every time I changed lenses I was worried about getting moisture on the sensor and I missed some really good test shots because I was fumbling with caps. Its just too much.
I thought about the 24-70mm f/2.8 but then I feel like I might miss that extra reach for the ceremony, but then everyone says the 24-105mm f/4 is too dark when the sun goes down or when we move inside for the reception. I dont want to spend another five grand but I have about $2800 saved up specifically for a do everything glass. Honestly im just fed up with the weight and the constant swapping and I just want one lens that can stay on the body like 90% of the time without making me regret my life choices by hour six of a shoot.
Is the 24-105 f/2.8 Z actually worth the insane price tag and the size or should I just stick to the standard 24-70? Or is there something else I havent even looked at yet that wont break my back? Im really struggling to find that perfect middle ground where I dont lose the sharpness this sensor is capable of but also dont need a chiropractor after every weekend. What is actually the best all-around zoom for this thing if I just want to stop carrying a suitcase of glass?...
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14/05/2026 3:31 am
Look, if you want one lens to live on that R5 II, just save a little extra and grab the Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8L IS USM Z. I have been shooting weddings for years and swapping lenses in the drizzle is just a recipe for disaster. This thing is basically cheating. You get the f/2.8 aperture for those dim receptions but you still have the 105mm reach for the vows so you arent hovering over the couple. The weight is definitely there, ngl, it is a big boy. But honestly? It is way easier on your back than carrying a bag full of primes and constantly fumbling. The sharpness is incredible on that 45mp sensor too. Been super satisfied with mine and I basically never take it off now. It is the perfect middle ground even if it stretches your budget slightly.
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14/05/2026 3:55 am
Honestly, id be really careful about jumping straight to that massive Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8L IS USM Z. I rented one for a gig last month and by the reception, my wrist was actually throbbing. Its a total beast and maybe too much weight for most people to handle for six hours straight. For your budget and that Seattle weather, i would suggest just grabbing the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM. I remember shooting a rainy outdoor wedding where i was terrified to swap lenses because of the moisture. I kept the 24-70 on the whole time and it worked because:
- The weather sealing is solid for that PNW drizzle.
- f/2.8 is usually the bare minimum for indoor receptions if you arent using heavy flash.
- It balances way better on the R5 body during 10-hour days. You might miss the 105mm reach sometimes, but you can just use the in-camera crop mode on that R5 II to get a bit closer without losing too much quality. Just make sure to watch your iso if those clouds get real heavy.
