What is the best everyday lens for the Canon EOS R6 Mark III?

Question

What is the absolute best "do-it-all" lens for the R6 Mark III for someone on a bit of a time crunch? I have a trip to Japan in exactly two weeks and I still havent settled on glass.

I spent most of my savings on the body so I only have about 1500 left. I read that the 24-70 f2.8 is the gold standard but its way over budget and looks huge. People suggest the 24-105 f4 but I'm worried it'll be too slow for night street shots in Tokyo and I really dont want to carry a tripod. Is there a better everyday option I'm missing or should I just go with the f4 zoom?

Matilda · Accepted Answer

Re: "Be careful relying only on an f/4 zoom..."

Honestly, that advice is absolute gold because Japan at night is a total vibe you dont want to miss! I did a two-week run through Shinjuku and Osaka last year with a similar setup and it was just incredible. Carrying a tripod through those packed streets is basically impossible, so you really need to be smart about your gear weight. If I were in your shoes with $1500, here is my methodical plan to maximize your kit:

First, get the Canon RF 24-105mm f4L IS USM. Its a fantastic piece of glass and the stabilization is amazing. I used it for 90% of my daytime shots and the clarity is just beautiful.

Second, definitely pick up the Canon RF 50mm f1.8 STM. Its tiny, super cheap, and is the perfect emergency lens for when the sun goes down. I love it because it weighs almost nothing and fits right in a jacket pocket.

Third, use the remaining cash for a high-quality memory card like the SanDisk Extreme Pro 128GB SDXC UHS-II. I found that the R6 sensor is so good that you can really push the ISO, but having that f1.8 prime for the narrow alleys in Golden Gai was a total lifesaver. You get that creamy bokeh and fast shutter speeds without needing the heavy f2.8 zoom that costs a fortune. Enjoy Tokyo, its gonna be an amazing experience!

Robert · Answer

Be careful relying only on an f/4 zoom for Tokyo at night if you arent bringing a tripod. I would suggest getting the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM for your general use but adding a fast prime for safety.

Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM

Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM This combo stays under your 1500 limit. The 24-105 is reliable, but f/4 might struggle in darker alleys.