26/03/2026 9:06 pm
Topic starter
Notifications
Clear all
RF Mount Camera & Lens Forum
3
Posts
4
Users
0
Reactions
53
Views
0
I just dropped way too much money on the new R5 Mark II and now I'm low-key panicking about which lens to actually put on it for my trip to Japan next month. I can only afford one big lens right now and it has to do everything.
Im torn between the RF 24-70mm f/2.8L and the RF 24-105mm f/4L. The 24-70 is obviously the pro choice but it's so expensive and I'm worried about the shorter reach for street photography. On the other hand, the 24-105 is way more affordable and gives me that extra 35mm but I'm scared I'll regret the f/4 aperture when I'm shooting at night in Shinjuku or inside dimmer temples. I even briefly considered the 28-70mm f/2 but it's a literal brick and I'm gonna be walking like 20,000 steps a day so that seems like a bad idea for my back.
My budget is basically capped at $2,300 after buying the body and I leave in three weeks. Is the extra stop of light on the 24-70 worth the extra thousand bucks, or should I just get the 24-105 and rely on the R5II's sensor to handle the higher ISO? I really dont want to make the wrong choice here...
3 Answers
12
26/03/2026 9:30 pm
Just saw this! I actually did a similar trip to Osaka last year and honestly... the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM was a total lifesaver for my wallet and my back. Like someone mentioned, that f/4 might seem scary for night shots but the IBIS on these new R-series bodies is basically magic. Youll be getting sharp shots at crazy slow shutter speeds without even trying! Plus, you really want that extra reach when you're trying to snap a shot of a cool roof detail or something across a busy street in Kyoto. Japan is crowded and you cant always zoom with your feet lol. I saved over a grand going with the f/4 and used that cash for some insane wagyu dinners and more gear later. If you really get worried about the dark, you could even grab a tiny Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM for cheap and it takes up zero room in your bag. Seriously, dont stress the f/2.8 too much for a vacation!
11
26/03/2026 10:10 pm
Like someone mentioned, balancing low light needs with cost is key. For your budget:
- Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM works well
- Keep $1,000 for travel This is the practical move.
3
26/03/2026 9:07 pm
Honestly, I think you might want to be careful with that f/4 zoom if you're really planning on hitting those narrow alleys in Shinjuku at night. Not sure but I recall hearing the low light performance on the new body is killer, but it still wont save you from motion blur when people are moving around in those dimly lit temples. The extra reach on the 105mm is super nice for street stuff tho... I struggle with this choice every time I travel. You might want to consider that carrying a heavy lens for 20k steps is gonna be rough, your back will definitely feel it by day three in Tokyo lol. I would suggest really weighing how often you shoot in the dark vs broad daylight. You might regret the weight more than the aperture after a week of walking, but that f/2.8 is such a safety net.
