You gotta look at the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM combined with the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R. I've been in the game for ages and honestly, this combo is legendary for a reason! I used this exact setup for a moody short film last spring and the results were just breathtaking. The way it renders out-of-focus areas is so much more pleasing than many modern zooms imo. It fits perfectly in your budget if you buy used, and the performance is just stellar. The build quality is tank-like which is great when you're out in the field. Plus, since it's a constant f/2.8, you dont have to worry about your exposure jumping around when you zoom in for a close-up. I love how the focus feels on this lens too... super predictable for those manual pulls. It really gives your footage that professional, high-end look that straight RF STM lenses sometimes lack. Its a total workhorse and you're gonna love the colors!

Honestly, if youre doing short films on the R6 II, you gotta think about how you’re actually moving the camera. I've been using the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM for a while now and it’s basically lived on my camera body. Since it has decent IS, the footage is pretty smooth even when I’m just walking around or doing handheld stuff. It’s a bit wider than a 35mm, which I think is way better for storytelling because you can actually see the environment your subject is in, you know? Well actually, if you want that real 'cinematic' shallow depth for b-roll, definitely look into the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM for those tight shots. You could probably get both of these for under a grand if you look for sales. Tbh, having two distinct focal lengths teaches you way more about framing than a zoom ever will. Just my two cents from shooting over the last year! TL;DR: Go with the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM for your main wide/medium shots. It's sharp, light, and the IS is a lifesaver for video.

Same here!

Skip the zoom, grab a used Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM. Sharp, versatile, and I got mine for $400. Perfect for starting out and learning your style.

Hey! For filmmaking, check out lenses with constant apertures (like f/2.8) for consistent exposure, especially if the light changes. Forget variable aperture zooms! The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 (APS-C, but works!) is a *super* sharp, fast option. You'll get a crop, but the image quality is amazing. Have you considered adapting vintage lenses? It's a fun (and budget-friendly!) rabbit hole!

Before committing, consider a used Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8. You can often find them around $700. Make sure to inspect thoroughly before buying.

Forget fancy bokeh, prioritize IS! Shaky footage is unusable. The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM will save your bacon. I dropped my camera once; good IS saved the shot. Don't risk it.

Hey! Before diving in, check out lens review sites like DPReview; they do rigorous testing. For that R6 Mark II, consider Sigma's 24-70mm f/2.8. Amazing glass, but be warned: cheaper lenses often mean compromises in build quality and image sharpness. Seriously, research! Rent before you buy if possible!