Best All Around lens for Canon R6 Mark II?

Tbh, looking at the market right now, Canon is definitely keeping their RF mount pretty locked down for full-frame third-party glass compared to other brands. I totally agree that starting with adapted EF lenses is the smartest way to save money, especially since the used market is flooded with pro-level glass that works flawlessly with the adapter. But if you want to take full advantage of the R6 Mark II's insane AF and IBIS, native RF is realy the way to go. The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM is the standard choice for a reason—it hits that sweet spot of range and constant aperture. However, if you find yourself wanting more 'pro' bokeh for those portraits and you have the budget, you realy should look at the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM. It’s a beast, but the price is definitely steep compared to the Sigma/Tamron alternatives on other mounts. Also, dont overthink the IBIS too much; while the body is great, having IS in the lens (what Canon calls Coordinated Control) gives you a noticeable edge for handheld landscape shots at blue hour. If the f/4L is too much cash right now, even the 'kit' Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM is surprisingly sharp for the price and much lighter for everyday carry (at least thats what worked for me when I was traveling light).

TL;DR: Stick with native Canon glass for the best autofocus performance, but don't feel pressured to buy the most expensive professional series. In my experience, the all-around quest usually ends when you just pick a reliable brand and stop pixel peeping. Over the years, I've tried many different setups, and I've found that Canon's own native glass just plays nicer with their newer bodies. You don't need to go for the heavy, expensive pro lenses right away. Honestly, just get any of the standard Canon zoom lenses. They're surprisingly sharp and way easier to carry around all day. If you're looking for an alternative, go with Sigma. You really can't go wrong with their glass—it's often more robust, and the image quality is usually fantastic for the price. Just get any of their fast zooms and you'll be set. Since your R6 Mark II has such good internal stabilization, you won't even miss the lens-based IS for most of your shooting. Don't overthink it, just pick a brand and start shooting!

Hey! I've been there, totally get the lens paralysis! While the 24-105 f/4 is solid, consider the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2. It's generally sharper and that wider aperture (f/2.8) is a HUGE help for low light and creamy backgrounds for portraits. Plus, it's often similarly priced. As for IS with IBIS, it's still useful, especially for video or really slow shutter speeds, but honestly, it's less critical. Seriously, check out some comparisons of the Tamron – you might be surprised!

Hey there!

I totally get the all-around lens quest – it's a rabbit hole! While the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 G2 mentioned is a *fantastic* lens, and definitely sharper than the Canon 24-105 f/4, I think there’s another option that deserves some serious consideration, especially given you're just starting out: the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art.

I actually used this lens for a solid year on my Sony system before switching to Canon, and honestly, it was a workhorse. Optically, it's stellar – noticeably sharper than the Canon 24-105mm f/4, especially wide open at f/2.8. That extra stop of light is a game-changer for low-light shooting and getting that nice blurry background in your portraits. Plus, the build quality is top-notch, feels really solid in hand.

Now, regarding image stabilization (IS) and the R6 Mark II's IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization): it's a bit of a nuanced situation. The IBIS in the R6 Mark II is amazing, *especially* for stills. However, having IS in the lens itself can still be beneficial, especially for video. It basically gives you a dual IS system, which can smooth out handheld footage even further. That said, for primarily stills, the IBIS should be more than adequate with a non-IS lens like the Sigma. Also, it really depends how steady your hands are. I've found the R6 II's IBIS to be good for about 3-4 stops of stabilization, and sometimes more, but that is extremely dependent on the focal length and subject.

Another thing to consider is the focal length range. The 24-70mm range is slightly less than the 24-105mm, meaning you will have to change lenses more often, but the f/2.8 aperture and better image quality makes it worth it, in my opinion. Also, the Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 is a great option, but it is significantly more expensive than the Sigma.

Ultimately, the *best* all-around lens is subjective and depends on your specific needs and priorities. However, the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art offers a great balance of sharpness, aperture, build quality, and price, making it a compelling alternative to the Canon 24-105 f/4 and the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8.

Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Hey! Honestly, for starting out, don't sleep on the EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM with an adapter. You can find them used for dirt cheap! It's a decent option to learn what focal lengths you actually *use* before dropping big bucks on RF glass.