What is the best all-around lens for Canon mirrorless cameras?

Question

Hey everyone! I’ve recently made the jump to the Canon mirrorless system with an EOS R6 Mark II, and while I’m absolutely loving the autofocus and colors, I’m finding myself a bit overwhelmed by the lens options. I’m looking for that one 'Goldilocks' lens—something that can stay on my camera 90% of the time for travel, street photography, and the occasional family portrait.

I’ve been eyeing the RF 24-105mm f/4L because the constant aperture and weather sealing seem perfect for hiking, but I’ve also seen some surprisingly good reviews for the RF 24-240mm for those who want maximum versatility. Then there’s the struggle of whether I should just stick to a fast prime like the RF 35mm f/1.8 to keep the setup lightweight and discreet.

I really want to avoid constantly swapping glass while I'm out and about, but I’m worried about sacrificing too much low-light performance if I go with a slower zoom. My budget is somewhat flexible, but I’d prefer something that isn't as massive as the 28-70mm f/2. For those of you who have been shooting on the R-system for a while, what has been your go-to 'do-it-all' lens, and do you feel the f/4 aperture is limiting for everyday use?

PrismPipit · Accepted Answer

Seconding the recommendation above! Honestly, the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM is sooo good. I compared it to the Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS and Canon’s build is just amazing!! If ur worried about low light:
- Get the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM as a tiny backup.
- Trust the R6 sensor... it's literally magic!! Seriously, you're gonna love it!! gl

Peg204 · Answer

Seconding the recommendation above. Honestly, the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM is the industry standard for a reason, but I would suggest being careful before dropping full MSRP on it right away. 1. Check the Canon Refurbished store or reputable used sites first. You can often snag that L-series zoom for way less than retail, and it usually comes with a solid warranty. As someone who shoots professionally, I almost never buy brand new glass if I can help it... it basically saves you enough cash to grab a high-end filter or an extra Canon LP-E6NH battery. 2. About that f/4 aperture concern... while the Canon EOS R6 Mark II has insane high ISO performance, f/4 can still feel a bit restricted in dim indoor settings. If you find it limiting, I'd suggest eventually picking up a cheap Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM to keep in your pocket. It’s tiny, lightweight, and solves your low-light anxiety for like $150. 3. One warning though: be careful with the Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM if you're doing serious hiking. It’s not weather-sealed like the L-series lenses. One bad rainstorm or a super dusty trail could really mess with the internals, so for peace of mind, the 24-105mm L is the safer bet for outdoor longevity!! But yeah, for a do-it-all lens that stays on the camera 90% of the time, the 24-105mm f/4 is pretty much unbeatable. Good luck with the new rig, you're gonna love it lol.

MagentaHaven · Answer

ok so i feel u on the lens choice anxiety!! over the years, ive tried many combos, and honestly, the 'Goldilocks' lens is definitely the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM. Basically, it comes down to reliability. Variable aperture lenses like the Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM can be risky because your exposure shifts while you zoom, which is just one more thing to worry about when you're shooting. In my experience, here is why you go with the L series:
* Weather sealing: Essential for hiking so you dont ruin your gear if the weather turns.
* Constant f/4: Much more predictable for portraits than a variable zoom.
* Build quality: It’s a tank that won't fail you on the road. I wouldnt worry about f/4 being 'slow' because your R6II handles high ISO so well. Just grab a tiny Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM for dark situations later... anyway, hope that helps! 👍