11/04/2026 5:26 am
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I really need to figure out which Canon RF lens I should grab for landscape work like right now because I'm leaving for a big trip to the Dolomites in ten days and I still haven't pulled the trigger on a wide angle. I'm shooting on an R6 and I've been staring at comparison videos for weeks but I'm just getting more confused the more I read. I keep seeing people rave about the RF 14-35mm f/4L IS USM because it’s wider and way lighter for hiking but then other guys on the forums swear by the 15-35mm f/2.8L for those sunrise shots or if I want to try some astro while I'm out there in the mountains.
I'm worried that if I go with the f/4 I'm gonna regret it when the light gets low or if I want to do some milky way stuff at the Tre Cime peaks but then again is the extra 1mm on the wide end of the 14-35mm actually a huge deal for big mountain vistas? My budget is roughly $2,200 max so I can afford either one really but the weight is a huge factor for me because I'm gonna be trekking for like 6-8 hours a day through the Alta Via 1 trail and my pack is already gonna be heavy enough with all my camping gear and food. I also saw some people mentioning the RF 24-105mm f/4L as a one-lens solution for landscapes but I feel like I'd miss out on that super wide look for the jagged peaks and lake reflections.
Then there's the 14-35mm edge sharpness issue I read about where some people say it relies too much on digital correction to fix the vignetting and distortion at 14mm and that makes me nervous about spending two grand on a lens that isnt perfect glass wise. I'm honestly paralyzed by the choice and the clock is ticking and I need to order this by Wednesday to get it in time for the flight. I've even thought about the cheap 16mm prime but I feel like I need the zoom versatility for framing. Is the f/2.8 really a game changer for mountain sunrises or should I just stick to the lighter f/4 and use a tripod...
6 Answers
12
11/04/2026 6:00 am
Are you bringing a sturdy tripod or planning to shoot handheld mostly? If you have a tripod, the f/4 might be the safer choice for your back.
- Canon RF 14-35mm f/4L IS USM: lighter, tho the digital corrections at 14mm are pretty heavy.
- Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM: better for astro but way more weight. Be careful with the bulk... I would suggest checking your pack weight before committing.
12
11/04/2026 6:10 am
Re: "Are you bringing a sturdy tripod..." - honestly, forget the f/4! If you're going all the way to the Dolomites, you gotta grab the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM. It's an absolute beast and totally worth the extra weight!
- That f/2.8 is a total lifesaver for Milky Way shots.
- Much cleaner edges without the digital correction mess.
- It's the ultimate pro-grade choice for your R6!
4
11/04/2026 6:50 am
I would suggest Canon RF 14-35mm f/4L IS USM for the best value.
- Lower entry price
- Safer pack weight Be careful tho, that f/2.8 is really heavy for trekking.
3
31/05/2026 1:50 pm
Regarding what #4 said about "Re: "Are you bringing a sturdy tripod..." - honestly the whole process of picking gear lately is just exhausting. Im satisfied with how my kit works now after a lot of DIY trial and error, but the industry is making it so hard for enthusiasts.
- It is honestly ridiculous that you have to spend two thousand dollars and still stress about whether the glass is actually perfect or just software-corrected.
- The way these companies force us to choose between breaking our backs with heavy gear or accepting compromises is such a scam.
- It drives me crazy that pro lenses are now so specialized that you feel like youre missing out no matter what you buy. Its just a mess and the constant price hikes for gear that feels less pure than the old stuff is a total joke. I totally feel your pain on this... the clock is ticking and there just isnt a clean answer because of how these lenses are designed now.
1
11/04/2026 5:26 am
In my experience, grab the Canon RF 14-35mm f/4L IS USM. Weight is king on the Alta Via 1, and 14mm is noticeably wider for those huge vistas.
1
11/04/2026 6:00 am
Im in the exact same boat with my R6 and I gotta disagree with how easy some make this sound. I've spent weeks analyzing distortion profiles for the Canon RF 14-35mm f/4L IS USM and Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM and I'm still paralyzed. Im very cautious about the f/4 relying on digital stretching... it feels risky for the price. Honestly, Ive been dealing with this for a month and I still cant decide.
