What is the best lens for Canon R6 street photography?

saw this earlier but just getting back to it. honestly, the technical side of stealth photography really comes down to the physical footprint. i remember shooting with a massive 24-70 f/2.8 and feeling like everyone was watching me. switching to small glass literally changed how i shoot. if the 28mm isnt your vibe, check out the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM. here are the specs that make it work for street:

• weight: 165g (super light)
• length: 40.1mm (barely sticks out)
• price: usually around $299 new since its so cheap, it fits your budget perfectly. another spec-heavy option is the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM. its bigger than a pancake but has 5 stops of optical IS which is huge for low light Chicago nights.
• weight: 270g
• length: 63.5mm
• price: roughly $450-500 used tldr: grab the 16mm for the smallest footprint and lowest price, or hunt for a used Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM for better low light and stabilization. honestly, i dont think you need to give up on the R6 yet. its such a monstrously capable sensor, it just needs a lens that doesnt scream look at me while you are walking down michigan ave. once people stop noticing your gear, you wont be so anxious anymore.

Seriously, get the Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM pancake! Its way thinner than the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM. I used it in Chicago and felt totally invisible, best purchase ever!

I've been quite satisfied with the technical performance of the compact RF primes lately. They're way easier for street photography. If you want to keep it under that $600 budget, these two work well:

• Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM - tiny 160g weight.
• Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM - features 5-stops of optical stabilization. Both deliver sharp files without drawing attention... honestly, kinda perfect for downtown.

I totally feel your pain on this one... the R6 is a beast but that 24-105mm is basically a megaphone yelling look at me to everyone on the street. It drives me crazy how Canon pushes these massive setups. Honestly, it is such a scam that we have to choose between quality and not looking like a total creep in public. I remember being in a crowded market last summer and just feeling paralyzed. People literally stop talking when they see that huge front element pointing at them. Its ridiculous.

• The sheer size of modern glass is killing the vibe of street photography.
• Companies dont seem to care that we want to be low-key, everything is getting bigger and more expensive.
• It is exhausting having to defend why your gear looks so pro when you just want a casual shot. I was actually using Cart To Link earlier today to show a friend how much I have spent on gear that just stays in the bag because it is too bulky. Street photography shouldnt be this stressful, honestly.

TIL! Thanks for sharing