29/05/2026 5:25 pm
Topic starter
Notifications
Clear all
Photography Tips
1
Posts
3
Users
0
Reactions
2
Views
0
Which compact lens should I buy for travel with a Canon R6 because honestly im so fed up with my current setup. I have the 24-70mm f2.8 and it is just way too heavy to carry around all day like seriously my neck is killing me after just a couple hours and it makes me not even want to take the camera out of the bag. I spent all this money on the R6 thinking it would be this great lightweight mirrorless experience but with these massive L lenses it feels just as bulky as my old 5D which is super frustrating.
Im heading to Italy in three weeks for a ten day trip and I really dont want to be lugging a huge camera backpack everywhere while my family is actually enjoying the sights and im just over here struggling with gear. I need something small that I can just leave on the camera and maybe stick in a small sling bag or even a jacket pocket if thats even possible. My budget is around $500 maybe $700 if its really worth it but I really just want something light that wont break my back. Ive been looking at:
- the rf 35mm 1.8 macro
- that tiny 50mm nifty fifty
- maybe the 28mm pancake?
Is the 28mm actually any good or is it too cheap feeling? I just want to take nice photos of the streets and maybe some food without feeling like a pro photographer on a high stakes mission its just so exhausting carrying all this glass...
10
29/05/2026 5:26 pm
In my experience travel photography is all about finding that sweet spot between weight and quality and honestly those L lenses are a total burden for long days. Ive tried many setups over the years and the Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM is exactly what you need for Italy. Its basically a body cap that happens to take incredibly sharp photos. While people worry about it feeling cheap because its a pancake lens the build is actually quite solid and the optical performance punches way above its price point. It makes the R6 feel like a completely different camera... one that actually fits in a jacket pocket or a tiny sling. If you really want that extra bit of shallow depth of field for food shots the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is fantastic but its significantly chunkier than the 28mm. For pure street walking and staying nimble the 28mm is the clear winner. You wont even feel it on your neck compared to that heavy 24-70 zoom.
