topic Re: What gear to carry? What lens to buy? Wide angle lens recommendations in Gear Guide

What gear to carry? What lens to buy? Wide angle lens recommendations

leogomez2 — Thu, 22 May 2025 16:32:52 GMT

I travel quite a bit and do a mix of street photo, architecture, and a s**t load of pictures of my wife.

Normally I wear a harness and carry 2 bodies (currently eos R5 mark II), with an RF70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM

and an RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM. I also carry a Samsung S25 and the little meta glasses (both of these are fun and handy but I consider them toys more than tools). However the phone has something my current camera setup lacks: the "0.6x magnification".

So I would like to add a wide angle lens and I am debating which one and how to do it. These are possible choices:

1. rf 15-35mm f/2.8l is usm
2. rf 14-35mm f4l is usm
3. Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM Lens

Budget is not an issue. But weight may be as I also carry flash, tripod, reflector and some times even extra underwear 🙂

However, I would even consider adding a third body (perhaps a smaller one like an R8). I find it a lot easier to just grab another camera than to fumble changing lenses in the middle of the street.

Re: What gear to carry? What lens to buy?

ebiggs1 — Thu, 22 May 2025 14:20:50 GMT

Well considering weight and/or adding an additional camera doesn't go together so I suggest to just buy the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens. From what you have stated I wool even consider a prime. Beside it sticks with the same f2.8 aperture of your other good lenses.

Re: What gear to carry? What lens to buy?

leogomez2 — Thu, 22 May 2025 16:52:34 GMT

Thanks. My option 3 is a 16 mm prime. Still thinking.

Re: What gear to carry? What lens to buy? Wide angle lens recommendations

March411 — Thu, 22 May 2025 16:55:14 GMT

I would agree with ebiggs the RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM is a great lens but does add some weight to my bag. That being said I just try to carry what I know will used and so normally it isn't an issue weight wise.

I carry it whenever I a wondering around the city or traveling. You mention the Refurbished RF14-35mm F4 L IS USM and weight wise it would lesson the load. There is currently one in Canon refurbished for $1,259.00

https://www.usa.canon.com/shop/p/refurbished-rf14-35mm-f4-l-is-usm

Re: What gear to carry? What lens to buy? Wide angle lens recommendations

shadowsports — Thu, 22 May 2025 17:56:47 GMT

Greetings ,

Great advice given here.

After a trip to Alaska 2 years ago, I thought a second body was going to be a necessity. It's certainly handy when you're trying to shoot a flying eagle and then come upon a waterfall.

The wife shots are important too 🙂. I own the 15-35 f2.8 and it is a Rolls-Royce. Trying to carry three cameras would definitely be challenging. I often carry a backpack with lenses galore, but it can be tiring. I prefer zooms to primes, but in some situations they're great. Very lightweight. I agree. Go with option one. Complete your Trinity.

As hard as it is, sometimes you have to leave one or two lenses behind. Also make sure you leave a hand free so you can hold your wife's hand👫

Re: What gear to carry? What lens to buy? Wide angle lens recommendations

JFG — Fri, 23 May 2025 04:43:13 GMT

Hello leogomez2

Welcome to the canon community. I'm 100% with ebiggs1 recommendation. From a sweeping ultra-wide 15mm to a wide standard 35mm, the Canon RF15-35mm f2.8 L IS USM to me is the perfect lens for street, architectural photography, and family photos. I really like my RF15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens. I can tell you that it will have your back in those low lighting conditions and in extreme weather, not to mention that as an L lens, its extensively weather sealed (but of course, that doesn't mean that it's waterproof). I love mine; it's a great lens. If money is no object, I would also think of adding a prime lens like the Canon RF35mm F1.8 IS Macro STM; a lightweight, fast-focusing prime lens with built-in image stabilization, perfect for discreet street and family photography. I also do a lot of traveling and shoot a lot of street and architectural photography as well and I'm also looking to buy a prime lens for myself, and the RF35mm F1.4 L VCM lens has grabbed my attention as it is designed to improve autofocus performance, particularly in demanding shooting conditions. It's a lens with ultra-fast focusing, and minimal focus breathing, the VCM might also be a worthwhile lens to look at. I'm looking to get it for street and astrophotography. The VCM lenses are a new series of hybrid prime lenses from Canon designed for both photography and videography. Whichever of the aforementioned lenses you decide to go with, I'm sure they will work out great for you. Good luck with your choice and let us know which one you decide to purchase.

Re: What gear to carry? What lens to buy?

ebiggs1 — Fri, 23 May 2025 14:26:09 GMT

Same post only correcting the errors in typing and spell checker ( a lose definition for sure!)

Well considering not adding weight and/or adding an additional camera doesn't go together so I suggest to just buy the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens. From what you have stated I would never even consider a prime. Beside the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens it sticks with the same f2.8 aperture of your other good lenses.