RF 24-105 F4-7.1 IS STM For shooting paintings?

[BeccaBoni]

I am rediscovering my love of photography and I just purchased an EOS R6 Mark ii that came with the RF 24-105 F4-7.1 IS STM lens. I was previously using the Rebel T7 with the lens that came with the 18-55mm lens. I have recently been learning how to photograph paintings as I have mainly been shooting outdoor macro and landscape. I'm finding this to be more challenging than I expected and I really want the most appropriate lens that will capture all of the texture and detail with my new camera. I was mostly shooting outside in the shade,  when it's cloudy, or at sunrise before the sun comes out with my Rebel T7. What lens recommendations would be suggested to shoot in raw using manual focus for shooting artwork? 

[deebatman316]

Do you have a specific budget or focal length since you mentioned Macro work? The 18-55mm on the Rebel T7 provides an equivalent Angle of View of 28-88mm when compared to Full Frame. So the 24-105mm has a similar angle of view to the 18-55mm lens on your Rebel T7. What limitations have you come across please explain in further detail and provide example pictures.

[BeccaBoni]

I haven't even begun to shoot with the R6 Mark ii. I just really want some guidance on whether the lens that I'm getting with the camera will give me the accurate, print quality images I'm going for in shade, cloudy, or twilight. I understand that the apperature can't go larger than F4, but I'm not clear if it can go to a smaller apperature than 7.1. I haven't studied photography since the early 90's and not only have I forgotten a lot of what I learned since developing my own film, I'm trying to learn everything about digital. I'm pretty much a natural when I'm taking pictures of a butterfly eating from a flower, but shooting paintings that are print quality are so different from that and I just want to make sure I have a lens that will help me achieve the accuracy of the artwork. There's still so much I need to learn!! Thank you 

[kvbarkley]

Are these your paintings or in a museum? It matters because with your paintings.you have total control over lighting and tripod.

And theF4-7.1 just gives the maximum aperture across the zoom range. You can stop down to F/22 or so.

[BeccaBoni]

I'm shooting my friend's artwork at her house for her online portfolio. Hopefully I can showcase her art well enough for her to be successful. I don't have any equipment to speak of. I tried buying some lights that were very inexpensive, but were too small and also too bright for shooting indoors. A lot of her artwork is just too large or too fragile to take somewhere else. The only suitable area I have found is her back patio at very specific times of day. I was finally getting the hang of the settings optimal for the shots I was after with my previous camera. I no longer have it and decided to go with newer technology and I need some guidance. Thank you!!

[BeccaBoni]

I'm also reading that USM lenses are more precise using manual focus than STM lenses. Should I be looking at those? What mm? I'm so overwhelmed by everything available and my limited knowledge.

[deebatman316]

That’s not true. All RF lenses are focus by wire. There isn’t a direct connection between the focus ring and lens elements.

[justadude]

"I understand that the apperature can't go larger than F4, but I'm not clear if it can go to a smaller apperature than 7.1. "

I have this same lens, and often shoot between F/8 - F/11.  It's pretty much the best aperture I have found using this exact same lens on three various Canon mirrorless cameras, including the R6 Mk ll.  

 "shooting paintings that are print quality are so different from that and I just want to make sure I have a lens that will help me achieve the accuracy of the artwork"


For a kit lens, typically I've never expected a lot.  I've owned many since the 1970's.  However, this kit lens really has surprised me.  It is very sharp, and better than just about any kit lens I have ever owned (with the exception of the 70's and 80's when some SLRs came with very nice lenses).  But since that time period, yeah, it's been the best.  As for shooting paintings that are print quality, there is no reason you shouldn't be able to.  Of course, you'll have to control the lighting, focus, all that fun stuff... but even with the best lens on the market, you'll still have to set all of those things for good results. I can say I've made prints 30" x 40" with this lens that turn out very well as far as my clients have been concerned.  You should be able to easily achieve the accuracy of the artwork, especially if you shoot in RAW, shoot at ISO 100 (the camera can handle a LOT higher ISO, but if you want the best detail, stick with 100), and you control the lighting to be able to shoot at that ISO, and that aperture.  Use a tripod, and a 2 second delay as well.  Make sure you turn OFF the IBIS when you use a tripod.  That is important.  I learned that the hard way when I first bought this camera (which was my first with IBIS).

[ebiggs1]

"What lens recommendations would be suggested to shoot in raw using manual focus for shooting artwork? "

I didn't bother reading all the replies since the lens you use and even the camera you use isn't as important as shooting raw using a tripod and getting Photoshop or at least DPP4 from Canon. DPP4 is free so no reason to not get it. AF will work as long as you have good contrast if you don't than MF will be needed.

[TomRamsey]

I have the lens and think it will do just fine, the only way to know for sure is try it.  But for work on a tripod you don't need a fast lens.  Gary (justadude) and ebiggs1 have written excellent advice in this thread.  The hardest part will be lining up the camera to get a flat plane to shoot out, then any possible distortion can be taken care of in post.