18-135mm comparable lens recommendation for R8?

[mangorosi]

I should preface this by saying I don’t know a ton about cameras as I mostly stick to auto mode.

For years, my work camera has been an EOS Rebel T6i with an EFS 18-135mm lens. We recently got a new EOS R8 camera body, but we are using the old 18-135mm lens on it with an adapter. Can you suggest the most comparable native RF lens to the 18-135 in terms of zoom capability and image quality, that won’t be subject to the cropping?

It’s mostly used for taking photos of people indoors across a large meeting room and sometimes at press conferences, both indoor and out. Periodically some headshots.

I’ve looked around online, but I’ve only gotten more confused. Thanks!

[deebatman316]

Look into the RF 24-240mm F/4-6.3 IS USM lens. That lens is compatible with Full Frame Cameras. You also can use the entire image sensor now. Instead of the camera cropping to just the APS-C image circle. Do you have a Specific budget in mind for a lens. Full Frame lenses don’t come cheap.

[Anonymous]

18-135 on crop is comparable with 29-216 on FF, nearest lens I know of is the Canon RF 24-240. A bit more zoom, maybe a bit less quality.

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

My colleagues have both made good suggestions.  

I might also suggest the RF24-105 f4 L or the RF24-105 f4-7.1 (if budget is tight).  All of these lenses would also be available Canon refurbished for additional savings.

The 18-135.  I owned this lens for years and used it on a T6s.  It was a favorite of mine.

The f4 L would be my first choice due to build quality.  It would be very close comparatively from a field of view perspective to what you had.  It would also work well for headshots.  

If the press releases are large and the ability to move is limited then the RF24-240 could be more effective.

[SignifDigits]

I don't have much to add in the way of options.  I own both the RF 24-240 f/4-6.3 IS USM and the RF 24-105 f4L IS USM, though and want to add some considerations.  On the R8 both lenses will make the R8 lens-heavy as the R8 is a small light body.  They are only 50grams difference.  24-105 is fatter and 24-240 is longer, so depends upon your hands and preference.  24-105 is better glass and f4 through out the range, but the range on the 24-240 is longer.  24-240 is only a bit less expensive on the used market, 24-105 f4s are plentiful - it appears that folks tend to trade that one in. It is a kit lens on some cameras, so that might explain it.  That's how I got mine   That, and once you're in that price range the better/excellent RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM calls out your name saying "you really want me instead, don't you?"

There are fewer 24-240s on the used market and the prices are nearly retail.  I think that's because the longer range and really good optics for the money mean a lot of people keep them as their primary lens and/or solo travel lens.  I have travelled extensively with the 24-240 (it was a kit lens on the RP that I started my mirrorless journey on - was a GREAT kit option, for sure - not sure why they discontinued it?), and was very happy with the results I got from a non-L lens.

Rick mentioned "...the RF24-105 f4-7.1 (if budget is tight)."  I've never shot that lens, but sounds like a good budget option.  It is a lot lighter.  Not L build quality, but neither is the 24-240 though other than weather sealing (it's it's raining hard don't use your camera) it has proven to be a high-quality lens.

So some other options that ignore your original query a bit, for cost savings: 1) the EF version of the 24-105 f4 IS USM L.  If your R8 came with a converter I believe this will be a big step up in quality over the RF24-105 f4-7.1.  Heavy, though, and not the "latest and greatest" in terms of autofocus, coatings, etc.  2) Again, if you have the EF converter there are a wide range of non-L Canon EF zooms to try out for not a lot of cash outlay that are full-frame lenses that will be lightweight and serviceable for taking good pictures in automatic mode.  They may not be the best to produce premium photographs, but if that's not a requirement, some of them are very good options.