24-70 Range Thoughts: Seeking best value for EOS R6 Mark II

[MrWalleye73]

Good Morning,

I'm settling on a newer lens in that range for the R6M2 (really liking this camera). I had the previous conversation about slower glass. Good ideas/thoughts from all. Now, I'm playing with a budget here....my old EF 24-70 F/2.8L (version I), died a year or so back. I wasn't good to it, and not repairable at all. So I never got to try it on this new camera. I liked it a lot. I want to go similar again but won't be spending $2k plus for th RF version. I like the practicality of a single lens in with the 2.8.  I see some nice EF Version II's out there that would work, adapted of course. And I saw some good/great reviews (and some so-so ones) about the RF 28-70 F/2.8 IS STM. That price point is my max. I'm selling some older lenses to fund this purchase. I know the L lens Version II should be better than my old one, no doubt. But has anyone tried the new RF lens? Canon states weather resistant construction equivalent to L series on their site. Nice. I know it's an STM and I see the twisting unlocking feature to activate it. I swear some of the online reviewers pixel peep to death. I just want a lens with a good image, the camera and I will provide the rest. 

Happy Monday and a penny for your thoughts....

Chris

[MrWalleye73 · Accepted solution]

Solved my dilemma.....bought an EF 24-70 mark II. 

[MrWalleye73]

The Mark II 24-70, was a dud. Not as described...sent it back. Now Canon has refurbished RF 24-70 lenses for about $5-600 less than a new version, $1799. Tempted....but still thinking a 24-105 F4L would still work fine with the newer camera tech. And that's Refurbished at $899. I would be using it at family events, well lit indoors, when needed, or can drop on the 50 1.8. Otherwise it will be an outdoor out and about lens.  Can always drop a Speedlite on if really needed. Soooo many arguments out there for that one stop of light. If I was crazy like my younger years, I'd buy evey lens. This is a tough call. I took the RF 28-70 F2.8 out of the mix as it seems to need a lot of corrections to perform acceptably. Yeah I'm talking to myself....😁

[JeffXB]

Based on your statements IMHO the 24-105mm F4 L will meet your needs. I have the lens, it was the first RF lens I bought after purchasing the R6 M2. I think it balances price point, focal length, weight and bulk quite well. It’s my go to work horse lens for general photography purposes. The R6 M2 handles noise quite well. Combine that with denoise software available, such as in Lightroom Classic and / or Topaz, and I don’t even think about high ISO’s anymore. 

I honestly don’t think you’ll miss that one stop of light if you purchase the F4 L version. As you said, if needed you can always pop on a speed light (with or without a diffuser) or switch over to your 50mm F1.8.  Canon refurb at $899 sounds like a good deal (I paid a few hundred more as an “open box” item from a reputable dealer) and you’d be getting the full warranty. My vote (for what it’s worth): Go for it! I don’t think you’ll regret it.