Need advice on lens for casual one lens travel

[kabbabu7]

I'm currently looking for a one-lens solution for casual travel with family, as I don't have the luxury of time and space to keep changing lenses often. I have also realised that I'm often cropping as 70mm is a bit short for me.

Currently, I'm looking at the 24-105 F4L and 24-240 f4-6.3, as I can get them second-hand at a similar price. i also researched a bit and saw that the reviewer was saying the 24-240 has good centre sharpness but more distortion on the side, which can be fixed in post. while im afriad 24-105 F4 L may not have the reach during my one lens travel.

Appreciate it if you could share any advice for me.

[deebatman316]

What camera are you using and what is your budget. What are you using your camera for.

[March411]

Hi kabbabu7, welcome to the community. You don't mention what body you are currently using, FF or APS-C?

Personally either of the lenses you mentioned will serve you well but each has a trade off. The 24-105mm is a bit faster but you give up a little over 100mm in range. The RF24-240mm needs more light when you push it out to 240mm but boy that extra range is nice if you only mount a single lens.

I went through the same exact decision and rented both prior to making a purchase, ended up with the RF24-240mm for the extra range when traveling. At 105mm (f5.6) on the RF24-240mm I gave up about a stop but it was worth it for the extra range. Overall the lens performs really well, the IQ is pretty good but on the low end I had some vignetting. Stopping down resolved the challenge but was only an option when light was available. 

• f 4 at the 24mm -27mm wide end
• f 4.5 up to 44mm
• f 5 up to 70mm
• f 5.6 up to 109mm
• f 6.3 beyond 109mm

For vacation and travel, it would be a challenge to tell the difference the 24-240 is f/5.6 through @ 105mm verses the RF24-105 F4L.

There is a good review on Optical Limits if you are interested. If you have the ability I would suggest renting both to help make an informed decision. 

Early morning shot, low light with my R6 MkII and the RF24-240mm f7.1 @1/160 sec - 90mm 

[MrWalleye73]

The 24-240 is a nice size and range for a do it all lens for travelling. I took mine to the Baltic recently and was pleased with what it did for me. Not perfect for indoors but can do decent work. I brought a 50mm 1.8 with for times I knew I would be shooting indoors and in lower light. The goal was to pack light and practical due to luggage restrictions. James Reader did a recent review on Youtube of this lens, he seemed to like it too, if you're into watching reviews. His review sums up the pros and cons pretty well. 

Always tough making lens choices. If they were $100 each, it would be easy! 😁