So funny you ask — last summer I lugged a giant zoom through Italy and hated every second. Are you printing these huge, or just web sharing?

• Try Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM
• Keep it light.

Everyone acts like you need the L-series glass to get decent shots but honestly that weight is a nightmare for street stuff. Save your cash and grab the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM. It’s tiny, sharp enough for portraits, and costs a fraction of the f/1.2 version. Why spend thousands when you can get 90% of the look for pennies? Don't fall for the hype, just shoot more...

Had a moment to think about this while grabbing coffee, and honestly, don't overthink the L-series hype. I've been through three different generations of these bodies and used to haul around those heavy bricks until my back gave out. If you want something actually usable for street and portraits without the weight, look at the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM. It is small, sharp enough for anything you'll print, and doesn't make you look like a pro paparazzi when you're just trying to grab a quick shot. Also, if you need a portrait prime that isn't a total boat anchor, the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM is cheap and tiny. It is kinda soft in the corners, but for street stuff, who cares? It is sharp where it matters. Just save your money and your spine.

I stumbled upon this thread while catching up on the forum this morning, and it really brought back memories of when I first made the jump to a higher-end body. I remember being so obsessed with getting the sharpest glass possible that I ignored how awkward it felt in my hands. I ended up dropping my entire setup on a cobblestone street because the balance was just completely off — it was a total nightmare. I eventually had to send the gear off to get serviced, and that was a lesson I won't forget. If you're going to invest in heavier lenses, just make sure you have a really solid strap and that you've double-checked the weight distribution. I'd recommend getting your mounting checked by a pro if you ever feel like the connection is loose, just to be safe. It’s definitely a balancing act.

Been thinking about your question all morning while I was out walking—honestly, everyone gets so caught up in the L-series dream, but if you’re actually out shooting street, you’re going to hate lugging a brick around by hour two. Those reviews raving about the weight being 'negligible'? They’re usually sitting in a studio, not dodging tourists on a sidewalk. If you want portraits that pop without needing a chiropractor, look at these instead:

• The Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM is a total sleeper hit. People act like you need the f/1.2 glass, but the compression on this at f/2 is gorgeous for portraits, and it’s way lighter than the heavy hitters. Plus, you get that macro capability for detail shots which is a nice bonus.
• If you really need a zoom, skip the massive 24-70 and look at the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM. Yeah, it’s an L-lens, but the range is so much more versatile for street work. You don't have to swap lenses constantly when things get chaotic. Don't get tricked into the 'fastest aperture or bust' mindset. Modern sensors handle high ISO so well now that you don't always need that f/1.2 speed anyway. Save the money, get a decent strap, and honestly, just go shoot. The glass matters way less than actually being comfortable with your kit.

Oh man, this is exactly my thing! Before I dive into the deep end with you, are you prioritizing that creamy bokeh background separation for portraits, or is your main goal just being invisible on the street? It reminds me of when my cousin tried to shoot an entire wedding in Tokyo with just a vintage manual focus lens and a prayer—it turned into this whole ordeal where he ended up chasing taxis for three blocks just to get a single shot, but that's a story for another time.

Lol I was literally about to post the same thing. Glad someone else brought it up.