Which zoom lens/lenses (24-105, 24-240, 70-200 etc)?

LennyLevino wrote:

I am looking for a nice zoom lens or two to complete my travel and hiking kit. I have a Canon R6 and the following RF lenses currently: 15-30mm STM, 16mm STM, 50mm STM, 85mm STM.

I am mainly debating between the RF 24-240mm f/4.5-6.3 IS USM, vs RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 STM + RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM. Locally, the price for either kit would be about the same ($900).

The benefits of the 24-240mm is I would have only one lens that could do pretty much all I need. But with the two lens setup would gain almost twice the focal length. I'm guessing telephoto range (around 200mm+) would be better on the RF 100-400 as well.

A third option is to get the 70-200mm f/4L. It could probably become more of a hassle though as I can't just walk outside with one lens attached to the camera and expect to capture most of what I want/need.

So here are the kits I could do and fit in my camera bag, combining with the lenses I already own:

Kit #1 (24-105 + 100-400mm):

1. RF 15-30mm f/4.5-6.3 (already own)
2. RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 ($249)
3. RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 ($599)

Pros: Long reach (up to 400mm), higher quality on the telephoto shots. In situations where I might not need more than 100mm, the 24-105mm is considerably more light and compact versus the 24-240.
Cons: One extra lens to carry (in most cases), and the 100-400mm is quite large and heavy. Also IQ on the 24-105mm is questionable compared to the 24-240. But would like to hear some experiences.

Kit #2 (24-240mm):

1. RF 15-30mm f/4.5-6.3 (already own)
2. RF 24-240mm f/4.5-6.3 ($899)

Pros: Less lenses to carry. Might be fine just going out with the 24-240mm alone, since I don't shoot much below 24mm anyway. I also have the RF 16mm prime that I could more easily bring along instead of the 15-30.
Cons: Less reach (240 vs 400mm), probably slightly lower IQ in the 160-240mm range. This lens is also considerably bigger and heavier (almost twice as heavy) as the 24-105mm STM. So in cases where I don't need more than 100mm, it would be more cumbersome to use the 24-240.

Kit #3 (70-200mm):

1. RF 15-30mm f/4.5-6.3 (already own)
3. RF 50mm f/1.8 (already own)
4. RF 70-200mm f/4L ($1399)

Pros: Highest image quality on the 70-200mm focal range. This lens is also slightly smaller and lighter than both the 24-240 and the 100-400.
Cons: No "do-it-all" lens. I would have to carry at least two lenses every time I go out. Also this kit is considerably more expensive than the others.

I would go with the 24-105mm f/4.0 L.  It might be your most used lens, so I wouldn't skimp on quality there.  If you find 105mm too short you can always add the RF 100-400mm later on.