EF Lenses on R Mount (f/1.2 portrait primes)

saltydogstudios wrote:

I've been interested in getting into the R Mount for a while now with the 50mm f/1.2 and 85mm f/1.2 lenses for portrait work - both natural light and studio.

Adding all of the above to my cart ends up being around $8000 USD for the body and both lenses.

But the latest DP Review video has me thinking - why not get the EF mount equivalents?

Sure the lenses are older and the autofocus and optical performance may not be as good - but with some used EF lenses, my cart is now half the price (body, two lenses and adapter).

Does anyone who has experience with both the EF and R versions of these lenses have an opinion on this?

With the lenses at less than half the price of the R mount versions, it seems like a no brainer - I can get started and then trade up to the R versions if/when it makes sense.

Is there any major reason I would regret getting the EF lenses?

I don't do much studio work because I am starting out and still studying.

I got the 85mm f/1.2L II because it is amazing lens.

The micro-constrast that this lens offers is superb.

The images pop. They look 3D at f1.2, f2, f4, f8. It is its characteristics.

I also got it thinking in the future because this lens is so difficult to get the focus right wide open for all the reasons we know which get redundant when you go to mirrorless because now you don't have problems with AFMA and the AF system is much better.

Meanwhile I am still practicing. Have noticed when I use it on my 6D live view it nails focus at f/1.2.

If you have a 5DMKIV you can shoot using live view using dual pixel system. The 6DMK2 is much nicer in the sense that you have a tilt screen and it even allows you to do self portrait and practice.

I am going to rent a 6DMK2 to test this out myself and see it with my own eyes because.socfar I have been hearing and watching youtube from different people.

If you have set the goal to buy the EOS R, do first a test drive with canon and ask them to test the EOS and the EF f/1.2II and see for yourself.

I have tried to get a lot of information about this lens and how it would perform on the R or recent cameras like the 6D or 5DMKIV and it took a loot of time and answers haven't been a lot clarifying.

So once I saw it being sold on an used camera shop mint with 1 yr warranty for £750 I didn't think twice.

Now I am testing it with my 6D. I am seeing and experiencing myself some of the things people say.

It is sometimes frustrating. Sometimes I nail the focus and f/1.2 sometimes I don't. Went it nails images are from the other world. If it is really true that because the EOS R (mirrorless's) don't have mirror and there is no issues with the AFMA I can't imagine how it will perform.

Better AF system. 5k focus points no need to recompose. Eye tracking. It can just get better and plus the focus will also be nailed every time. That is exciting. The AF it is a bit slow but not that slow how people like to paint it. It is all right. Can shoot action with it for sure.

I will do a test drive with the EOS R specifically to assess how this lens behaves on a mirrorless camera amd see it for myself. I have high hopes.

I think the lens does not have any problems because using live view on my 6D the focus is nailed at 1.2. However shooting through the OVF it is a hit and miss.

If the lens behaves that good on the R I will have to hold myself and not get tempted to get the camera now.

On top of all this, it is the legendary canon f1.2. when you buy a lens like this you buy it for the 1.2 and that micro contrast that it's got and the transition between the out of focus to focused areas. I hope to buy the 50mm F1.2L.

Check some you tube reviews. Try also dirkson photography it is a German guy excellent photographer he uses the 6D MKII with the 50 F1.2 and 85mm F1.2. Read the comments section to get more info. Ask questions because he tries to give comprehensive answers.

Just one more thing, people I have spoken to so, some prefer the EF version. They of course speak very well about the RF version but they say it is micro-engineered to perfection.

Keep us posted whatever your decision.