R2D2 wrote:
EscVelocity wrote:
The biggest disadvantage to those two are that there just aren't any deals out there. Still only talking about an additional $120ish at the prices I see now, so it's not insurmountable.
Understand entirely about cost being a factor. That's why I recommended the (best bang for the buck) EF 85/1.8. I've shot lots of sports with it over the years, and even though it sits in a closet right now, it's still capable enough (with the caveats I mentioned above).
My biggest concern with these two lenses are:
1. I'm looking for something with more reach. Obviously a bigger concern with the 32, but still a concern.
Indeed, focal length is the biggest determiner. A lot depends on your access to these events. It'll rule some lenses in or out right away.
2. I already have primes at 22mm, 40mm, 50mm, and 55mm, plus the 18-55 zoom. Now maybe these lenses are just so much better than the 50mm and 50mm I already have that they really do add diversity and it makes sense to pick one of them up. But I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around that. For 55mm in particular, the 55mm I already have is awesome and I love it. Ok, sure, full manual vs autofocus is a huge difference, but I've really had some awesome experience with the one I have now.
IMHO manual focus is a non-starter. I shot manual-focus for decades and there's no way I'd want to go there again. Especially not when there are so many better options available.
I've owned several copies of the various 50mm f/1.8 and 18-55, and you can have some success with them (for different reasons of course), but again they're not optimal when compared to what else is available. I used to own the 40 pancake (and still own the little 22), but same applies to these for sports IME. Fairly sharp wide open, but a little slow in aperture and a little slow in AF (compared to other choices).
3. As much as I don't want it to be true, it really, really looks like the M series may be wrapping up.
Definitely. However it doesn't change what they can do for you today.
I don't plan to buy a new camera now. Or tomorrow.
If you did, the M6 Mark II is simply spectacular.
But in 2-4 years, depending on how tech continues to evolve? Seems like a solid chance.
I'm also shooting what I consider to be close to the best tech available (the R6ii will still be current in 2 years), but will be keeping my M6ii (and EF-M lenses) until they die. there's just no substitute (yet).
It has me super hesitant to spend a lot on an EF-M lens.
Understood. Moving forward your main camera is likely to be an R body. I have the R7 (and have shot with the R10), and they are sweet! They're just bigger than what I (personally) want for a second (fun take-anywhere) system.
Maybe this is the wrong way to look at it, particularly when I might be able to sell the lends for a big chunk of its value.
I look at it like I'm leasing. I'll pay a certain amount for the use I get out of it. then if I have to, I'll sell it when something else better presents itself.
If I were looking at a similar focal length for the EF and EF-M lenses, this point probably wouldn't stand on its own, but adding this to the above has me reluctant.
I look at what a system will do for me right now.
So I'm definitely feeling torn. I've got a school sports day tomorrow where I will have time to take some shots. Lighting should be good such that my zoom lenses should be solid, so I am going to spend some time at all of the relevant focal lengths to get some comparisons for feel.
Super idea! Get a feel for what is important to YOU.
Thanks again for all the thoughts, everyone.
Edit: Looks like the Sigma can be had used from Japan for around $282, so a cost difference is not a factor at all for that lens.
I do love the Sigma 56 for sports. It's sharp (enough) wide open, and AF is excellent (on my M6ii). Add DxO (with RAW) to extend the capabilities of whatever you shoot with!
Best of luck!
R2
The wonderful EF 85mm f/1.8 is ok on the M6II but I sometimes have to adjust sliders in PL6 all the way to the right ?
Is this the way you want to live ? Having to adjust sliders all the way to the right ?