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Keeping EF lenses, or worth it to update to RF

Started 3 weeks ago | Discussions thread
gimp_dad Senior Member • Posts: 2,692
No issues with your lenses
1

Ralph Arvesen wrote:

Have others decided to keep using their EF lenses on RF mount cameras? I have decided so far, might for a long time. I'm not sure I can justify the price for slight increase in focus accuracy and photo quality.

I primarily use 70-200 IS II 2.8, 24-70 II 2.8, 135mm 2.0. I mostly shoot events where IS does not help. I might even buy more EF lenses.

For people that have upgraded these lenses from EF to RF:

  • Did you notice increase focus accuracy?
  • Notice increase in photo quality?
  • Have any other comments?

Thanks,
--
Ralph

I have all three of the lenses you mentioned.  They all work just fine on my R5 and I don't see any reason you need to make a change.  And, although I can't bring myself to get rid of these EF workhorses, I am using their RF replacements now.  Here are the quick incremental benefits I see to each:

  • EF70-200/2.8LII -> RF70-200/2.8LIS -- faster AF, significantly lighter weight, shorter when stowed, sharper
  • EF24-70/2.8LII -> RF24-70/2.8LIS -- faster AF, very good IS, a bit sharper
  • EF135/2.0L -> RF135/1.8LIS -- faster AF, sharper, but heavier/bigger, very good IS

You asked about AF accuracy.  I don't really think there is an AF accuracy issue with any of your lenses even though the RF versions are faster.  For events (not sports), I don't see any need for that extra AF speed.  It's not like any of your lenses are slow. Depending on the body you are using there may be a difference in the available AF area with the older lenses vs the new RF lenses, but again, I think for event photography you still have plenty of coverage with around 80% x 80% of the whole frame.

The EF lenses are all a tad awkward with the EF->RF adapter installed but it really isn't a meaningful issue and once comfortable with the change in feel, it is a non-issue.

Both the RF and EF versions have excellent color, contrast and bokeh characteristics in my opinion.

I think somebody else already mentioned that the RF28-70/2.0L is the new king of event lenses and could be an interesting upgrade to your EF24-70/2.8LII.  But you pay a hefty price for that in currency and weight.

As I write all of this, I realize it truly is time to sell off the EF lenses I am not using anymore...

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Ali
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