Struggling between RF USM and STM lineup as an amateur

sercheese wrote:

thunder storm wrote:

sercheese wrote:

Thank you for all your insightful answers! Few more things to consider. I imagine I would like to take beatiful photos as the Profis, but the reality is that not each picture has to have a blurred background. Maybe those suggestions with more flexibility are right. I can see me sitting on a sofa with my wife, so very close, wanting to take a picture of her with the child. And not want to go to the opposite site of the room to make those cool photos (sometimes, yes!).

There are moments of taking pictures and there are moments to lay the camera down. Don't mix it up, and don't compromise between the two.

This is such a wonderful quote! I indeed have a problem with "it's better to buy a camera, than go for holidays, instead of going for holidays without a camera" syndrome. It derives from an old belief of my parents, that it is more important to buy a flat, to renovate a kitchen, etc. than to pay for ski lessons or go for holidays. So I was raised in a very "material" way, instead of "experience" way. My wife has noticed this flaw and since we are together, I try to lay more emphasis on holidays, etc.

I want to say that I have a problem of thinking more about the right camera gear for my new family member, instead of taking my time to learn how to change a diaper. I also have a problem with too much data. Instead of just buying, i.ex. R6 Mk II with RF 24-70 F2.8 and moving forward with my preparations, I'm digging this digital rabbit hole even further.
Indeed this will be my first child and I have none experience with so small children. On one side, it's possible that I won't have a lot of time to take pictures. On the other side, I am afraid I will lost all of those beautiful souvenirs, not having the right gear from the start.

During those family meetings I tend to stay on the sidelines, not participating, rather taking photos of other family members. My wife fears that I will be more concentrated at taking photos, than being present. I.ex. yesterday we saw a lot of belly movement. At first I was admiring it. Than I was trying to film it with my smartphone. And after a while my wife suggested me to put of the phone and just watch, because I'm missing the whole thing.

One last thing - as I already mentioned, I've used to have Canon 50d and then Nikon d500. Since around 4 years I have no camera. And I miss it. I went to some holidays with my wife (we live in Switzerland, Europe) and I was always regretting not having bought a new camera. I always said, I will buy one, when I become father. Now is this moment. Of course it's not like, if I don't buy it right away now, I won't be able to buy it later. But this is the moment I was waiting for. I only fear that due to my tech deformity it will do more harm than good. I'm finding myself wondering off, thinking about the new camera, a bigger car, etc. instead of be more present at home, sitting with my wife on the sofa, really listening what she want to tell me.

I know, my answer is not related to all of those useful suggestions of the dpreview members. I can assure you, I read every one of them. Some more tech (which lens, etc.), some more practical (a toy for the lens, a camera bag, etc.).

‘Storm makes a really good point.  Living the moment, and recording the moment are two very different things.  And if you’re standing back taking the pictures, you’ll notice (and may regret) that certain degree of detachment later on.  Be sure to find a balance between the two experiences.

I’d also like to add that the larger the equipment you’re hauling around, the less of a participant you can be.  Sometimes a phone (camera) will indeed be the best tool!

That said, as a fellow photographer, I recognize and acknowledge the photographer in you. And don’t worry, you’re sure to have plenty of opportunities to get out the big gun and have your fun.  That brings us back around to the subject of the thread: equipment.  

I say get your R6ii and the RF 24-70 f/2.8L IS zoom.  It’ll do everything you’ll want your camera to do up until your youngster gets into field sports or onstage (then add the 70-200).  BTW forget the R5 (for what you shoot you won’t need it).  For shooting people, the R6ii has much better AF selectivity options anyways (I own both).

For babies and toddlers I like to get up close and personal.  A wide angle lens is perfect for this (ie the wide end of the 24-70).  Get right down on their level.  Look for interesting angles.  Also shoot some environmental portraits (wide angle again).  Once they’re old enough, show them their pictures (on the back screen).  Kids LOVE looking at themselves.  You’ll have them eating out of your hands!  

Shoot with the zoom for a while before springing for any specialty lenses (ie primes).  You’ll get a much better feel for what your additional needs are (if any).  Also keep in mind that the 50mm you were fond of before was on a crop body, and FF is a different animal.  With a zoom you’ll be able to see which focal lengths are working for you.

Don’t forget the post processing side of things either.  Shooting RAW and editing in a really good RAW editor (such as DxO Photolab) will greatly extend your camera’s capabilities (esp in low light).  And speaking of low light, I HIGHLY recommend changing out any “tungsten” bulbs for high output LEDs in the 5000-5600k range.  Lighting makes a huge difference  (ps. also sneak over and do this at the “grandparents” houses   ).

Well best of luck to you, and a big congratulations!  Have a ton of fun!

R2