Should I still get an RP when they are on sale for use with my EF lenses?

Hi all,

I have a trusty EOS 7D (yes, the Mk.I) and while over the years it got me many great images, I was never really happy with the AF precision and consistency. I am looking for a replacement. When it came out, I considered the EOS 90D, whose AF, however, only really shines in live view mode, it seems and is almost 1300€ body only - that is quite a lot for yet another APS-C mirror slapper. A pro would be that I could keep using all my lenses, including the APS-C ones (EF-S 10-18, EF-S 17-55, Sigma 18-35 1.8, Sigma 10-20).

Still, I think it is about time to get into mirrorless. I plan to stay with Canon since I cannot restart my lens collection and I just assume that compatibility (in particular when it comes to AF) is best when adapting EF to RF with Canon's own adapter.

I cannot justify getting the R6 (let alone the R5), the R6 being ~2700€ incl. VAT here, and that is still without the RF-EF adapter (which is ~90€ for the basic one and ~180€ for the one with the control ring ).

Preparing myself for the next bunch of rebates where I assume RP deals to show up (Black friday is still a bit off, but you cannot start your research early enough ;)), I am now considering my options. The EOS RP is currently 1200€ including the adapter or around 1450€ with the RF 24-105mm 4.0-7.1 IS STM (I haven't formed an opinion on that lens, but having at least one native allround lens would be nice, I think).

I wonder if the RP with the recent firmware updates (which are said to vastly improve AF tracking performance) paired with my existing EF full frame lenses (24-105 f4 IS, 70-200 F4 IS Mk.I, 100L Macro, 50 1.8, 85 1.8) would make a good combo for me. Main subjects are the kid, macro photography, and the occasional zoo visit (once that little pandemic issue has resolved ;(), so high FPS and ultimate tracking performance is not needed, but I still hope for a much better keeper rate (AF precision).

Any thoughts?

Regards

Grummbeerbauer

In your position, I would be looking at the M6 Mk II.

It's APS-C.  It's mirrorless.  Has a much faster FPS than the RP.  Higher resolution, newer sensor as well (same as the 90D).  EVF attachment that allows you to use that great auto focus of the 90 D through an EVF.

With an adapter, you can use all your existing EF and EF-S glass.

EF-S glass can be used on the RP, but it would be a 10.1 megapixel image (cropping is automatic with APS-C glass).

RP is a great little camera. You can take great pictures with it. I think you will have an "upgrade" coming from 7D to RP. But make a note that RP is not that much superior for AF tracking. However the eye AF will be a game changer for you.

M6 MK II is also an good option to consider. But with all that buzz around sunset of EOS M system, you may want to reconfirm possibilities.

I think the RP is a good buy for its sensor. I'm honestly not too familiar with its performance or features, but at least on the sensor side, it's good.

I do own a M6 II (and M6 1) and the performance on the M6 II is pretty snappy.

If Canon dumps the EF-m mount tomorrow (they won't) it's not like they take away your camera or that it'll stop working. You still get to keep your camera. You can buy EF-m glass or not (I did) and you can still use all of your EF glass (I do).

I think the advantage of the Canon system is that if you're invested in EF glass you can potentially use it like native glass on three different mounts.

Your EF glass won't spontaneously stop working if Canon abandons the mount. Canon won't throw away or stop selling the EF to RF adapters. There's this apocalyptic view about EF glass and it's based on speculation.

You can choose what you're more comfortable with but a baseless freakout of the abandonment of a system/mount is not a serious reason until Canon announces otherwise.

Hi, I had a 7D Mkii and upgraded to a RP with the 24-105 F4 kit lens. For my type of photography (similar to yours with some added landscapes when I get the chance) it was a very good trade. The eye tracking is a big plus as with the 7D I constantly struggled to get the focus on the eyes. On RP it is much better. Based on my experience I will use this camera for a long time, while saving and hoping for a wide angle F4.

Unfortunately I cant comment on the variable aperture 24-105, but the F4 RF is an amazing piece of glass for what I do. Quality is very good so cropping photos at long end is still usable.

It would depend on what you want to use it for. I have the RP and owned the 7D for a long time. For general purpose photography the RP is an excellent choice. Cheap, lightweight, excellent image quality and adapts EF glass flawlessly (the ones that I have anyway). Video is basic but meets my needs. Tracking and AF is much improved with the latest firmware. If you want higher FPS or the extra reach from a crop then the M6Ii is possibly a better bet, but I wouldn't discount the 90D, especially if you are used to the feel of the 7D. I was very tempted by both the M6ii and the 90D, but eventualy went with the RP because I wanted full frame and didn't need the faster FPS.

I do miss the joystick from the 7D (muscle memory means I keep reachong for it with my thumb) but am getting used to using the rear screen on the RP to select AF points.

Thanks for pointing out the M6 II - I remember taking a look at it when it was co-announced (IIRC?) with the 90D, but it somehow dropped out of my attention.

I think the fact that I need an add-on EVF which adds significantly to the cost turned me off a bit. Anyway, I will do my research into that camera as well, THX.

Alas, while the price of the M6 II is okayish at around 800€, the add-on EVF is another 200€ and is not widely available.

Is there any good source that compares AF (in particular eye AF) of the RP and the M6 II, considering the latest updates? I think the outcome of that might sway my decision one way or the other?

Thanks for that view on the RP. Do you have any experience in the AF performance of the RF 24-105 when compared to adapted EF glass (Canon and/or 3rd party)?

I had a 5D2 and the RP is definitely an upgrade from that, although some say it's a downgrade from a pro to an entry level camera. I don't agree, The RP is a better camera in most respects. I can live without the "pro" attributes as top display and joystick. Once upon a time I had a 40D which is not too far from your 7D mk 1. A very nice camera, but FF is FF and if you want that I wouldn't hesitate recommending the RP. Regarding the kit lens 24-105/4-7.1 it's a lot better than it's reputation. It's a little soft in the corners at 24 mm, but not much worse if any than the EF 24-105 L first version. Of course the small aperture in the long end can be limiting in darker situations, but it's a reasonable sacrifice for getting a light and small lens.

Grummbeerbauer wrote:

Thanks for that view on the RP. Do you have any experience in the AF performance of the RF 24-105 when compared to adapted EF glass (Canon and/or 3rd party)?

Unfortunately have no experience with another lens similar to the RF 24-105 F4. All other lenses I used before was budget kit lenses for crop cameras.

JPAlbert wrote:

I think the OP has a good-enough "spread" of full-frame EF lenses to put the RP into contention.

The M6 mk2 isn't a bad suggestion, either.

You could go either way.

If you want fast and sticky AF and a smaller size > M6mkII

If you want a bit better IQ and access to other full frame lens options >> RP

How serious is the lack of fully mechanical shutter?

The RP works well within it's speed limitations I'd say go for it I love mine.

Something to keep in mind is you will not be able to use a RF lens on the M6. I looked at your equipment list, 5 RF lens's in your wish list. I found that all my EF lens's work awesome on my R and the RF lens are better yet. Also 5 stops of IS is fantastic (at least at 70 it is How many EF or M lens's have 5 stops

Canon is working on RF Lens's and very little on the M line (one lens a year). The grip is much better on the RP. I never really liked large lens's on my M5, small grip and my little finger under the camera.

I would think you could get a good deal on a used R with all the upgrades to R5 and R6

RF mount is the future EF is dead for new designs and M will be soon

"EF-S glass can be used on the RP, but it would be a 10.1 megapixel image (cropping is automatic with APS-C glass)."

There is a very good reason for the auto crop at least for me it is   So your out shooting and a pic that would be great for your 18-35 A and mount it on your R, but wait you also have to change the crop setting, lost shot   Now you need your 70-200 again and mount it  but forget to change the crop back to full

For me the 18-35A and 50-100A were worth the hassle but it would of  been nice to have the auto switch.

Now the 10.1 mpx would be hard to work around

davel33 wrote:

"EF-S glass can be used on the RP, but it would be a 10.1 megapixel image (cropping is automatic with APS-C glass)."

There is a very good reason for the auto crop at least for me it is So your out shooting and a pic that would be great for your 18-35 A and mount it on your R, but wait you also have to change the crop setting, lost shot Now you need your 70-200 again and mount it but forget to change the crop back to full

For me the 18-35A and 50-100A were worth the hassle but it would of been nice to have the auto switch.

It's a matter of firmware updates for these lenses. I've choosen not to set the 18-35mm to auto switch, as at around 28mm it kind of covers the full frame sensor. It never hurts to have an 28mm f/1.8 prime.

Now the 10.1 mpx would be hard to work around

Nigge wrote:

How serious is the lack of fully mechanical shutter?

I haven't noticed any problem with that. Rather I'm missing a fully electronic shutter other than in this "sleeping baby" automatic mode.