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Anybody using multiple M bodies to avoid lens changes?

Started Sep 23, 2020 | Discussions
Maxmolly7
Maxmolly7 Senior Member • Posts: 1,480
Anybody using multiple M bodies to avoid lens changes?
1

Just wondering if there is anybody out there who uses multiple bodies to avoid lens changes, since they are so small.

I am looking into this right now vs. a 1-superzoom lens option for better IQ, despite the bulk.

Right now I have packed for testing because they are my best performing lenses (apart from primes and L):

  • M6 and EF-M 18-150mm IS STM
  • M3 and EF-S 55-250mm IS STM
  • plus EF-M 11-22mm IS STM

No more room for a 50mm.

Let us see what the community has to share... 

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May THE LIGHT be with you!

 Maxmolly7's gear list:Maxmolly7's gear list
Sony RX10 IV Sony RX100 VII Canon EOS M6 II Canon EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM +16 more
Canon EOS M3 Canon EOS M6
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YehudaKatz Senior Member • Posts: 2,512
I do it in events:

18-150 and 22.

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Canon EOS 6D Canon EOS M50 Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM
trungtran Senior Member • Posts: 1,747
Re: Anybody using multiple M bodies to avoid lens changes?

It depends on the location. I generally try and avoid lens changes in the field since I have multiple cameras. I generally always have a standard zoom and the other camera will either have a fast lens for portraits, a wider angle lens for landscapes, or telephoto for reach.

M bodies are light and small so they don't add much weight. I would never bring 2 DSLRs as they just don't feel comfortable swinging a pair of my neck.

 trungtran's gear list:trungtran's gear list
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Sony a7 II Canon EOS M6
Wayne Larmon Forum Pro • Posts: 10,694
I sometimes use three

Maxmolly7 wrote:

Just wondering if there is anybody out there who uses multiple bodies to avoid lens changes, since they are so small.

I am looking into this right now vs. a 1-superzoom lens option for better IQ, despite the bulk.

Right now I have packed for testing because they are my best performing lenses (apart from primes and L):

  • M6 and EF-M 18-150mm IS STM
  • M3 and EF-S 55-250mm IS STM
  • plus EF-M 11-22mm IS STM

No more room for a 50mm.

Let us see what the community has to share...

I have used an assortment of M, M6, and M50 and any of 11-22, 15-45, 18-150, 55-200, and a 22.  Usually not all at the same time!  When flying, I usually leave the M at home and choose the lenses I want most until my camera bag is full.  For my most recent trip, it was the 11-22 and 18-150.  And an SX-50 in case I needed tele beyond 150mm (I didn't.)

When driving I usually take all three bodies and all the lenses.   And maybe my EF-S 55-250mm.

I've always used multiple bodies to reduce changing lenses in the field.  Ever since I added a 20D to my 300D.  Every time I get a new body, the best of my older bodies becomes my 2nd.  DSLR bodies and lenses are large enough that I rarely took more than two bodies.  M bodies and lenses are much smaller so I am comfortable taking more of them on an outing.

Along with a Pixel 2 that I use whenever its fixed focal length will work.

Wayne

Carl LaFong Forum Member • Posts: 94
Re: Anybody using multiple M bodies to avoid lens changes?

I hate changing lenses when I am out and about, because it is a nuisance and because I don’t like the the possibility of any contamination getting into the camera sensor area. Even carrying an extra lens is a problem because I never seem to have the “right” lens mounted and thus waste time switching back and forth. I’ve found that it works better for me to choose the most likely lens for the day’s purpose before going out and then making the best of it.

Mostly I use my M6 mk2 paired with the 11-22. Late last year B&H had the M5 on sale for a really great price, so I got one and now bring it along sometimes mainly just to have my 18-150 lens available for quick use as an alternative to the 11-22 on the other camera.

What I don’t like about this set-up is that the M5 has some different operational characteristics from the M6 mk2, so I sometimes get confused about how things work when I switch between between cameras.  In the perfect world I would have 2 identical bodies.

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 Carl LaFong's gear list:Carl LaFong's gear list
Canon EOS M5 Canon EOS M6 II Canon EOS M200 Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM Canon EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM +10 more
J Peters Contributing Member • Posts: 759
Re: Anybody using multiple M bodies to avoid lens changes?

Carl LaFong wrote:

What I don’t like about this set-up is that the M5 has some different operational characteristics from the M6 mk2, so I sometimes get confused about how things work when I switch between between cameras. In the perfect world I would have 2 identical bodies.

I get this completely. I don't have the mental agility to remember two (or more) interfaces for the same type of device. My work provided me with an iPhone but I barely know how to turn it on because my personal one is Android and I cannot wrap my head around both systems. So if I had the money for a second camera body it would have to be the same as my primary (or at least have the same menu layout).

Alexander Rosenwald Regular Member • Posts: 385
Re: Anybody using multiple M bodies to avoid lens changes?

I own two M5's but not to avoid lens changes. The first one was purchased as a IR-camera. I had it converted to full-spectrum. My plan was to buy a clip-in-filter to use it for visible light photography as well. The filter did not work properly. I sent it back and purchased a second body instead.

Nice little camera with very good controls. I like it.

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Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II Canon EOS M5 Canon EOS R Canon EF 50mm F1.4 USM Canon EF 85mm F1.8 USM +11 more
nolten Contributing Member • Posts: 850
Re: Anybody using multiple M bodies to avoid lens changes?

Well, yes and no. I usually use multiple bodies but not Ms. I use a G1X3 to cover the std zoom range (24-70 EVF). This has been my backup/alternate to my DSLRs. Recently I added an M6II. Very capable little camera. With the 11-22, 28 or 35 macro, and 55-250 its excellent. But no standard range zoom to compare with the G. Rumors abound for an M excellent std zoom but so far nada. It offers a great set of primes however. The G + M w/ 55-250 weighs 3 lbs. Wonderful combo!

 nolten's gear list:nolten's gear list
Canon G1 X III Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Canon EOS 90D Canon EOS M6 II
thedanj
thedanj Contributing Member • Posts: 505
Re: Anybody using multiple M bodies to avoid lens changes?

I take 2 M200 bodies with me when I travel. One has the 11-22, and the other usually has the 32 or 55-200. Small, lightweight kit that covers most scenarios.

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Fujifilm X-T20 Fujifilm X-T30 Fujifilm XF 35mm F1.4 R Fujifilm XF 56mm F1.2 R
Pradipart Regular Member • Posts: 131
Re: Anybody using multiple M bodies to avoid lens changes?

Maxmolly7 wrote:

Just wondering if there is anybody out there who uses multiple bodies to avoid lens changes, since they are so small.

I am looking into this right now vs. a 1-superzoom lens option for better IQ, despite the bulk.

Right now I have packed for testing because they are my best performing lenses (apart from primes and L):

  • M6 and EF-M 18-150mm IS STM
  • M3 and EF-S 55-250mm IS STM
  • plus EF-M 11-22mm IS STM

No more room for a 50mm.

Let us see what the community has to share...

I glued my original M with EFM 22mm, and my M50 with EF 50mm F1.4. I shoot mainly portrait.

lumenite Senior Member • Posts: 1,207
Re: Anybody using multiple M bodies to avoid lens changes?

Maxmolly7 wrote:

Just wondering if there is anybody out there who uses multiple bodies to avoid lens changes, since they are so small.

I am looking into this right now vs. a 1-superzoom lens option for better IQ, despite the bulk.

Right now I have packed for testing because they are my best performing lenses (apart from primes and L):

  • M6 and EF-M 18-150mm IS STM
  • M3 and EF-S 55-250mm IS STM
  • plus EF-M 11-22mm IS STM

No more room for a 50mm.

Let us see what the community has to share...

M + 11-22
M5 + 55-250

or

M + 22
M5 + 50

 lumenite's gear list:lumenite's gear list
Canon EOS-1D Canon EOS M Canon EOS M5 Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Canon EF 50mm F1.4 USM +7 more
Maxmolly7
OP Maxmolly7 Senior Member • Posts: 1,480
Re: Anybody using multiple M bodies to avoid lens changes?

Thanx for the many replies!

As it seems, the concept to use multiple M-bodies is not that far off...:-)

Interesting is that 250mm seems to be the natural border for tele-focal length when using the M-system.

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May THE LIGHT be with you!

 Maxmolly7's gear list:Maxmolly7's gear list
Sony RX10 IV Sony RX100 VII Canon EOS M6 II Canon EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM +16 more
Alexander Rosenwald Regular Member • Posts: 385
Re: Anybody using multiple M bodies to avoid lens changes?

Maxmolly7 wrote:

Interesting is that 250mm seems to be the natural border for tele-focal length when using the M-system.

My longest EF-M lens is the 18-150. In the rare cases where I need more focal length I use the EF 70-300. Not the most balanced combination to be honest.

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thunder storm Forum Pro • Posts: 10,139
Re: Anybody using multiple M bodies to avoid lens changes?

thedanj wrote:

I take 2 M200 bodies with me when I travel. One has the 11-22, and the other usually has the 32 or 55-200. Small, lightweight kit that covers most scenarios.

Nice!

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Alexis
Alexis Senior Member • Posts: 1,998
Re: Anybody using multiple M bodies to avoid lens changes?
1

trungtran wrote:

It depends on the location. I generally try and avoid lens changes in the field since I have multiple cameras. I generally always have a standard zoom and the other camera will either have a fast lens for portraits, a wider angle lens for landscapes, or telephoto for reach.

M bodies are light and small so they don't add much weight. I would never bring 2 DSLRs as they just don't feel comfortable swinging a pair of my neck.

😁 Welcome to wedding photography. 5DIII on the left with 70-200 plus 580EXII flash and 5DIII on the right with 24-105 and Phottix Mitros+ flashgun (and modifier) hanging from a Black Rapid Double strap looking like a fat version of Clint Eastwood in a duel..  oh and did I mention the 85/1.8 and spare everything in a fanny pack.... no wonder I have back problems....

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Canon EOS 50D Canon EOS M50 II GoPro Hero9 Black Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM Canon EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM +12 more
BonnieSueM Regular Member • Posts: 164
Re: Anybody using multiple M bodies to avoid lens changes?

I usually have the 22mm on my m100 and do all my lens changes on my other body.  I rented the m6 mkii for a vacation to Hawaii and I certainly saw the advantage in size and weight to just carrying ms.

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R2D2 Forum Pro • Posts: 26,528
Re: Anybody using multiple M bodies to avoid lens changes?
4

Alexis wrote:

trungtran wrote:

It depends on the location. I generally try and avoid lens changes in the field since I have multiple cameras. I generally always have a standard zoom and the other camera will either have a fast lens for portraits, a wider angle lens for landscapes, or telephoto for reach.

M bodies are light and small so they don't add much weight. I would never bring 2 DSLRs as they just don't feel comfortable swinging a pair of my neck.

😁 Welcome to wedding photography. 5DIII on the left with 70-200 plus 580EXII flash and 5DIII on the right with 24-105 and Phottix Mitros+ flashgun (and modifier) hanging from a Black Rapid Double strap looking like a fat version of Clint Eastwood in a duel.. oh and did I mention the 85/1.8 and spare everything in a fanny pack.... no wonder I have back problems....

+1

ZERO time to be switching lenses.  Sometimes you can't even pause to grab a drink of water (esp when shooting solo).  Double-fisted is the way to go! 

R2

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Experience comes from bad judgment.
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R2D2 Forum Pro • Posts: 26,528
Re: Anybody using multiple M bodies to avoid lens changes?

Maxmolly7 wrote:

Just wondering if there is anybody out there who uses multiple bodies to avoid lens changes, since they are so small.

I am looking into this right now vs. a 1-superzoom lens option for better IQ, despite the bulk.

Right now I have packed for testing because they are my best performing lenses (apart from primes and L):

  • M6 and EF-M 18-150mm IS STM
  • M3 and EF-S 55-250mm IS STM
  • plus EF-M 11-22mm IS STM

No more room for a 50mm.

Let us see what the community has to share...

Recent years I engage mostly in targeted shooting.

For instance I like to have a birding setup all ready to go at a moment's notice (7D2 + big honking telephoto lens).  Currently waiting for my R5 to ship to replace the 7D2.

And a macro setup (100L + big honking macro flash).  Note: for macro I'm really anticipating an M50ii or M5ii for this (to stay permanently attached to a macro lens), so I can free up my M6ii.

M6ii gets tasked for everything else right now.

If I'm out and about without a capable landscape lens, I'll often just use my iPhone instead of carrying any of my wide-angles.

R2

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Maxmolly7
OP Maxmolly7 Senior Member • Posts: 1,480
Re: Anybody using multiple M bodies to avoid lens changes?

R2D2 wrote:
<snip>

If I'm out and about without a capable landscape lens, I'll often just use my iPhone instead of carrying any of my wide-angles.

R2

Hi R2,

I love the EF-Ms 11-22 and 18-150 for this kind of job. In the overlapping range the 11-22 has an edge in corner sharpness.

Btw, other then the f/2, I see little to no advantage of the EF-M 22mm over the 11-22mm. I rarely use it these days.

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May THE LIGHT be with you!

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Sony RX10 IV Sony RX100 VII Canon EOS M6 II Canon EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM +16 more
R2D2 Forum Pro • Posts: 26,528
Re: Anybody using multiple M bodies to avoid lens changes?

Maxmolly7 wrote:

R2D2 wrote:
<snip>

If I'm out and about without a capable landscape lens, I'll often just use my iPhone instead of carrying any of my wide-angles.

R2

Hi R2,

I love the EF-Ms 11-22 and 18-150 for this kind of job. In the overlapping range the 11-22 has an edge in corner sharpness.

Oh I do too. If I'm out to purposely shoot scenics then I can take either the 11-22, 18-150, 15-45 (I have a great copy), or 18-55 (another good copy). It's often a hard choice.

With the fall colors coming on strong around here, I've already decided to take the 18-150 out this weekend.

Btw, other then the f/2, I see little to no advantage of the EF-M 22mm over the 11-22mm. I rarely use it these days.

+1 I use the little 22 mostly for low light indoors, when I want something very compact. Otherwise if I'm Really serious about low light, then I take the wonderful Sigma 16.

R2

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