Trade my Canon 6dii for Canon M6ii?

I currently have a 6d ii and some decent EF glass. I am toying with the idea of selling my camera and some lenses (24-105 f/4, 16-35 f/4 and 100-400 i) and buying an M6 ii. While I really like my 6dii and I'm satisfied with my photos, the camera combined with the glass seems bigger and heavier every year. I find myself reaching for my m100 with the 22mm more and more. Photography is my hobby and I mostly take photos of landscapes, nature, macro, some astrophotography, wildlife, but not a lot of bif. I rented an m6ii when I was in Hawaii last year and liked it except for the removable EVF. The main advantages for me with the m6ii seemed to be smaller size when combined with ef-m glass, better autofocus, faster shutter speeds. I did try focus stacking and it seemed to have potential, but I didn't use it a lot, so I'm not sure how much I will end up liking it. Main advantages of the 6d ii for me seem to be a hot shoe, easy geotagging, and better quality lenses. I do have the adapter, but I don't see me using most of my FF glass on the m6 ii. I'm thinking that if I get a m6ii, I would just leave the EVF on all the time, buy some kind of cage with a cold shoe and a light cube for macro. So, what else should I be thinking about? Thanks!

BonnieSueM wrote:

I currently have a 6d ii and some decent EF glass. I am toying with the idea of selling my camera and some lenses (24-105 f/4, 16-35 f/4 and 100-400 i) and buying an M6 ii. While I really like my 6dii and I'm satisfied with my photos, the camera combined with the glass seems bigger and heavier every year.

My own experience parallels Ken's. I sold my DSLR's and most of my EF lenses and now my everyday camera is indeed the super compact M6ii. In short, it's just a joy to use. Very light, very fast, and yet very capable.  (I have the R5 for wildlife)

I find myself reaching for my m100 with the 22mm more and more. Photography is my hobby and I mostly take photos of landscapes, nature, macro, some astrophotography, wildlife, but not a lot of bif.

For landscapes and astro you'll want to keep the ISO low to make up for the FF difference (in noise). OTOH the M6ii's increased MP and crop factor will be really nice for your nature, macro, and wildlife shooting.

I rented an m6ii when I was in Hawaii last year and liked it except for the removable EVF. The main advantages for me with the m6ii seemed to be smaller size when combined with ef-m glass, better autofocus, faster shutter speeds.

+1

I did try focus stacking and it seemed to have potential, but I didn't use it a lot, so I'm not sure how much I will end up liking it. Main advantages of the 6d ii for me seem to be a hot shoe, easy geotagging, and better quality lenses. I do have the adapter, but I don't see me using most of my FF glass on the m6 ii.

Evaluate each one and see what it might offer. But I agree, these EF-M lenses are so pleasant to shoot with!

I'm thinking that if I get a m6ii, I would just leave the EVF on all the time, buy some kind of cage with a cold shoe and a light cube for macro.

I really like the SmallRig products. Very well built and quite reasonably priced.

For lighting my macros (with LEDs), the best solution I've found is this LED panel...

Aputure Amaran AL-F7 from B&H

Very high LUX. Adjustable output (and color temp).

LED panel. Has 1/4 x 20 standard tripod sockets for mounting.

I use two of them. Note: I shoot handheld almost excludively.

Flexible arms (from eBay) attach to my 100L's tripod foot.

So, what else should I be thinking about? Thanks!

The 70-300ii might be a good lighter solution than the 100-400.

Holler back with any questions!

R2

ken_in_nh wrote:

I was a 70D owner, with a good set of lenses. Last September, I bought a M6ii on release and used it on a vacation in late October. The smaller, lighter camera brought much of the fun back to photography, such that this past spring I sold my two dslr bodies and five lenses. I don't miss their size or weight.

With time, I find I rarely use the external EVF, even when using a tele. It's so much easier to control focus with the touch screen, while looking at the image.

It's a little gem of a camera. Yes, the lens lineup isn't great, but it's good enough for me when I add in a few EF lenses like my 100mm macro and my 150-600 sigma zoom.

Hey! I had a 70D before I bought my 6dii.  I was never really satisfied with it. The m series cameras are a lot more fun.

I do need an EVF because my vision is going downhill.  I didn't need glasses except for reading until a few years ago and now it's a new pair every year.  The joys of aging!

nnowak wrote:

If you haven't already, you may want to take a look at the EOS RP. It is basically your 6D II repackaged into a much smaller and lighter full frame mirrorless body. It is approximately 40% lighter than you 6D II and the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 is about 50% lighter than your EF 24-105mm f/4 II. The RP would give you a significant size and weight reduction while still giving you full use of your "better quality lenses".

The RP is currently on sale for $899 body only and $999 kitted with the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1. Once you add the EVF and cage to the M6 II, the RP ends up being cheaper, lighter, and smaller.

Well, I had looked at an RP and kind of dismissed it out of hand.  The only time I handled one was in a camera store with the RF 24-105 f/4 which was smaller than my ef version, but still pretty big and expensive.  So, thinking about it some more, the RP does have the built in evf and hot shoe.  I would have to buy an $99 adapter to use my EF lenses, but that's doable.  Looking at the RP manual, the RF 24-105 f/4-7.1 wasn't listed as a lens that can focus bracket, but the ef 16-35 that I have can.

On the m6 ii's side, the ef-m 18-150 can focus bracket (so can the 15-45, but that's not my favorite lens).  I found a plate small rig makes with a cold shoe that plus a compatible arca swiss plate would be about $50.

Thanks for your suggestion.  You gave me a lot to think about.

R2D2 wrote:

BonnieSueM wrote:

I currently have a 6d ii and some decent EF glass. I am toying with the idea of selling my camera and some lenses (24-105 f/4, 16-35 f/4 and 100-400 i) and buying an M6 ii. While I really like my 6dii and I'm satisfied with my photos, the camera combined with the glass seems bigger and heavier every year.

My own experience parallels Ken's. I sold my DSLR's and most of my EF lenses and now my everyday camera is indeed the super compact M6ii. In short, it's just a joy to use. Very light, very fast, and yet very capable. (I have the R5 for wildlife)

I find myself reaching for my m100 with the 22mm more and more. Photography is my hobby and I mostly take photos of landscapes, nature, macro, some astrophotography, wildlife, but not a lot of bif.

For landscapes and astro you'll want to keep the ISO low to make up for the FF difference (in noise). OTOH the M6ii's increased MP and crop factor will be really nice for your nature, macro, and wildlife shooting.

I rented an m6ii when I was in Hawaii last year and liked it except for the removable EVF. The main advantages for me with the m6ii seemed to be smaller size when combined with ef-m glass, better autofocus, faster shutter speeds.

+1

I did try focus stacking and it seemed to have potential, but I didn't use it a lot, so I'm not sure how much I will end up liking it. Main advantages of the 6d ii for me seem to be a hot shoe, easy geotagging, and better quality lenses. I do have the adapter, but I don't see me using most of my FF glass on the m6 ii.

Evaluate each one and see what it might offer. But I agree, these EF-M lenses are so pleasant to shoot with!

I'm thinking that if I get a m6ii, I would just leave the EVF on all the time, buy some kind of cage with a cold shoe and a light cube for macro.

I really like the SmallRig products. Very well built and quite reasonably priced.

I found this Small Rig plate with cold shoe on Amazon that looks interesting.

For lighting my macros (with LEDs), the best solution I've found is this LED panel...

Aputure Amaran AL-F7 from B&H

Very high LUX. Adjustable output (and color temp).

LED panel. Has 1/4 x 20 standard tripod sockets for mounting.

I use two of them. Note: I shoot handheld almost excludively.

Flexible arms (from eBay) attach to my 100L's tripod foot

That's a nice macro set up!

So, what else should I be thinking about? Thanks!

The 70-300ii might be a good lighter solution than the 100-400.

It will be hard to give up the old 100-400 dust pump, though. I sat outside today scaring the birds at the feeder comparing it with the 70-300. I'm just not using it often enough to keep it.

Holler back with any questions!

R2

Thanks!

nnowak wrote:

BonnieSueM wrote:

nnowak wrote:

If you haven't already, you may want to take a look at the EOS RP. It is basically your 6D II repackaged into a much smaller and lighter full frame mirrorless body. It is approximately 40% lighter than you 6D II and the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 is about 50% lighter than your EF 24-105mm f/4 II. The RP would give you a significant size and weight reduction while still giving you full use of your "better quality lenses".

The RP is currently on sale for $899 body only and $999 kitted with the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1. Once you add the EVF and cage to the M6 II, the RP ends up being cheaper, lighter, and smaller.

Well, I had looked at an RP and kind of dismissed it out of hand. The only time I handled one was in a camera store with the RF 24-105 f/4 which was smaller than my ef version, but still pretty big and expensive. So, thinking about it some more, the RP does have the built in evf and hot shoe. I would have to buy an $99 adapter to use my EF lenses, but that's doable. Looking at the RP manual, the RF 24-105 f/4-7.1 wasn't listed as a lens that can focus bracket, but the ef 16-35 that I have can.

It is possible the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 is not listed in the manual because it was released a year after the RP. Is the RF 24-240mm listed?

No, it’s not listed.  Should it be?  Do you think the manuals outdated?

On the m6 ii's side, the ef-m 18-150 can focus bracket (so can the 15-45, but that's not my favorite lens). I found a plate small rig makes with a cold shoe that plus a compatible arca swiss plate would be about $50.

Thanks for your suggestion. You gave me a lot to think about.

BonnieSueM wrote:

nnowak wrote:

If you haven't already, you may want to take a look at the EOS RP. It is basically your 6D II repackaged into a much smaller and lighter full frame mirrorless body. It is approximately 40% lighter than you 6D II and the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 is about 50% lighter than your EF 24-105mm f/4 II. The RP would give you a significant size and weight reduction while still giving you full use of your "better quality lenses".

The RP is currently on sale for $899 body only and $999 kitted with the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1. Once you add the EVF and cage to the M6 II, the RP ends up being cheaper, lighter, and smaller.

Well, I had looked at an RP and kind of dismissed it out of hand. The only time I handled one was in a camera store with the RF 24-105 f/4 which was smaller than my ef version, but still pretty big and expensive.

For zoom lovers (it seams to me for you it's about zooms), the RF 24-105mm f/4.0 is an important reason to go RF over M. If that zoom is still to big for you, that might be a sign M is more your thing.

If i where in your shoes i would just order the 18-150mm, see how you like the IQ on your current M body, and return it after testing.

If the IQ is good enough for you >> go M.

If it's not, go RF, as this 18-150mm is the best standard zoom for M, and for better IQ you'll have to go RF (or go with primes).

So, thinking about it some more, the RP does have the built in evf and hot shoe. I would have to buy an $99 adapter to use my EF lenses, but that's doable. Looking at the RP manual, the RF 24-105 f/4-7.1 wasn't listed as a lens that can focus bracket, but the ef 16-35 that I have can.

On the m6 ii's side, the ef-m 18-150 can focus bracket (so can the 15-45, but that's not my favorite lens). I found a plate small rig makes with a cold shoe that plus a compatible arca swiss plate would be about $50.

Thanks for your suggestion. You gave me a lot to think about.

nnowak wrote:

BonnieSueM wrote:

nnowak wrote:

If you haven't already, you may want to take a look at the EOS RP. It is basically your 6D II repackaged into a much smaller and lighter full frame mirrorless body. It is approximately 40% lighter than you 6D II and the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 is about 50% lighter than your EF 24-105mm f/4 II. The RP would give you a significant size and weight reduction while still giving you full use of your "better quality lenses".

The RP is currently on sale for $899 body only and $999 kitted with the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1. Once you add the EVF and cage to the M6 II, the RP ends up being cheaper, lighter, and smaller.

Well, I had looked at an RP and kind of dismissed it out of hand. The only time I handled one was in a camera store with the RF 24-105 f/4 which was smaller than my ef version, but still pretty big and expensive. So, thinking about it some more, the RP does have the built in evf and hot shoe. I would have to buy an $99 adapter to use my EF lenses, but that's doable. Looking at the RP manual, the RF 24-105 f/4-7.1 wasn't listed as a lens that can focus bracket, but the ef 16-35 that I have can.

It is possible the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 is not listed in the manual because it was released a year after the RP. Is the RF 24-240mm listed?

On the m6 ii's side, the ef-m 18-150 can focus bracket (so can the 15-45, but that's not my favorite lens). I found a plate small rig makes with a cold shoe that plus a compatible arca swiss plate would be about $50.

Thanks for your suggestion. You gave me a lot to think about.

Sometimes manuals online get updated.

Sometimes manuals online get updated.

I would think that, but the manual Canon has online for the RP hasn't been updated.  I looked through the release notes for the firmware updates on the RP and the 24-105 f/4-7.1 wasn't mentioned.  Bryan over at the digital picture has an updated list for the R5 and R6, but doesn't mention the R or the RP.

ken_in_nh wrote:

BonnieSueM wrote:

nnowak wrote:

BonnieSueM wrote:

It is possible the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 is not listed in the manual because it was released a year after the RP. Is the RF 24-240mm listed?

No, it’s not listed. Should it be? Do you think the manuals outdated?

t would be interesting to see a list of lenses that can't focus stack on Canon cameras that have the feature, since it's no doubt the same on all those cameras. I suspect any lens that has motorized electronic focus can handle focus stacking. Certainly any with stepper or ultrasonic focus should.

I would think that, but this is Canon we're talking about, and boy, do I love my cameras, but the way they omit features I expect is frustrating.

thunder storm wrote:

For zoom lovers (it seams to me for you it's about zooms), the RF 24-105mm f/4.0 is an important reason to go RF over M. If that zoom is still to big for you, that might be a sign M is more your thing.

If i where in your shoes i would just order the 18-150mm, see how you like the IQ on your current M body, and return it after testing.

If the IQ is good enough for you >> go M.

If it's not, go RF, as this 18-150mm is the best standard zoom for M, and for better IQ you'll have to go RF (or go with primes).

Thanks, I'm guess I'm leaning towards the m6ii.  I do have the 18-150 and it works for me.  It's that darned EVF that I need to get over.

I'm just really surprised how close the RP with the RF 24-105 f/4-7.1 is to the m6ii and the 18-150. And while I do love my zooms, I could totally see slapping an RF 35 on an RP and calling it a day.  Looking through my landscapes, the majority are shot from 30-35mm. I've hiked with just the 6dii and an EF 40mm and it was always just a hair too long.

I considered getting an RP for a short period of time to use along side my M6II as a light weight travel kit.  They use the same batteries and both have in-body charging which was part of the weight saving calculation.  And I really like the focus stacking ability.

Then reality set in.  I save very little weight vs using my 6DII and EF-24-70 f4 when you consider the needed adapter.  The RF 24-105 f4 is heavier than either my 24-105 f4 original or the 24-70.  These are my landscape/travel lenses and I'm not going to settle for an f7.1 lens.  The RF L lenses are expensive and add nothing to my current L lenses IMHO.  I've decided to stick with my EF system as long as I can.  This is my preference.

However,  my light weight kit is an M6II + 11-22 + EF-S 35 macro + EF-S 55-250 (or EF 70-300 II).  Plus the Canon G1XIII.  The G1X is a wonderful 14 oz APS-C camera with a better 24-70 equivalent lens than anything available natively for the M.  Often I leave the 11-22 home since the G1X has builtin panorama stitching in-body.  So about 4 lbs total kit weight.

I still usually take my full frame camera (5D4 or 6D2) for travel.  They have real batteries and better ergonomics when I can afford the weight.  They have better ultimate IQ than APS-C sensor cameras.  But in normal lighting situations its very difficult for me to tell the difference.

Different topic:  Someone mentioned trying to find a list of lenses that automated focus stacking wouldn't work with.  I've only used my M6II for this but I can say that I haven't tried a Canon lens this wouldn't work with.  I assume its the same with an RP.  I really like doing quick hand held focus stacks with the 55-250 since it focuses close but has more reach than typical macro lenses.  Great for flowers, and small critters.

Just an opinion to consider. 

BonnieSueM wrote:

thunder storm wrote:

For zoom lovers (it seams to me for you it's about zooms), the RF 24-105mm f/4.0 is an important reason to go RF over M. If that zoom is still to big for you, that might be a sign M is more your thing.

If i where in your shoes i would just order the 18-150mm, see how you like the IQ on your current M body, and return it after testing.

If the IQ is good enough for you >> go M.

If it's not, go RF, as this 18-150mm is the best standard zoom for M, and for better IQ you'll have to go RF (or go with primes).

Thanks, I'm guess I'm leaning towards the m6ii. I do have the 18-150 and it works for me. It's that darned EVF that I need to get over.

I had the exact same reason to skip the M6mkII, and I might leave M, as for me it's clear we will have waaaaaay too long before we see that 32Mp sensor paired with an internal viewfinder, and it will most likely never happen. The other reason i'm not buying M bodies anymore: it will take waaaay too long before we see IBIS, if ever.

I'm just really surprised how close the RP with the RF 24-105 f/4-7.1

I would prefer the The RF combination as i expect that combo to give better IQ, especially at equivalent apertures.

is to the m6ii and the 18-150. And while I do love my zooms, I could totally see slapping an RF 35 on an RP and calling it a day.

That's an awesome combination. I don't like the 35mm focal length, but if you do, and you like a compact combo, this is the way to go.

Looking through my landscapes, the majority are shot from 30-35mm. I've hiked with just the 6dii and an EF 40mm and it was always just a hair too long.

For the M6mkII you have the 22mm, however, that has an equivalent max. aperture of f/4.0 or so, and it's not stabilized. It also doesn't have the half way macro feature. I expect the RF combo to have the best IQ too here, but the compactness of the M6mkII + 22mm can't be beaten of course.

BonnieSueM wrote:

Thanks, I'm guess I'm leaning towards the m6ii. I do have the 18-150 and it works for me. It's that darned EVF that I need to get over.

I'm just really surprised how close the RP with the RF 24-105 f/4-7.1 is to the m6ii and the 18-150. And while I do love my zooms, I could totally see slapping an RF 35 on an RP and calling it a day. Looking through my landscapes, the majority are shot from 30-35mm. I've hiked with just the 6dii and an EF 40mm and it was always just a hair too long.

Sounds to me the perfect setup for you would be the M6II paired with the M 18-150mm and the M 11-22mm.  That gives you a lot of range with an overlap exactly where you need it for the majority of your landscape work.  I'm sure you've noted the 18-150 stores easily in a small fanny pack or vest/jacket pocket if you want to be a minimalist.  A small bag will accommodate the entire setup too…like an Ape Case Envoy or a Lowepro Passport Sling III.

I use that body/lens combo when I'm on foot and want to minimize bulk/weight.  When I'm going to be stationary (in a wildlife blind or with a tripod or waiting for the right light), I'll lean towards a bag with the full inventory of primes in addition to the zooms and adapted lenses.

The EVF is easy to store and still have at the ready.  I use it when the display gets washed out, but otherwise leave it in a pocket.  Obviously, having the right kind of eyeglasses is important when using the display.  After dual cataract surgeries, I've found a half-height pair of readers or progressives work well without having to constantly put on or remove the glasses.

Best to you in your quest!

nolten wrote:

Different topic: Someone mentioned trying to find a list of lenses that automated focus stacking wouldn't work with. I've only used my M6II for this but I can say that I haven't tried a Canon lens this wouldn't work with. I assume its the same with an RP. I really like doing quick hand held focus stacks with the 55-250 since it focuses close but has more reach than typical macro lenses. Great for flowers, and small critters.

Just an opinion to consider.

It was me who was wondering about the lens working with focus bracketing.  Someone on the R forum let me know that it works with the RP.

Thanks for the tip about using focus bracketing with critters.  I was only thinking about macro and landscapes.