New M6 Mkii user!! the obligatory help me decide on my next lens

Hi all.

Just got me a new M6 Mkii for my B-day last week...came from a 7D. I have been out of the photography for years, but got the bug again and finally settled on the M6 over the R due to its size.. I wanted something compact but still be able to capture nice images.

My current gear

Tamron 24-70 2.8 G1, Tamron 70-200 2,8 G1, Canon 100mm Macro

I only have to 2 EFM lens the Sigma 30mm and the Kit 15mm-45mm.

I mainly like to shoot family pics/ events..etc and Landscape. i.e vacations.

Curious to see what Lens everyone has or uses the most that you would recommend.

I'm completely open to what lens/es i should get next that has the best sharpness/image quality.

I'm keep reading about the Sigma 18-35mm, is it as good as everyone says, how is the weight on the M6? is this a must have? should i pick to the 56mm instead?

i know the answers are broad, but that's kinda where I'm at, open to my next purchase... thanks in advance for reading and for taking time to respond.

The 11-22 is a must have.

The image quality of all native Eos M lenses are more than good enough for family and travel photography.

If you want to go light get the 11-22 (a must have) and the 55-200. You have already the 15-45 and if we are lucky Sigma will bring the 18-50 f2.8 for the M bajonett. Because the native zooms are slow in aperture you might also get a faster prime like the 32mm 1.4.

For me it doesn`t make sense to pair a small body with big and heavy lenses, it counteracts the purpose of the M system.

As already mentioned by others, I second the EF-M 11-22 as must-have.

I am a fan of (non-pro) zoom lenses and found the EF-M 18-150mm to be by far the best of the many of have used until today.
On M6 (I) it has better (corner) sharpness and contrast than than my 2 copies of EF-M 18-55mm and Tamrons EF-M 18-200 and EF-S 18-400mm.

I use the 18-150 mm lens over 90% of the time. It is possible to make excellent A3 size prints without cropping. My other lens is the 11-22 mm, which also produces excellent results. If you need to do a lot of cropping, or need a wider aperture, you will have to go to the prime lenses.

Secretninja wrote:

Hi all.

Just got me a new M6 Mkii for my B-day last week...came from a 7D. I have been out of the photography for years, but got the bug again and finally settled on the M6 over the R due to its size.. I wanted something compact but still be able to capture nice images.

My current gear

Tamron 24-70 2.8 G1, Tamron 70-200 2,8 G1, Canon 100mm Macro

I only have to 2 EFM lens the Sigma 30mm and the Kit 15mm-45mm.

I mainly like to shoot family pics/ events..etc and Landscape. i.e vacations.

Curious to see what Lens everyone has or uses the most that you would recommend.

I'm completely open to what lens/es i should get next that has the best sharpness/image quality.

I'm keep reading about the Sigma 18-35mm, is it as good as everyone says, how is the weight on the M6? is this a must have? should i pick to the 56mm instead?

i know the answers are broad, but that's kinda where I'm at, open to my next purchase... thanks in advance for reading and for taking time to respond.

It all starts with your personal needs.  I would pick the 18-35mm over the 56mm because it's so versatile and because it has very fast AF which pairs nicely with the AF system of the M6II.  I'm personally less satisfied with the AF of the 56mm.

The 11-22mm is light and small, however, for the 18-29mm the Sigma definitely has better image quality. Even stopped down the Sigma has more pop. It also goes up to 35mm in stead of the 30mm of your 30mm f/1.4 prime. For portraits this somewhat makes up for the f/1.8 max aperture. So, if 18mm is wide enough, you can have the 30mm prime as as a walk around lens for it's low weight, and switch to the f/1.8 zoom when you need wider, (or switch to the 15-45mm when you need 15mm) and switch back to the 30mm when you're done with the weight.

I do own the 11-22mm, but I'm hardly using it, as I prefer the 18-35mm and I don't need wider than 18mm very often.

Good move to EOS-M

You've already got one of the f1.4 prime, good for you, mine is the Sigma 56mm

regarding zoom, I can only second all recommendation to the 18-150,

Regarding wide angle, my favorite is the Laowa 9mm0D

I'm still hesitating regarding macro, the Canon 28mm is too wide for me, there is one or two laowa Macro lens for this system,

Then there is what you need and I can't help you decide...

Secretninja wrote:

Hi all.

Just got me a new M6 Mkii for my B-day last week...came from a 7D. I have been out of the photography for years, but got the bug again and finally settled on the M6 over the R due to its size.. I wanted something compact but still be able to capture nice images.

Congrats! Having both, you are quite right. The M is much more portable.

My current gear

Tamron 24-70 2.8 G1, Tamron 70-200 2,8 G1, Canon 100mm Macro

I only have to 2 EFM lens the Sigma 30mm and the Kit 15mm-45mm.

I mainly like to shoot family pics/ events..etc and Landscape. i.e vacations.

Curious to see what Lens everyone has or uses the most that you would recommend.

I'm completely open to what lens/es i should get next that has the best sharpness/image quality.

I'm keep reading about the Sigma 18-35mm, is it as good as everyone says, how is the weight on the M6? is this a must have? should i pick to the 56mm instead?

i know the answers are broad, but that's kinda where I'm at, open to my next purchase... thanks in advance for reading and for taking time to respond.

11-22 for Landscapes. Very sharp, portable.

Otherwise? Depends how you want to shoot.

Secretninja wrote:

Hi all.

Just got me a new M6 Mkii for my B-day last week

Welcome to the forum.  And big congrats!  Be sure to check out the M6ii Tips and Tricks thread...

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4433968

came from a 7D.

I too shot with the 7D(Mark II), and the M6ii bumped the 7D2 right off its pedestal.  Ended up selling it.

I have been out of the photography for years, but got the bug again and finally settled on the M6 over the R due to its size

For your purposes I think you made a great choice.

I wanted something compact but still be able to capture nice images.

That it will do.

My current gear

Tamron 24-70 2.8 G1, Tamron 70-200 2,8 G1, Canon 100mm Macro

See how the Tamrons work with your M6ii (might have to update the firmware).  The 100 Macro will operate fine.  All threee of these lenses are fairly large on the M Series though.  Size (for some of your shooting) might not be a big deal though.  See what you think.

I only have to 2 EFM lens the Sigma 30mm and the Kit 15mm-45mm.

The Sigma 30 gets lots of props around here.  Nice lens (I have the similar Canon 32).  Test if your 15-45 is decentered.  A good copy is very useful.

I mainly like to shoot family pics/ events..etc and Landscape. i.e vacations.

A nice light (and very versatile) lens for vacations would be the 18-150.  Put that on your roadmap.

Curious to see what Lens everyone has or uses the most that you would recommend.

For daytime, the EF-M zooms are quite capable.  In lower light (or for fast action), the primes rule.  30mm will be very useful.  Maybe think about adding the diminutive 22mm next.  Pick up the 11-22 if you like ultra-wide (for your landscapes).

I'm completely open to what lens/es i should get next that has the best sharpness/image quality.

Sharpness/image quality isn't an issue with EF-M lenses (as long as you get a good copy).  IQ is excellent, even on the high MP M6ii.  Choose the lens that is most suitable.  It'll work well.

I'm keep reading about the Sigma 18-35mm, is it as good as everyone says, how is the weight on the M6? is this a must have?

Get it if toting a monster lens (on an M Series) doesn't bother you.  The large aperture would indeed be very useful.  Personally however, I wouldn't choose it as my walk-around lens.  More as a specialty lens.  See how you like your 30 first.

should i pick to the 56mm instead?

Great lens that I love to use for portraits (of all kinds) and for sports.  On the M6ii I use Spot AF for EVERYTHING.  It's superlative.  (Face/eye detect is certainly fun for people UP CLOSE tho).

i know the answers are broad, but that's kinda where I'm at, open to my next purchase... thanks in advance for reading and for taking time to respond.

I'd shoot with what you have for a bit.  It should tell you a lot about what you'll need to add next.  Add DxO's Photolab 5 (shoot RAW) to increase your low-light capabilities enormously.

Happy shooting!

R2

Secretninja wrote:

Hi all.

Just got me a new M6 Mkii for my B-day last week...came from a 7D. I have been out of the photography for years, but got the bug again and finally settled on the M6 over the R due to its size.. I wanted something compact but still be able to capture nice images.

My current gear

Tamron 24-70 2.8 G1, Tamron 70-200 2,8 G1, Canon 100mm Macro

I only have to 2 EFM lens the Sigma 30mm and the Kit 15mm-45mm.

I mainly like to shoot family pics/ events..etc and Landscape. i.e vacations.

Curious to see what Lens everyone has or uses the most that you would recommend.

I'm completely open to what lens/es i should get next that has the best sharpness/image quality.

I'm keep reading about the Sigma 18-35mm, is it as good as everyone says, how is the weight on the M6? is this a must have? should i pick to the 56mm instead?

i know the answers are broad, but that's kinda where I'm at, open to my next purchase... thanks in advance for reading and for taking time to respond.

Hi, and welcome to this forum.

My start with the M was the 15-45mm, I also shoot mainly familiy pics, our dog, landscape and vacations.

After having added several more lenses, I must say, that I rarely use the 15-45mm, inspite of its versatile focal lengths.
I prefer the 11-22mm, especially for landscapes, because of its focal lengths and its IQ, the 32mm for its outstanding IQ and the bokeh, and the 55-200mm as a "small and large enough" tele lens. For indoors, I sometimes choose the 22mm.
I have chosen the M-system because of its size. As others have already posted, I would not add a large (and heavy) lens on my M6. And I also hope that the Sigma 18-50/2.8 will one day find the entry in the M-system.

nnowak wrote:

Secretninja wrote:

Hi all.

Just got me a new M6 Mkii for my B-day last week...came from a 7D. I have been out of the photography for years, but got the bug again and finally settled on the M6 over the R due to its size.. I wanted something compact but still be able to capture nice images.

My current gear

Tamron 24-70 2.8 G1, Tamron 70-200 2,8 G1, Canon 100mm Macro

I only have to 2 EFM lens the Sigma 30mm and the Kit 15mm-45mm.

I mainly like to shoot family pics/ events..etc and Landscape. i.e vacations.

Curious to see what Lens everyone has or uses the most that you would recommend.

The "special" lenses are the Canon 22mm f/2.0, 32mm f/1.4, 11-22mm f/4-5.6 and Sigma 16mm f/1.4, 30mm f/1.4, and 56mm f/1.4. The other lenses in the lineup are fine, but they lack the "wow".

I'm completely open to what lens/es i should get next that has the best sharpness/image quality.

I'm keep reading about the Sigma 18-35mm, is it as good as everyone says, how is the weight on the M6? is this a must have? should i pick to the 56mm instead?

Even though is covers a smaller range, the Sigma 18-35mm is basically the same size and weight as your Tamron 24-70mm f2.8. The Sigma is indeed a great lens optically, but it is so big you would probably be better off with the R and your Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 instead of the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 on the M6 II.

I'm not sure if the AF works well with those Tamron G1 lenses. Other than that I agree with you.

i know the answers are broad, but that's kinda where I'm at, open to my next purchase... thanks in advance for reading and for taking time to respond.

Pick up the EF to EF-M adapter and then just shoot with what you have for a bit. Figure out what you find limiting/frustrating with your current kit and then you will have a clear answer on what your next lens should be.

I'm not sure if the AF works well with those Tamron G1 lenses.

Secretninja wrote:

last, this may be a silly question, how do i know if my Tamron lens need a firmware update? and would my local camera shop, be able to do it? TIA

Have a look at the Tamron website.  Tamron has compatibility lists.

nnowak wrote:

Secretninja wrote:

Hi all.

Just got me a new M6 Mkii for my B-day last week...came from a 7D. I have been out of the photography for years, but got the bug again and finally settled on the M6 over the R due to its size.. I wanted something compact but still be able to capture nice images.

My current gear

Tamron 24-70 2.8 G1, Tamron 70-200 2,8 G1, Canon 100mm Macro

I only have to 2 EFM lens the Sigma 30mm and the Kit 15mm-45mm.

I mainly like to shoot family pics/ events..etc and Landscape. i.e vacations.

Curious to see what Lens everyone has or uses the most that you would recommend.

The "special" lenses are the Canon 22mm f/2.0, 32mm f/1.4, 11-22mm f/4-5.6 and Sigma 16mm f/1.4, 30mm f/1.4, and 56mm f/1.4. The other lenses in the lineup are fine, but they lack the "wow".

People always miss the 28mm f3.5 Macro off these lists. They shouldn't. I guess it gets largely ignored because of its rather odd spec - slow max aperture, macro functionality etc - but for me, it's a more natural "standard" angle of view - and thus focal length - than 30 or 32mm, so I enjoy using it quite a bit more. Not quite as sharp as the 32, but pretty close, and definitely a lens to consider, even if you decide it doesn't suit your needs in the end.
I also think that the Samyang 8mm f2.8 Fisheye is a cracker for those interested in such things, and for the ultimate rectilinear wideangle for EF-M, the Laowa 9mm f2.8 is great, well worth mentioning on such a list,  just don't use it wide open.

I'm completely open to what lens/es i should get next that has the best sharpness/image quality.

I'm keep reading about the Sigma 18-35mm, is it as good as everyone says, how is the weight on the M6? is this a must have? should i pick to the 56mm instead?

Even though is covers a smaller range, the Sigma 18-35mm is basically the same size and weight as your Tamron 24-70mm f2.8. The Sigma is indeed a great lens optically, but it is so big you would probably be better off with the R and your Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 instead of the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 on the M6 II.

i know the answers are broad, but that's kinda where I'm at, open to my next purchase... thanks in advance for reading and for taking time to respond.

Pick up the EF to EF-M adapter and then just shoot with what you have for a bit. Figure out what you find limiting/frustrating with your current kit and then you will have a clear answer on what your next lens should be.

Rock and Rollei wrote:

nnowak wrote:

Secretninja wrote:

Hi all.

Just got me a new M6 Mkii for my B-day last week...came from a 7D. I have been out of the photography for years, but got the bug again and finally settled on the M6 over the R due to its size.. I wanted something compact but still be able to capture nice images.

My current gear

Tamron 24-70 2.8 G1, Tamron 70-200 2,8 G1, Canon 100mm Macro

I only have to 2 EFM lens the Sigma 30mm and the Kit 15mm-45mm.

I mainly like to shoot family pics/ events..etc and Landscape. i.e vacations.

Curious to see what Lens everyone has or uses the most that you would recommend.

The "special" lenses are the Canon 22mm f/2.0, 32mm f/1.4, 11-22mm f/4-5.6 and Sigma 16mm f/1.4, 30mm f/1.4, and 56mm f/1.4. The other lenses in the lineup are fine, but they lack the "wow".

People always miss the 28mm f3.5 Macro off these lists. They shouldn't. I guess it gets largely ignored because of its rather odd spec - slow max aperture, macro functionality etc - but for me, it's a more natural "standard" angle of view - and thus focal length - than 30 or 32mm, so I enjoy using it quite a bit more. Not quite as sharp as the 32, but pretty close, and definitely a lens to consider, even if you decide it doesn't suit your needs in the end.

The 28 macro is ALOT of fun. Really just depends if you're into Macro photography or not. The price and performance are fantastic though.

I also think that the Samyang 8mm f2.8 Fisheye is a cracker for those interested in such things, and for the ultimate rectilinear wideangle for EF-M, the Laowa 9mm f2.8 is great, well worth mentioning on such a list, just don't use it wide open.

I'm completely open to what lens/es i should get next that has the best sharpness/image quality.

I'm keep reading about the Sigma 18-35mm, is it as good as everyone says, how is the weight on the M6? is this a must have? should i pick to the 56mm instead?

Even though is covers a smaller range, the Sigma 18-35mm is basically the same size and weight as your Tamron 24-70mm f2.8. The Sigma is indeed a great lens optically, but it is so big you would probably be better off with the R and your Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 instead of the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 on the M6 II.

i know the answers are broad, but that's kinda where I'm at, open to my next purchase... thanks in advance for reading and for taking time to respond.

Pick up the EF to EF-M adapter and then just shoot with what you have for a bit. Figure out what you find limiting/frustrating with your current kit and then you will have a clear answer on what your next lens should be.

RLight wrote:

Rock and Rollei wrote:

nnowak wrote:

Secretninja wrote:

Hi all.

Just got me a new M6 Mkii for my B-day last week...came from a 7D. I have been out of the photography for years, but got the bug again and finally settled on the M6 over the R due to its size.. I wanted something compact but still be able to capture nice images.

My current gear

Tamron 24-70 2.8 G1, Tamron 70-200 2,8 G1, Canon 100mm Macro

I only have to 2 EFM lens the Sigma 30mm and the Kit 15mm-45mm.

I mainly like to shoot family pics/ events..etc and Landscape. i.e vacations.

Curious to see what Lens everyone has or uses the most that you would recommend.

The "special" lenses are the Canon 22mm f/2.0, 32mm f/1.4, 11-22mm f/4-5.6 and Sigma 16mm f/1.4, 30mm f/1.4, and 56mm f/1.4. The other lenses in the lineup are fine, but they lack the "wow".

People always miss the 28mm f3.5 Macro off these lists. They shouldn't. I guess it gets largely ignored because of its rather odd spec - slow max aperture, macro functionality etc - but for me, it's a more natural "standard" angle of view - and thus focal length - than 30 or 32mm, so I enjoy using it quite a bit more. Not quite as sharp as the 32, but pretty close, and definitely a lens to consider, even if you decide it doesn't suit your needs in the end.

The 28 macro is ALOT of fun. Really just depends if you're into Macro photography or not. The price and performance are fantastic though.

I like it as a standard lens as well, though, that's the point I was making, it's quite a lot more than just a macro lens - the angle of view just suits my vision better than 32mm does, and it's a pretty sharp lens at normal shooting distances as well as macro.
(Admittedly, I find it more fun on the M100/200 than the M6 II, because for whatever reason, I shoot rather differently with those cameras.)

I also think that the Samyang 8mm f2.8 Fisheye is a cracker for those interested in such things, and for the ultimate rectilinear wideangle for EF-M, the Laowa 9mm f2.8 is great, well worth mentioning on such a list, just don't use it wide open.

I'm completely open to what lens/es i should get next that has the best sharpness/image quality.

I'm keep reading about the Sigma 18-35mm, is it as good as everyone says, how is the weight on the M6? is this a must have? should i pick to the 56mm instead?

Even though is covers a smaller range, the Sigma 18-35mm is basically the same size and weight as your Tamron 24-70mm f2.8. The Sigma is indeed a great lens optically, but it is so big you would probably be better off with the R and your Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 instead of the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 on the M6 II.

i know the answers are broad, but that's kinda where I'm at, open to my next purchase... thanks in advance for reading and for taking time to respond.

Pick up the EF to EF-M adapter and then just shoot with what you have for a bit. Figure out what you find limiting/frustrating with your current kit and then you will have a clear answer on what your next lens should be.

Rock and Rollei wrote:

RLight wrote:

Rock and Rollei wrote:

nnowak wrote:

Secretninja wrote:

Hi all.

Just got me a new M6 Mkii for my B-day last week...came from a 7D. I have been out of the photography for years, but got the bug again and finally settled on the M6 over the R due to its size.. I wanted something compact but still be able to capture nice images.

My current gear

Tamron 24-70 2.8 G1, Tamron 70-200 2,8 G1, Canon 100mm Macro

I only have to 2 EFM lens the Sigma 30mm and the Kit 15mm-45mm.

I mainly like to shoot family pics/ events..etc and Landscape. i.e vacations.

Curious to see what Lens everyone has or uses the most that you would recommend.

The "special" lenses are the Canon 22mm f/2.0, 32mm f/1.4, 11-22mm f/4-5.6 and Sigma 16mm f/1.4, 30mm f/1.4, and 56mm f/1.4. The other lenses in the lineup are fine, but they lack the "wow".

People always miss the 28mm f3.5 Macro off these lists. They shouldn't. I guess it gets largely ignored because of its rather odd spec - slow max aperture, macro functionality etc - but for me, it's a more natural "standard" angle of view - and thus focal length - than 30 or 32mm, so I enjoy using it quite a bit more. Not quite as sharp as the 32, but pretty close, and definitely a lens to consider, even if you decide it doesn't suit your needs in the end.

The 28 macro is ALOT of fun. Really just depends if you're into Macro photography or not. The price and performance are fantastic though.

I like it as a standard lens as well, though, that's the point I was making, it's quite a lot more than just a macro lens - the angle of view just suits my vision better than 32mm does, and it's a pretty sharp lens at normal shooting distances as well as macro.
(Admittedly, I find it more fun on the M100/200 than the M6 II, because for whatever reason, I shoot rather differently with those cameras.)

I've found I shoot differently on the M50 II as well. I haven't re-tried the 28 Macro on the M6 II. But I plan both.

Question of the day:

Silver or Black (M6 II)? I'm thinking silver this round. I have all black lenses though. Silver gets less hot though I gather, not that heat was ever a problem with the M6 II the last time I owned it.

I also think that the Samyang 8mm f2.8 Fisheye is a cracker for those interested in such things, and for the ultimate rectilinear wideangle for EF-M, the Laowa 9mm f2.8 is great, well worth mentioning on such a list, just don't use it wide open.

I'm completely open to what lens/es i should get next that has the best sharpness/image quality.

I'm keep reading about the Sigma 18-35mm, is it as good as everyone says, how is the weight on the M6? is this a must have? should i pick to the 56mm instead?

Even though is covers a smaller range, the Sigma 18-35mm is basically the same size and weight as your Tamron 24-70mm f2.8. The Sigma is indeed a great lens optically, but it is so big you would probably be better off with the R and your Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 instead of the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 on the M6 II.

i know the answers are broad, but that's kinda where I'm at, open to my next purchase... thanks in advance for reading and for taking time to respond.

Pick up the EF to EF-M adapter and then just shoot with what you have for a bit. Figure out what you find limiting/frustrating with your current kit and then you will have a clear answer on what your next lens should be.