EOS 30D -> EOS R6 MKII -Lens Input Request

[Vic]

Hello.
As mentioned in previous thread, I'm planning to upgrade from my older EOS 30D to the EOS R6 Mark II. Thanks for the input there.

I plan on keeping the 30D and leave the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 attached as a backup camera. It is actually a nice lens.

I will be purchasing the EF-EOS R Control Ring lens mount adapter to take advantage of my existing EF lenses (see signature), giving me some decent coverage from 70-200mm with a couple of primes.

Where I will be lacking is below 70mm and above 200mm, so that is where I could use some input. Some factors to consider:
- this is just a hobby for me but enjoy nice equipment
- I like shooting most things - portrait - landscape - wildlife- indoor - outdoor
- budget is not an issue, but want to spend my money wisely
- I don't need to do this all at once - it can be a path to getting were I need to be

For the wide/standard focal lengths, here are some options and thoughts:

RF 24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z
- good low light - 3 primes in one - I like the internal zoom
- pricey - slight concern about being newer model with unknown issues

RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM
- seems like good all-rounder - decent price
- external zoom - slower - maybe pair with a prime

RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM
- solid - fast
- kinda pricey

RF 28-70mm F2 L USM
- quite the lens - f/2
- big - pricey - maybe overkill

EF or RF Primes - 16/24/28/35/50 etc
- not sure about this, but open suggestions
- feel this may be better later in addition to zoom

For the telephoto zoom here are a couple of options and thoughts

RF 100-500mm F/4.5-7.1 L IS USM
- nice range - decent aperture
- not cheap but not extortional

EF 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6 L IS II USM
- nice lens - nice aperture - a little cheaper then 100-500
- ef - slightly less range

That's about it. Any input, recommendations, or experiences appreciated. tx.

 

[smilerliu]

I'm an amateur. I care about max weight, and I don't like to change lenses when I'm out.

What I need:

• Zoom lenses to cover the focal length range I use most (16-300/400). I'm over the period when bokeh is the king and I normally don't need the large apertures of primes for extreme low light.
• One prime for my most used focal length (50mm). It gives me the things zooms can't provide (large aperture, light weight, small size) so I'm not completely constrained by zooms.
• A macro lens.

I'll be happy with 14-35, 24-105, 70-300, 50, and 100 macro.

My most used lens is RF24-105L, and then EF70-300 USM II for my kids' sports (basketball and soccer) and when I don't want to interrupt some kids' events.

 

[R2D2]

Hello.
As mentioned in previous thread, I'm planning to upgrade from my older EOS 30D to the EOS R6 Mark II. Thanks for the input there.

Good choice. Short of the big-boy R3 the R6ii is the most capable body Canon produces. IMHO it can shoot anything you'd throw at it. The R6ii has the newest firmware (entirely re-written from the ground up, and not just a revision of the R6 firmware). I trust this camera completely.

I plan on keeping the 30D and leave the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 attached as a backup camera. It is actually a nice lens.

I spent many good years with the 30D (and its relatives). But it'll indeed sit on the shelf after you start shooting with mirrorless ;-) . The 17-55 you might find useful at times though (@ 9 MP depending on what you're shooting, and which standard zoom you choose).

I will be purchasing the EF-EOS R Control Ring lens mount adapter to take advantage of my existing EF lenses (see signature), giving me some decent coverage from 70-200mm with a couple of primes.

Yup, mirrorless will breathe new life into your EF lenses.

Where I will be lacking is below 70mm and above 200mm, so that is where I could use some input. Some factors to consider:
- this is just a hobby for me but enjoy nice equipment
- I like shooting most things - portrait - landscape - wildlife- indoor - outdoor
- budget is not an issue, but want to spend my money wisely
- I don't need to do this all at once - it can be a path to getting were I need to be

Good to create a roadmap and add pieces that will complement any future purchases. Better than buying willy-nilly.

For the wide/standard focal lengths, here are some options and thoughts:

RF 24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z
- good low light - 3 primes in one - I like the internal zoom
- pricey - slight concern about being newer model with unknown issues

What a bold offering by Canon. Its spec speaks to its vast capabilities. A buddy of mine (another pro event shooter) has one on order. I can't wait to try it out!

A zoom with this range and aperture will be super useful, but at f/2.8 it won't be the ideal lens for Everything on your list. For instance if you like to have max DOF control in your portraits, or if it's your only landscape/ architectural lens, etc.

It's BIG too. So would require real dedication from casual shooters.

I don't really have worries about any (unknown) issues. It'll have strengths and weaknesses like any other lens (reviews reveal those), but Canon's RF L lenses really are stone cold killers.

RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM
- seems like good all-rounder - decent price
- external zoom - slower - maybe pair with a prime

Love this lens for walk-around when I don't have any "targeted" shooting going on. IMHO it's much improved over any of its EF forebears. I especially like the improved character now exhibited in the photos.

RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM
- solid - fast
- kinda pricey

Universally loved. A classic spec. Lighter than its bigger cousins. Still only f/2.8 though (with the usual caveats).

RF 28-70mm F2 L USM
- quite the lens - f/2
- big - pricey - maybe overkill

When I saw this lens' spec, I just had to have the additional stop for my event shooting (I shoot a lot of sports, action, and low light events). The photos have great character and color (and are extremely sharp from end to end of the zoom range). It's my most used lens (for work), even moreso than the venerable RF 70-200 f/2.8 L IS (which I also love). The IBIS of the R6ii helps with any stabilization needs.

The 28-70 is a BIG chunk though, and would also present a challenge for merely casual shooting. But this lens has quenched my desire for the faster primes (tho I shoot lots fewer formal portraits, and no weddings any longer).

Note: I also have the RF 15-35 f/2.8L IS for my wider needs.

EF or RF Primes - 16/24/28/35/50 etc
- not sure about this, but open suggestions
- feel this may be better later in addition to zoom

Select the prime(s) that will give you something extra that your chosen zooms will not (ie a Huge aperture). Personally I don't use any of my RF STM primes much, but they do have the advantage of being pretty light.

For the telephoto zoom here are a couple of options and thoughts

RF 100-500mm F/4.5-7.1 L IS USM
- nice range - decent aperture
- not cheap but not extortional

Truly wonderful lens. Super sharp, super fast focusing, super light, super close focusing, and takes the RF 1.4x extraordinarily well. I keep the 1.4x on most of the time (700mm @ f/10).

There's also the new RF 200-800. Longer, cheaper, with a larger aperture (and entrance pupil), but it's bigger and almost 50% heavier.

Note: I highly recommend shooting RAW and processing with a great noise reduction program with any of these slower lenses.

EF 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6 L IS II USM
- nice lens - nice aperture - a little cheaper then 100-500
- ef - slightly less range

I shot extensively with this lens (+/- 1.4x iii) on DSLRs. Very nice lens, but the 100-500 outclasses it in every important (to me) metric.

That's about it. Any input, recommendations, or experiences appreciated. tx.

If you have any specific questions, just give a holler! Good luck with your decisions!

R2

 

[Llop]

I will be purchasing the EF-EOS R Control Ring lens mount adapter to take advantage of my existing EF lenses (see signature), giving me some decent coverage from 70-200mm with a couple of primes.

In your case I would get the regular EF-EOS R adapter and save the $100 difference for lenses. The R6 already has 3 dials so the control ring is not as useful. There are many different opinions on this, but also posts with surveys you can check out on what the control ring is being used for. I tried for a while it but did not find myself using it much.

Where I will be lacking is below 70mm and above 200mm, so that is where I could use some input. Some factors to consider:
- this is just a hobby for me but enjoy nice equipment
- I like shooting most things - portrait - landscape - wildlife- indoor - outdoor
- budget is not an issue, but want to spend my money wisely
- I don't need to do this all at once - it can be a path to getting were I need to be

Another path is to get first a low-cost combination of lenses covering the range, and then experimenting to decide where you really need to up the game (if needed at all for your use), without committing to a large upfront investment. You can also rent the more expensive lenses to test them out. A potential low-cost starting kit could be (as from your list you seem to prefer zooms):

- RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM (tons available second-hand but brand-new from kits)

- RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM, lightweight and very good quality telephoto zoom

 

[John Crowe]

I have not switched to RF yet.

I would add all the EF xx-70/2.8 L versions and the EF 24-105/4 L IS II to your list.

The EF 100-400 L IS II is a bargain compared to the 100-500. Image quality is extremely close. You can add the EF 1.4x III to get you a 140-560. Adding a 1.4x to the 100-500 gets expensive again, and you only get 200-700.

I would also buy any EF lens used to make your budget go even further.

 

[R2D2]

I will be purchasing the EF-EOS R Control Ring lens mount adapter to take advantage of my existing EF lenses (see signature), giving me some decent coverage from 70-200mm with a couple of primes.

In your case I would get the regular EF-EOS R adapter and save the $100 difference for lenses. The R6 already has 3 dials so the control ring is not as useful. There are many different opinions on this, but also posts with surveys you can check out on what the control ring is being used for. I tried for a while it but did not find myself using it much.

I set the control ring to select "AF Method." Which I find to be extremely useful (and fast and convenient).

Where I will be lacking is below 70mm and above 200mm, so that is where I could use some input. Some factors to consider:
- this is just a hobby for me but enjoy nice equipment
- I like shooting most things - portrait - landscape - wildlife- indoor - outdoor
- budget is not an issue, but want to spend my money wisely
- I don't need to do this all at once - it can be a path to getting were I need to be

Another path is to get first a low-cost combination of lenses covering the range, and then experimenting to decide where you really need to up the game (if needed at all for your use), without committing to a large upfront investment. You can also rent the more expensive lenses to test them out. A potential low-cost starting kit could be (as from your list you seem to prefer zooms):

- RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM (tons available second-hand but brand-new from kits)

- RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM, lightweight and very good quality telephoto zoom

For a neophyte this can be a good approach. However it can actually cost you more in the long run (buying, selling, renting, storing, etc).

R2

--
Good judgment comes from experience.
Experience comes from bad judgment.
http://www.pbase.com/jekyll_and_hyde/galleries

 

[Llop]

I will be purchasing the EF-EOS R Control Ring lens mount adapter to take advantage of my existing EF lenses (see signature), giving me some decent coverage from 70-200mm with a couple of primes.

In your case I would get the regular EF-EOS R adapter and save the $100 difference for lenses. The R6 already has 3 dials so the control ring is not as useful. There are many different opinions on this, but also posts with surveys you can check out on what the control ring is being used for. I tried for a while it but did not find myself using it much.

I set the control ring to select "AF Method." Which I find to be extremely useful (and fast and convenient).

Where I will be lacking is below 70mm and above 200mm, so that is where I could use some input. Some factors to consider:
- this is just a hobby for me but enjoy nice equipment
- I like shooting most things - portrait - landscape - wildlife- indoor - outdoor
- budget is not an issue, but want to spend my money wisely
- I don't need to do this all at once - it can be a path to getting were I need to be

Another path is to get first a low-cost combination of lenses covering the range, and then experimenting to decide where you really need to up the game (if needed at all for your use), without committing to a large upfront investment. You can also rent the more expensive lenses to test them out. A potential low-cost starting kit could be (as from your list you seem to prefer zooms):

- RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM (tons available second-hand but brand-new from kits)

- RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM, lightweight and very good quality telephoto zoom

For a neophyte this can be a good approach. However it can actually cost you more in the long run (buying, selling, renting, storing, etc).

Agreed, it depends on how sure you are about what you need, and if the return window for purchases is enough to decide if it is a keeper or not.

As per the cost, e.g. In the case of the 24-105 STM, buying from/selling to MPB 2nd hand you would spend 100 USD (and 200 for the 100-400). Buying and regretting purchasing an RF L lens and then reselling it would probably be much more expensive.

 

[Leigh A]

I have the RF 24-105F4L, & RF100-500L, + RF 1.4TC, and kept my EF16-35F4L with Adapter for my R5.

Covers just about everything I need.

 

[R2D2]

I will be purchasing the EF-EOS R Control Ring lens mount adapter to take advantage of my existing EF lenses (see signature), giving me some decent coverage from 70-200mm with a couple of primes.

In your case I would get the regular EF-EOS R adapter and save the $100 difference for lenses. The R6 already has 3 dials so the control ring is not as useful. There are many different opinions on this, but also posts with surveys you can check out on what the control ring is being used for. I tried for a while it but did not find myself using it much.

I set the control ring to select "AF Method." Which I find to be extremely useful (and fast and convenient).

Where I will be lacking is below 70mm and above 200mm, so that is where I could use some input. Some factors to consider:
- this is just a hobby for me but enjoy nice equipment
- I like shooting most things - portrait - landscape - wildlife- indoor - outdoor
- budget is not an issue, but want to spend my money wisely
- I don't need to do this all at once - it can be a path to getting were I need to be

Another path is to get first a low-cost combination of lenses covering the range, and then experimenting to decide where you really need to up the game (if needed at all for your use), without committing to a large upfront investment. You can also rent the more expensive lenses to test them out. A potential low-cost starting kit could be (as from your list you seem to prefer zooms):

- RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM (tons available second-hand but brand-new from kits)

- RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM, lightweight and very good quality telephoto zoom

For a neophyte this can be a good approach. However it can actually cost you more in the long run (buying, selling, renting, storing, etc).

Agreed, it depends on how sure you are about what you need, and if the return window for purchases is enough to decide if it is a keeper or not.

As per the cost, e.g. In the case of the 24-105 STM, buying from/selling to MPB 2nd hand you would spend 100 USD (and 200 for the 100-400). Buying and regretting purchasing an RF L lens and then reselling it would probably be much more expensive.

True. However I try to tailor my responses to the poster's experience level, and the OP just seemed to already be beyond the entry level is all. Yours is very good advice to anyone just starting out tho!

R2

 

[m100]

Hello.
As mentioned in previous thread, I'm planning to upgrade from my older EOS 30D to the EOS R6 Mark II. Thanks for the input there.

I plan on keeping the 30D and leave the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 attached as a backup camera. It is actually a nice lens.

I will be purchasing the EF-EOS R Control Ring lens mount adapter to take advantage of my existing EF lenses (see signature), giving me some decent coverage from 70-200mm with a couple of primes.

Where I will be lacking is below 70mm and above 200mm, so that is where I could use some input. Some factors to consider:
- this is just a hobby for me but enjoy nice equipment
- I like shooting most things - portrait - landscape - wildlife- indoor - outdoor
- budget is not an issue, but want to spend my money wisely

The best time of year to buy is about over and the best time of the year to sell is about here.

- I don't need to do this all at once - it can be a path to getting were I need to be

For the wide/standard focal lengths, here are some options and thoughts:

RF 24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z
- good low light - 3 primes in one - I like the internal zoom
- pricey - slight concern about being newer model with unknown issues

RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM
- seems like good all-rounder - decent price
- external zoom - slower - maybe pair with a prime

RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM
- solid - fast
- kinda pricey

RF 28-70mm F2 L USM
- quite the lens - f/2
- big - pricey - maybe overkill

EF or RF Primes - 16/24/28/35/50 etc
- not sure about this, but open suggestions
- feel this may be better later in addition to zoom

i like them all. They are all sharp and lightweight.

Somewhere between f/4 and f/5.6 my rf 50mm stm becomes the sharpest lens I have ever tried.

Even wide open it is sharper than any wide open EF 50mm I have tried.

For the telephoto zoom here are a couple of options and thoughts

RF 100-500mm F/4.5-7.1 L IS USM
- nice range - decent aperture
- not cheap but not extortional

EF 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6 L IS II USM
- nice lens - nice aperture - a little cheaper then 100-500
- ef - slightly less range

That's about it. Any input, recommendations, or experiences appreciated. tx.

--
Hello, my name is Steve and I have GAS.