Canon EOS range

[Mossberg]

So after taking some wedding photos this week I have learnt a few things, the main one is know your kit and how to change the settings inside out. To be fair I already knew I needed to do this but haven’t so far had the opportunity – something I intend to rectify.

Another thing is full frame to crop and the effect on lenses.

And the final one – I enjoy taking photos of people. I enjoyed the relaxed interaction and fun I had with the couple I photographed (they are friends).

So, whilst I have my Canon EOS700D to further my journey into photography, I thought I would ask you folks for advice on the Canon EOS range. If I progress further I may potentially want to purchase lenses etc and wondered if the EOS??D range is something worth progressing with - I don’t want to go getting EOS kit if I could potentially spend the money better elsewhere.

So, excuse my naivety, is the EOS range worth progressing with.

Also, I have been offered a EOS5D (the first version) for £100 from my friend who I borrowed the 5D MkIII from. Would this be a better camera to cut my teeth on than the EOS700D? I want to learn the basics and understand the controls so I can perhaps progress to a more up to date model at some time in the future.

And the last question, what would be a good model to eventually aim for. I am not in a rush to upgrade, but would like to know options for the future. Is the 6D a full frame?, and would that be worth considering?

 

[Phil V]

The answer to your first question is simple. Yes the EOS system is still a worthwhile system to use.

The answer to your final question depends on what you want to shoot and what your budget is.

The bits in between are complicated, and in some ways will lead your path.

The xxd cameras are better than the xxxd, and then the question is do you really think you’ll want to go full frame?
Something like an 80d with a 17-55 2.8 is a great kit. And something similar to what I shot weddings with for years. Add a wide angle and an 85 1.8 and you’ve a great kit if a little out of date.

But, it’s 2024 and the world has moved from DSLR’s to mirrorless. And an R6 can be had for around a grand. It’s genuinely so much better than any of the DSLR’s for shooting people.

 

[Mossberg]

That is interesting Phil, thank you. I would rather save my money until such time I can get something that will be the most suitable for my needs within a reasonable budget.

However, from what you say a mirrorless unit seems like a good aim so I will start looking into those. I don’t mind buying 2nd hand as hopefully I will get more for my money. Also not in a rush to buy so they may have dropped further by the time I look to purchase.

Do the EF lenses fit well and work with R units (with an adapter I presume). If they do then it would mean I can get lenses for my current cameras with an eye to using them on a R body in the future.

Thanks for your help.

Mick

 

[Bushlore]

If you are going to stick to photography then the EOS range is fine , the good thing about this range is that there are literally hundreds of EF lenses from many brands that will work for you, I still have two EOS body's . I recently (2020) moved over to the "R" system, this is a bit of a nightmare getting used to the menu systems , which is OK BUT !!!! only a verry few of the third-party lenses will work on the RF mount , even when using the EF/RF adapter provided by canon/ there are issues. The Canon EF lenses work 100% on the RF adapter but you are now limited to what canon has on offer . One thing for sure ... and hear is the contentious issue GO FULL FRAME !!! you can pick up EOS 5D's for a steal and they are super..... I know this post will get a huge amount of flack because of the APSC or M4/3 following ..... but you wont be sorry.... been there , done that.

 

[Boots]

Personally I would always recommend buying second-hand. But as is often said in this field, and others, buy the seller, not the hype. Read the words carefully, what are they not saying as much as what they are saying. Ask questions. How are those questions answered? Does the seller seem genuine? If you get a funny feeling, walk away.

As for the 5D, I used to have one, and I do genuinely believe they are getting past it. There are much better cameras for similar money. The 5D also had a problem with the glue that holds the mirror on. Sometimes it would drop off and jam up the camera. It could also do more damage in the process. When it happened to me, Canon repaired it for free. I don't know if they still would. At the very least ask your friend if it has had the warrantee repair done.

The reviews at https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ go back to the old models. Click on Canon DSLR Camera Reviews and then Canon DSLR Camera Reviews (Discontinued) a little way down the page. Just bear in mind that, inevitably, each new model is almost always rated as better than the previous one. Perhaps read the words, look at the sample images and compare with the second-hand prices from MPB (other purchase options are available). Think about value for money.

Comments about buying the best you can afford, getting on the latest system (i.e. mirrorless), buying the best glass and waiting for the new model which is just round the corner, are all well and good. But having fun and playing around with a camera that cost you a few hundred pounds will teach you more, especially about what sort of camera might be best in the future.

 

[Bushlore]

If you are going to stick to photography then the EOS range is fine , the good thing about this range is that there are literally hundreds of EF lenses from many brands that will work for you, I still have two EOS body's . I recently (2020) moved over to the "R" system, this is a bit of a nightmare getting used to the menu systems , which is OK BUT !!!! only a verry few of the third-party lenses will work on the RF mount , even when using the EF/RF adapter provided by canon/ there are issues. The Canon EF lenses work 100% on the RF adapter but you are now limited to what canon has on offer . One thing for sure ... and hear is the contentious issue GO FULL FRAME !!! you can pick up EOS 5D's for a steal and they are super..... I know this post will get a huge amount of flack because of the APSC or M4/3 following ..... but you wont be sorry.... been there , done that.

Further to the above, you will notice that I mention that I still have two EOS body's , one is a 5D II and the other is a 5D IV .... I have not had an issue with either , but from time to time I do upgrade .... I did not sell the 5D's as they are in essence worthless because of the new RF range ... so kept them for emergencies .... but they can do the job that any of my current equipment does when needed.

 

[Mossberg]

Further to the above, you will notice that I mention that I still have two EOS body's , one is a 5D II and the other is a 5D IV .... I have not had an issue with either , but from time to time I do upgrade .... I did not sell the 5D's as they are in essence worthless because of the new RF range ... so kept them for emergencies .... but they can do the job that any of my current equipment does when needed.

Many thanks for your input, it really is appreciated. You have mentioned having the 5D MkII and 5D Mk IV. How do those controls relate to the new systems - is it easy to transition?

 

[Bushlore]

Generally the Canon menue systems remain the same from model to model, just changes when features from one to the next is added or ommited..... With the RF range the menue systems have the same look and feel.... However on the RF menus your jump to video is not just a menue selection.... EG... On the R5C you press the info button then select Video or Photo..... But generally you will find your way around.

 

[Mossberg]

Generally the Canon menue systems remain the same from model to model, just changes when features from one to the next is added or ommited..... With the RF range the menue systems have the same look and feel.... However on the RF menus your jump to video is not just a menue selection.... EG... On the R5C you press the info button then select Video or Photo..... But generally you will find your way around.

Thank you.

 

[LCPete]

Agree with what Phil said , although DSLRs were and are great, the autofocus on the the Canon mirrorless cameras is amazing
The EF lenses work perfectly too with the adapter too, after more than 3 years with my R5 I still haven’t changed any of my EF lenses for RF

 

[Phil V]

I recently (2020) moved over to the "R" system, this is a bit of a nightmare getting used to the menu systems , which is OK BUT !!!! only a verry few of the third-party lenses will work on the RF mount , even when using the EF/RF adapter provided by canon/ there are issues. The Canon EF lenses work 100% on the RF adapter but you are now limited to what canon has on offer . One thing for sure ... and hear is the contentious issue GO FULL FRAME !!!

I think if you’ve some specific examples of what doesn’t work it might help.

But
In my experience, if an EF lens from a 3rd party worked on a current Canon DSLR it’ll be fine on an RF body.
I did have to change a setting for the Sigma 35Art, but once done it works flawlessly.
My oldest 3rd party EF lens is a Tamron 17-35 and the ‘latest’ a Sigma 150-600
Am I mistaken for believing they work fine?

 

[LCPete]

If you are going to stick to photography then the EOS range is fine , the good thing about this range is that there are literally hundreds of EF lenses from many brands that will work for you, I still have two EOS body's . I recently (2020) moved over to the "R" system, this is a bit of a nightmare getting used to the menu systems , which is OK BUT !!!! only a verry few of the third-party lenses will work on the RF mount , even when using the EF/RF adapter provided by canon/ there are issues. The Canon EF lenses work 100% on the RF adapter but you are now limited to what canon has on offer . One thing for sure ... and hear is the contentious issue GO FULL FRAME !!! you can pick up EOS 5D's for a steal and they are super..... I know this post will get a huge amount of flack because of the APSC or M4/3 following ..... but you wont be sorry.... been there , done that.

I believe it’s a bit more nuanced than that as far as I understand most 3rd party EF lenses work fine on mirrorless
I did read that some of Sigma long zoom lenses have focus issues on Canon Mirrorless can’t remember the exact details
As well as Canon EF I also have older Sigma 105 and 150 macro lenses and have recently bought a Tamron 35mm f1.4 SP Di USD Lens they all work well on my R5 with adapter

 

[Bushlore]

I believe it’s a bit more nuanced than that as far as I understand most 3rd party EF lenses work fine on mirrorless
I did read that some of Sigma long zoom lenses have focus issues on Canon Mirrorless can’t remember the exact details
As well as Canon EF I also have older Sigma 105 and 150 macro lenses and have recently bought a Tamron 35mm f1.4 SP Di USD Lens they all work well on my R5 with adapter

There are verry few EF lenses from third party manufacturers that function properly on the RF system , fact ... On the long lens side , Both Tamron and Sigma have issues , specifically with Auto Focus, I do have a Tamron 24-70 that works supurbly but most have issues. This is not "I heard" or "they say" this is my personal experience . Most of my work is long lens work so an alternative to Canon would be a huge advantage ... but sadly it is not ..... Canon have not allowed the third-party manufacturers to manufacture RF lenses and there have been a few court cases already concerning that. TTartisan have a range of prime RF lenses but as far as I know they are not legitimately manufactured under licence. ...... Both Sigma and Tamron apparently will soon be launching their "RF" variations to the market. which is the only reason I have not changed brands yet.

 

[LCPete]

There are verry few EF lenses from third party manufacturers that function properly on the RF system , fact ... On the long lens side , Both Tamron and Sigma have issues , specifically with Auto Focus, I do have a Tamron 24-70 that works supurbly but most have issues. This is not "I heard" or "they say" this is my personal experience . Most of my work is long lens work so an alternative to Canon would be a huge advantage ... but sadly it is not ..... Canon have not allowed the third-party manufacturers to manufacture RF lenses and there have been a few court cases already concerning that. TTartisan have a range of prime RF lenses but as far as I know they are not legitimately manufactured under licence. ...... Both Sigma and Tamron apparently will soon be launching their "RF" variations to the market. which is the only reason I have not changed brands yet.

Fair point didn’t know about a lot of that, I was only going by my own experience and lenses I have, macro and wide angle
I also do wildlife, longer lens work in addition to macro but use my EF Canon lenses for that

 

[Bushlore]

Just seen that SIGMA has already launched there RF range and they are already on the shelves......

 

[Phil V]

There are verry few EF lenses from third party manufacturers that function properly on the RF system , fact ... On the long lens side , Both Tamron and Sigma have issues , specifically with Auto Focus, I do have a Tamron 24-70 that works supurbly but most have issues. This is not "I heard" or "they say" this is my personal experience . Most of my work is long lens work so an alternative to Canon would be a huge advantage ... but sadly it is not ..... Canon have not allowed the third-party manufacturers to manufacture RF lenses and there have been a few court cases already concerning that. TTartisan have a range of prime RF lenses but as far as I know they are not legitimately manufactured under licence. ...... Both Sigma and Tamron apparently will soon be launching their "RF" variations to the market. which is the only reason I have not changed brands yet.

You’re conflating two very separate issues here FACT as kids are wont to say.

Issue 1 Canon didn’t licence any 3rd party manufacturers to produce RF mount lenses, resulting in some legal action and relaxation for RF-S lenses.

Issue 2
There have been reports of focus hunting with long Sigma (and Tamron) lenses, however if you dig deep enough you’ll find the issues can be replicated on DSLR’s that people used them on for years with apparently ’no issues’.
I’m not making light of people who’ve had issues. But I’ll reiterate I have and still do use 3rd party lenses on my R bodies and have had no significant issues whatsoever.

So an we drop the childish FACT attitude now and stop spreading misinformation, this isn’t a flat earth group on X.

 

[Bushlore]

You’re conflating two very separate issues here FACT as kids are wont to say.

Issue 1 Canon didn’t licence any 3rd party manufacturers to produce RF mount lenses, resulting in some legal action and relaxation for RF-S lenses.

Issue 2
There have been reports of focus hunting with long Sigma (and Tamron) lenses, however if you dig deep enough you’ll find the issues can be replicated on DSLR’s that people used them on for years with apparently ’no issues’.
I’m not making light of people who’ve had issues. But I’ll reiterate I have and still do use 3rd party lenses on my R bodies and have had no significant issues whatsoever.

So an we drop the childish FACT attitude now and stop spreading misinformation, this isn’t a flat earth group on X.

Phil, mmmm childish fact act, I don't think so, this is what I do for a living. And if you do your research you will find out the same.... So it is obvious you have not... Just go check the relevant YouTube posts.... Anyway I joined the forum to learn and perhaps impart some heard learned knowledge, not to try and be rite at all cost.... Never thought I would encounter such attitude on what is supposedly meant to be a collaborative environment. Suggest you read the press and get your facts correct.

 

[Phil V]

Phil, mmmm childish fact act, I don't think so, this is what I do for a living. And if you do your research you will find out the same.... So it is obvious you have not... Just go check the relevant YouTube posts.... Anyway I joined the forum to learn and perhaps impart some heard learned knowledge, not to try and be rite at all cost.... Never thought I would encounter such attitude on what is supposedly meant to be a collaborative environment. Suggest you read the press and get your facts correct.

This is how discussion works in the grown up world.
When you make assertions, it’s your job to back them up with evidence.

I’ve offered the evidence that I have several 3rd party lenses and they all work fine. That’s my real world experience. 40 years shooting, most of that time making some or all of my income from it. 25 years of that as a Canon shooter.

You’re suggesting I’m a liar, and that if I want evidence I have to do my own research.
If you genuinely want to become part of a community, you’d realise that entering a discussion shouting (caps) and waving your dick might not be the best opening gambit.


So - let’s see the evidence that verry (sic) few 3rd party EF lenses function on the RF system. And the difficulty there might start with your bio here suggests your cameras are RF mount and your standard lens is a Tamron (that’ll take some explaining away)

 

[Erty]

I don't use Canon but I do know that the 5dMk1 has had a resurgence over the last couple of years as a couple of youtubers have said they take pretty portraits. The ones in nice condition have been bought up and mediocre ones cost more than £100.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ph0CwbOx7Us


Worth considering if you want to take portraits.

 

[Mossberg]

I have decided to take my friend's 5D classic and also keep my 700d. I would like to upgrade at some point to mirrorless, but I am not in a rush to do that.

What I would like to do is complement what I have with a better zoom. My thoughts are either a 24-70 f2.8 or a 24-105 f4

 

[Craikeybaby]

You said you like taking photos of people, which would suggest to me the 24-70. Although if prices are anything like they were when I had my 5D, I would go for the 24-105 and a 50mm prime (again)for less money than the 24-105.

 

[Boots]

I have decided to take my friend's 5D classic and also keep my 700d. I would like to upgrade at some point to mirrorless, but I am not in a rush to do that.

What I would like to do is complement what I have with a better zoom. My thoughts are either a 24-70 f2.8 or a 24-105 f4

I never liked my 24-105. I know they are very popular, and the quality is definitely there. But I go walking quite a bit and it always annoyed me by zooming out as I walked. I changed over to the 24-70 (f/4) and love it.

 

[Mossberg]

I think I have my heart set on the 21-70 f2.8. I know there is cost involved but I like the shallow depth of field. Plus my friend has the 24-105 so I could borrow that!

 

[Kell]

I don't use Canon but I do know that the 5dMk1 has had a resurgence over the last couple of years as a couple of youtubers have said they take pretty portraits. The ones in nice condition have been bought up and mediocre ones cost more than £100.

Worth considering if you want to take portraits.

I massively regret selling my 5Di. I did sell it to a friend, however, so I know where it is, but he's said he's never letting it go.

 

[Kell]

This is how discussion works in the grown up world.
When you make assertions, it’s your job to back them up with evidence.

I’ve offered the evidence that I have several 3rd party lenses and they all work fine. That’s my real world experience. 40 years shooting, most of that time making some or all of my income from it. 25 years of that as a Canon shooter.

You’re suggesting I’m a liar, and that if I want evidence I have to do my own research.
If you genuinely want to become part of a community, you’d realise that entering a discussion shouting (caps) and waving your dick might not be the best opening gambit.


So - let’s see the evidence that verry (sic) few 3rd party EF lenses function on the RF system. And the difficulty there might start with your bio here suggests your cameras are RF mount and your standard lens is a Tamron (that’ll take some explaining away)

I've not tried any 3rd party lenses with my R6ii, but...

My first 'expensive' i.e. non-kit lens was a Tamron 24-70/2.8.

This worked flawlessly with my Canon 600D. When I upgraded that camera to an 80D, I found the lens would hunt for focus for much longer and was a PITA to use.

At that time, some googling led me to theories (conspiracy or otherwise) that Canon had introduced software to newer cameras that stopped 3rd party lenses from working quite so well with their cameras. I can't prove that, of course, but in my own experience the same lens stopped working properly almost overnight. I will add that IQ didn't suffer. When it found focus, it was just as good as it always was, but took probably around two-three times as long to lock on. And I'd sometimes take an OOF pic as the half-button shutter press didn't always activate the AF.

I sold the lens and got the Canon version not long after (SH of course) which worked perfectly. So it would be a good strategy from Canon if they did do this as it forces you to use their own lenses.

With the Canon adapter, all my EF lenses work perfectly on the R6ii.

 

[swanseamale47]

Very roughly the newer the camera the better image quality and high iso is. That said cameras like the 5d3 and 4 are excelent cameras. The mk1 is getting old now, but some people claim they have a certain "quality" to them the later models dont have. As I've never had one I dont know if it's true, but I've heard a lot of people say it.
I've found advantages to both full frame and crop, so I use both depending on what I'm doing. It's down to what YOU like at the end of the day.

 

[swanseamale47]

I never liked my 24-105. I know they are very popular, and the quality is definitely there. But I go walking quite a bit and it always annoyed me by zooming out as I walked. I changed over to the 24-70 (f/4) and love it.

I found the opposite, I ove my Sigma art 24-105, I never got on with the 24-70, it's just not long enough on the long end for my style of shooting. Just personal taste really.

 

[AndrewFlannigan]

As I've never had one I dont know if it's true, but I've heard a lot of people say it.

Of course it's all subjective but I did enjoy the original 5D.

For such a big camera it seemed to be surprisingly unnoticeable...

 

[Mossberg]

Just an update. I ended up getting an R6ii first my 60th and I love it (brand new too - Panamoz). I also got myself the 24-70 2.8 and love that too. I have the 85mm prime also, but the 24-70 is the main lens I use.

I want to get myself the 100-400 zoom next.

 

[tikkathreebarrel]

Many thanks for your input, it really is appreciated. You have mentioned having the 5D MkII and 5D Mk IV. How do those controls relate to the new systems - is it easy to transition?

Over the years I transitioned from the original 5D to the 5D2. In the past year and just prior to a major lifestyle shift which means I now have far fewer outings with a camera I upgraded to the 5D3: I have better ISO performance options but otherwise I'm not sure I gained much. What am I saying? A well-loved 5D or 5D2 is still a great tool.

 

[Mossberg]

I have kept the 5D as for £100, I don't think it's worth getting rid of. It means I can use it with the lenses I have in places I nay not want to take the R6ii. Also some say the 5D is good fir portraits, so happy days!