Finally retiring the 5D3, would love RF migration gameplan tips

[docsmith]

My work rewards thing will effectively place any one of the following lenses in my hands, gratis:

​

RF 50 f/1.2L​

RF 24-70 f/2.8L IS​

RF 28-70 f/2L​

RF 100-500L​

RF 70-200 f/2.8L IS​

Which is a more meaningful upgrade for me, and why? My vote right now is the 50 prime, but talk me down if you feel another one of those is just a game-changer versus what I have for what I shoot. Thx.

- A

That is a very good....and very diverse list. I suspect you are the only one that can pick the right lens for you. I can tell you those are all very well regarded lenses. You may want to give a bit of extra consideration to the RF 28-70 f/2L. I do not own it, I have used it, but there is a LOT of love for that lens from those that I know that do have it. Big and heavy, but the images I see coming from it are impressive.

I have the RF 50 f/1.2. I picked it up and have only used it here or there. The IQ so far is very impressive. I will say the AF speed is not instant. It is good, but I have many faster lenses. Also, you do feel this lens on the camera compared to many other lenses. But, the images are beautiful. Here is a link to a comaparison LSXPhotog did between the 50s. I have the 24 f/1.4 VCM and the AF speed is as reported for the 50 VCM, virtually instant. So, if that matters, you may want to wait on getting the 50 f/1.4.....and make the world right again.

The RF 100-500L. Lot of love for that lens. I've had it for a 2 week trial. Faster AF and better IQ than the EF 100-400 II that I own. Very impressed by it. But, maybe you do not have the need for it in your kit.

Personally, I would elevate those three lenses. As for the other two, I think this are great, but would not put them on the same level. The RF 70-200 f/2.8 IS does not take extenders and you talk about using extenders with the EF lens. As an FYI, the RF 70-200 f/2.8 Z does take extenders. I haven't felt the need to transition from my EF 24-70 II to the RF 24-70 f/2.8. Great lens from everything I see....but so is the EF version. The primary selling point for me on the RF version would be IS.

 

[ahsanford]

I've shot the RF 50 f/1.2L on an original EOS R during a CPS loan a few years ago. Absolutely loved it.

I very much value focus speed, but much more so with zoom / action needs -- 'regular old' USM is perfectly fine on a large aperture instrument like that provided it will reliably nail the focus. Is there any word on focus hit rate between the two RF 50Ls?

- A

 

[neuroanatomist]

Okay, let's pivot to lenses briefly. Generally I'm shooting in a 28-50mm space of life, hiking, travel and family photography. Almost exclusively with available light. 1-2x a year I crack out the landscape kit, the front filters, etc. and make a day of it (and 16mm FF has been more than enough width for me). A few times of year we road trip, hop on a boat and it's eagle / wildlife time (but casually so -- like if we see them, it's not a dedicated wildlife shoot at all). And I love the odd art of handheld macro shooting on hikes/walks: I don't crack out the 100L often, but I always bring home something interesting when I do.

I presently am perfectly happy with my odd travel/hiking/landscaping/very amateur birding L zoom trinity:

EF 16-35 f/4L IS USM (staple on all vacations)​

EF 24-70 f/4L IS USM (staple on all vacations, also go-to for hikes in particular: love the weird 0.7x Macro)​

EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS II USM + 2x T/C III (never flies, I only use it for roadtrips with wildlife on offer or the odd family sports / concert situations)​

​

While I've got a mixed bag of primes:

EF 28 f/2.8 IS USM​

EF 35 f/2 IS USM​

EF 40mm f/2.8 USM​

EF 50mm f/1.4 USM (here comes the rain )​

EF 100 f/2.8L Macro IS USM​

My current plan is:

• Keep all my zooms and adapt them
• Sell all primes except for the 35 and the Macro
• Buy one really nice RF lens straight away (and maaaaaaybe that 28 pancake as a 'we're not planning on shooting, but I'll bring something' move)

The big question is which really nice RF lens would you first add to my kit above?

My work rewards thing will effectively place any one of the following lenses in my hands, gratis:

​

RF 50 f/1.2L​

RF 24-70 f/2.8L IS​

RF 28-70 f/2L​

RF 100-500L​

RF 70-200 f/2.8L IS​

Which is a more meaningful upgrade for me, and why? My vote right now is the 50 prime, but talk me down if you feel another one of those is just a game-changer versus what I have for what I shoot. Thx.

- A

I think the RF 28-70/2 would be the way to go. It's a lens unique to the RF lineup, and since you mention family shots with available light, that's one area the lens really shines.

The 100-500 would be something you don't have in your EF lineup, but if you're happy with the EF 70-200/2.8 + 2x TC and usage is only occasional, stick with that. But if the 28-70/2 seems too big/heavy for routine use, the 100-500 is a great second option. (Personally, I found the 28-70/2 to be very ungainly on my EOS R, but it's fine on the R3/R1).

 

[ahsanford]

I think the RF 28-70/2 would be the way to go. It's a lens unique to the RF lineup, and since you mention family shots with available light, that's one area the lens really shines.

The 100-500 would be something you don't have in your EF lineup, but if you're happy with the EF 70-200/2.8 + 2x TC and usage is only occasional, stick with that. But if the 28-70/2 seems too big/heavy for routine use, the 100-500 is a great second option. (Personally, I found the 28-70/2 to be very ungainly on my EOS R, but it's fine on the R3/R1).

That's a tough ask for a standard zoom to weigh as much as my EF 70-200 2.8. That f/2 would likely be a pass with me, esp. if I'm keeping the 24-70 f/4 for a lighter/hiking/travel/macro option.

I did think about a dedicated varmint/birding lens, and the 100-500L would be very nice for that. I'd prefer the reach over the aperture, and I'd be done with the EF teleconverter most likely. Attractive 100%, but relatively low miles for me.

I just think the most under-explored FL that I use is 50mm, b/c I've had an ancient double gauss that would only nail shots wider than f/2 on every other Thursday.

Who am I kidding. F/1.4 or faster + reliable AF + eye AF opportunity = I think I have to get one of the 50 primes. I'll do my due diligence on the new VCM offering, but I think aperture will win over focus speed in this use case.

- A

 

[neuroanatomist]

I think I have to get one of the 50 primes.

Just trying to get you to think outside the box. Specifically, this box:

 

[OldDudePhotog]

Hey all -- been a while! Trust you all have been well.

I'm finally taking the plunge on an R5 II after 12+ happy years with my 5D3. I've not ordered yet, but I'm getting my ducks in a row for gear I plan to sell / keep / replace. I think I've got a solid gameplan for my current lenses and accessories, but I was curious what best practices in migration you'd recommend.

A few questions specifically come to mind:

• Are two LP-E6P batteries enough for a full day of vaca, sightseeing or landscape work? Presume I'm on the grid and can recharge each night.
  • Other than perhaps a random wildlife moment where I live (an odd fox or eagle), I almost never run high fps stills capture -- but that might only come up 2-3x a year.
• Next to zero need for a rear CPL for what I shoot*, so I should get the control ring adaptor for my EF glass, right?
  • *I already have a 105 CPL for my front filtered Lee 4x6 holder, and that rarely gets used, about 1x a year
• What's your trusted partner for selling old gear (the 5D3 body + EF lenses in particular)? A lot of online houses make it push-button easy, but their offer prices seem absolutely brutal. Is selling on FM's forum still at thing? Is there a new/better show in town?

And I'm always game to hear your tips, best practices and lessons learned from migrating. Thx as always.

- A

I typically take 4 batteries with me for a day's shoot (I use a grip and run 2 at a time), I have yet to run out BUT I have only been running cross country events with mine and those only last 3-4 hours typically for my R5m2, R3, and soon R1. The R5 lasted all day with 4 batteries and the R3 lasted all day with 2, even track events that went 10-12 hours. I used my R3 at a GS trophy qualifier and by hour 12 I was putting in my 3rd battery.

I use the control ring regularly as I have it set to change the AF focal point size and type, you may not need to do this. It can be programmed to do many things. I would recommend looking at the manual for your desired camera and see if one of the options fills a need for you before you buy it.

I have only tried to sell one camera to this point and have listed it here and on Craigslist (still waiting on a buyer, have had a few inquiries and a couple of attempted scammers), I have never used one of the used camera companies so I cannot comment on that.

 

[john1970]

I would purchase two additional LP-E6P batteries so you have a total of three. You might never need them, but better to have an extra just in case.

 

[OldDudePhotog]

I would purchase two additional LP-E6P batteries so you have a total of three. You might never need them, but better to have an extra just in case.

Better to have and not need than to need and not have.