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A7III (x2) ===> Canon?

gheller
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · A7III (x2) ===> Canon?

I have G.A.S. *bad*

I am a full-time destination wedding photographer (for almost 2 decades) and within a few years of retiring.

I absolutely love what I do and am thankful to work just about every day.

But, I am feeling a bit stale and need a new *spark* to carry me thru the final years of my career.

I had pre-ordered the amazing retro Nikon Zf in burgundy and brown, but ultimately cancelled my order after realizing all of the pitfalls of jumping ship. It wasn't really the financial cost, but the (lack of) ergo, the blah lenses that would trash the retro look and feel, the micro-SD card, etc....

I am also interested in the Canon R system (shot the entire 5D lineup from 1 thru 4) before switching to Sony.

Thing is, my setup is *perfect* for my business. A pair of A73 bodies. One has the Sigma 85 f/1.4 DG DN and the other with the Tamron 28-200. There is no setup (for any amount of money) that I feel would do a better job for me.

So, with that said, I could just get a couple of A74 bodies, but not sure that would give me the *spark* I am looking for. If I am going to spend $5K+, I want something different.

Make sense?

Thanks for any and all input!

(cross posted in the Nikon / Sony forum)

Oct 27, 2023 at 08:41 PM

bman212121
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · A7III (x2) ===> Canon?

Rather than split the conversation, it seems like the Nikon thread is where replies should go:

https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1830179

Oct 27, 2023 at 11:43 PM

gheller
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · A7III (x2) ===> Canon?

bman212121 wrote:
Rather than split the conversation, it seems like the Nikon thread is where replies should go:

https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1830179

But since Canon is a viable option (as referred to in my OP), I wanted input from the Canon folks

Oct 28, 2023 at 12:04 AM

AmbientMike
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · A7III (x2) ===> Canon?

Not a wedding photographer myself, 28-70/2 sounds like a potentially inspiring lens though. Not available in the other systems.

Numerous 85mm lenses including the incomparable 85/1.2 Rf, 85/2 Rf has 1:2 macro, and EF 1.2, 1.4, and 1.8 can be adapted using the EF RF adapter. Several 70-200/2.8's, 100/2, & 135/2 available

The R6 II does 6k RAW using atomos if you do any video. R5 is 45mp

Oct 28, 2023 at 11:08 AM

gheller
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · A7III (x2) ===> Canon?

AmbientMike wrote:
Not a wedding photographer myself, 28-70/2 sounds like a potentially inspiring lens though. Not available in the other systems.

Numerous 85mm lenses including the incomparable 85/1.2 Rf, 85/2 Rf has 1:2 macro, and EF 1.2, 1.4, and 1.8 can be adapted using the EF RF adapter. Several 70-200/2.8's, 100/2, & 135/2 available

The R6 II does 6k RAW using atomos if you do any video. R5 is 45mp

Yes, that 28-70/2 looks amazing, but not sure I want to lug that much weight around all day

thx!

Oct 28, 2023 at 12:23 PM

jedibrain
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · A7III (x2) ===> Canon?

R5 giving you 8k video seems like something compelling, potentially.

Brian

Oct 29, 2023 at 07:51 AM

Jesse Evans
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · A7III (x2) ===> Canon?

Screw the spark, Canon ain’t gonna give it to ya. You probably lack a spark because you’re nearing the retirement and there isn’t much new going on creatively with your shoots. I’m not saying you aren’t being creative, more that you’re using the creative muscles you’ve already developed to achieve very similar feeling results.

If you want to bring back the spark, try thinking about what new you could bring to your shoots that is outside of your camera. Rethink your shot list, and maybe you can come up with something truly new that will make you feel inspired again.

It’s not easy to be inspired during a long career. I doubt very much that switching camera systems is going to do much of anything to change that for you at this point. Ever since the A7 III the fundamental innovations have all been higher frame rates and better AI subject detection AF (and better video). Do those things genuinely appeal to you?

My advice is to celebrate your skills and close out your career using the tools that have been serving you so well recently

Oct 29, 2023 at 08:51 AM

swldstn
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · A7III (x2) ===> Canon?

I own both Canon R5 and Sony although I use an A7RV, and sold my A7IV. Both great cameras.
Unless you really want to deal with larger image files the EOS R6 II I would think is the camera you would be looking from Canon at but it’s only 24 Mpixels. Ever since I had my 5D IV I’ve enjoyed a little more resolution at greater than 30 Mpixels and I think the A7IV’s 33 Mpixel sensor is great IMHO. Unfortunately it doesn’t have the new AI assisted AF like the A7CII. Unfortunately it doesn’t have dual card slots like the A7IV which I assume is a requirement for a Wedding Photographer.

May sound foolish but you can always rent an R6II and A7IV and see which one lights up for you.

Also, have you considered buying into a new lens you might want as an alternative way to heat up your creativity? Lots of really nice Sony GM lenses that can enhance even your A7IIIs.
Also what’s your thoughts about using the Tamron 35-150/2.8 ?

Good luck and let us know what you do. Take care.

Oct 29, 2023 at 09:57 AM

CelesteForza
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · A7III (x2) ===> Canon?

I have over 400 weddings under my belt going back to 2003. The current set up I have now R6 II and R6 with RF 28-70 F/2L and RF 85 1.2L (indoors) and RF 135 1.8L (outdoors) is by far the best set up I've used.

Oct 29, 2023 at 11:17 AM

gipper53
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · A7III (x2) ===> Canon?

Not sure what a new body / system is going to offer vs. what you have now? The end results are going to be the same from the creative side.

My non-professional opinion: you want to shake it up, something fresh with creative lighting effects is the way to go. Or for lenses, something unique like a tilt/shift lens or a fisheye. The lenses you listed are certainly capable, but they offer nothing special nor inspire creativity.

I'm not a wedding shooter, but when I see wedding images that make me go "wow", it's typically a combination of decisive moment, amazing lighting and unique vantage points. More bokeh is rarely a wow for me.

Oct 29, 2023 at 12:48 PM

gheller
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · A7III (x2) ===> Canon?

Jesse Evans wrote:
Screw the spark, Canon ain’t gonna give it to ya. You probably lack a spark because you’re nearing the retirement and there isn’t much new going on creatively with your shoots. I’m not saying you aren’t being creative, more that you’re using the creative muscles you’ve already developed to achieve very similar feeling results.

If you want to bring back the spark, try thinking about what new you could bring to your shoots that is outside of your camera. Rethink your shot list, and maybe you can come up with something truly new that will make you feel inspired...Show more →

This is actually very good advice.

I still love what I do and have no problem doing the same for the next few years, just love new tech. Having the same setup for so long, I was thinking a change would be fun.

Oct 29, 2023 at 01:22 PM

gheller
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · A7III (x2) ===> Canon?

swldstn wrote:
I own both Canon R5 and Sony although I use an A7RV, and sold my A7IV. Both great cameras.
Unless you really want to deal with larger image files the EOS R6 II I would think is the camera you would be looking from Canon at but it’s only 24 Mpixels. Ever since I had my 5D IV I’ve enjoyed a little more resolution at greater than 30 Mpixels and I think the A7IV’s 33 Mpixel sensor is great IMHO. Unfortunately it doesn’t have the new AI assisted AF like the A7CII. Unfortunately it doesn’t have dual card slots like the...Show more →

More great input, really appreciate it. I would be interested in a new lens, but that Tamron would be heavier and less range than my current 28-200. Probably better IQ, but don't need the fixed aperture or narrow DOF on that body since the other lens is a 1.4

Oct 29, 2023 at 01:25 PM

gheller
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · A7III (x2) ===> Canon?

CelesteForza wrote:
I have over 400 weddings under my belt going back to 2003. The current set up I have now R6 II and R6 with RF 28-70 F/2L and RF 85 1.2L (indoors) and RF 135 1.8L (outdoors) is by far the best set up I've used.

Sounds like that works for you which is great.

I have drooled over the 28-70 f/2, but the weight (and lack of 24mm and 200mm) would hinder me too much. I am shooting outdoors on the beach and that setup would weigh me down *much* more than my current setup in the blazing heat.

Oct 29, 2023 at 01:28 PM

gheller
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · A7III (x2) ===> Canon?

gipper53 wrote:
Not sure what a new body / system is going to offer vs. what you have now? The end results are going to be the same from the creative side.

My non-professional opinion: you want to shake it up, something fresh with creative lighting effects is the way to go. Or for lenses, something unique like a tilt/shift lens or a fisheye. The lenses you listed are certainly capable, but they offer nothing special nor inspire creativity.

I'm not a wedding shooter, but when I see wedding images that make me go "wow", it's typically a combination of decisive moment, amazing lighting...Show more →

Really good perspective, thanks.

Yes, the lens setup I currently use does the job perfectly. If I was shooting all-day weddings and had time for external lighting setups and unique shots using alt lenses, I would agree with you 100% on your suggestions.

~ but ~ I am a destination wedding shooter and rarely have over 90 minutes *total* with a couple (including the 20 min ceremony!)

So I have to "get the shots" rather than am able to "create" the shots, if that makes sense.

Oct 29, 2023 at 01:32 PM

swldstn
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · A7III (x2) ===> Canon?

gheller wrote:
More great input, really appreciate it. I would be interested in a new lens, but that Tamron would be heavier and less range than my current 28-200. Probably better IQ, but don't need the fixed aperture or narrow DOF on that body since the other lens is a 1.4

Admit that Tamron is big and heavy. Personally I would prefer the excellent FE 135mm f/1.8. It’s been a long time since I shot weddings but based on the lenses available today I probably would have a five lens kit with the 16-35/2.8 GM II, 24-70/2.8 GM II, 70-200/2.8 GM II, 135/1.8 GM and the 50/1.4 GM even though I have the 50/1.2 GM as well. All great glass IMHO.

Oct 29, 2023 at 02:52 PM

gheller
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · A7III (x2) ===> Canon?

swldstn wrote:
Admit that Tamron is big and heavy. Personally I would prefer the excellent FE 135mm f/1.8. It’s been a long time since I shot weddings but based on the lenses available today I probably would have a five lens kit with the 16-35/2.8 GM II, 24-70/2.8 GM II, 70-200/2.8 GM II, 135/1.8 GM and the 50/1.4 GM even though I have the 50/1.2 GM as well. All great glass IMHO.

Agreed that all of those lenses are spectacular. But knowing I have 60 - 90 minutes to capture everything I need limits what I can carry; and changing lenses (in a salt air / sand environment) is far from ideal.

Thanks again for the input!

Oct 29, 2023 at 04:28 PM

swldstn
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · A7III (x2) ===> Canon?

gheller wrote:
Agreed that all of those lenses are spectacular. But knowing I have 60 - 90 minutes to capture everything I need limits what I can carry; and changing lenses (in a salt air / sand environment) is far from ideal.

Thanks again for the input!
I understand. I would typically only have three lenses at an event and two mounted on my two bodies and the third in reserve. Which ones I took depended on the venue and the size of the wedding party.

Oct 29, 2023 at 06:11 PM

gipper53
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · A7III (x2) ===> Canon?

gheller wrote:
Really good perspective, thanks.

Yes, the lens setup I currently use does the job perfectly. If I was shooting all-day weddings and had time for external lighting setups and unique shots using alt lenses, I would agree with you 100% on your suggestions.

~ but ~ I am a destination wedding shooter and rarely have over 90 minutes *total* with a couple (including the 20 min ceremony!)

So I have to "get the shots" rather than am able to "create" the shots, if that makes sense.

Understood. Based on what you've said in this thread and the Nikon thread, it sounds like you already own the perfect kit for your needs and your workflow won't allow for much...shall we say..."creative deviation"?. Just wanting something new for the sake of something new is where you're at. Nothing wrong with that, and plenty of us here can relate. New toys (tools) are fun and spark interest again.

Just be aware that the honeymoon phase of new gear can wear off quickly. Probably even faster for a pro. Most colleagues would say it's pointless to replace perfectly functioning gear if it's not going to save you time or make you more money. Or you need a tax writeoff!

Oct 29, 2023 at 06:57 PM

gheller
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · A7III (x2) ===> Canon?

gipper53 wrote:
Understood. Based on what you've said in this thread and the Nikon thread, it sounds like you already own the perfect kit for your needs and your workflow won't allow for much...shall we say..."creative deviation"?. Just wanting something new for the sake of something new is where you're at. Nothing wrong with that, and plenty of us here can relate. New toys (tools) are fun and spark interest again.

Just be aware that the honeymoon phase of new gear can wear off quickly. Probably even faster for a pro. Most colleagues would say it's pointless to replace perfectly functioning gear if...Show more →

It's like you're inside my head, lol. Great insight and spot on.

I would like a write off, but that is no reason to spend just for the sake of it.

thanks!

Oct 29, 2023 at 08:32 PM

AmbientMike
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · A7III (x2) ===> Canon?

Ran into an acquaintance carrying 2xD500, one with the 300pf, the other having the 200-500, and binoculars. He had Black Rapid straps, let go of everything and claimed it didn't weigh anything. So you might look into different straps etc

Oct 29, 2023 at 11:31 PM

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