I use AI as a research tool for investing and a few other things. I like birding and AI knows it. Crazy as it sounds. Anyway some of the investments are reaching levels where at 73 it is advising me to stop. So, Since I don't own any RF lenses and I don't see any that are of interest to me at present as a birder. I am not sure what to do. Switching is an option I guess. But, I have enjoyed Canon for many years. Although I don't agree with them most of the time I have a couple of EF lenses that are Excellent.. Anyone in the same boat? What have you done? Since I am frustrated with Canon I guess switching is an option for sure. Do you Sony or Nikon shooters that have switched regret it or have you forgotten Canon .
gkinard1952 wrote:
I use AI as a research tool for investing and a few other things. I like birding and AI knows it. Crazy as it sounds. Anyway some of the investments are reaching levels where at 73 it is advising me to stop. So, Since I don't own any RF lenses and I don't see any that are of interest to me at present as a birder. I am not sure what to do. Switching is an option I guess. But, I have enjoyed Canon for many years. Although I don't agree with them most of the time I have a couple of EF lenses that are Excellent.. Anyone in the same boat? What have you done?...Show more →
AI is great at some things like summarizing information but not so much at analytical thought except for specialized models which most of us don't use. What AI are you using?
I think you'd get better advice here listing specifically what you have and how you use them.
Honestly, I have a lot of EF glass still. I also have a lot of newer RF lenses. I recently sold off my EF big whites for RFs for birding. But aside from the new 800/5.6 RF I'd probably could have been happy with the older EF II and III versions I just sold in 400/2.8 and 600/4 to buy the RF 400/2.8 and RF 600/4. The only reason I did it was because tariff were coming, prices were about to increase and service life on the version II's were ending and I was able to pull it off. They are all excellent! I like the lower weight and shorter length of the RF versions but it isn't worth the upgrade cost at this point if you looking at at return on investment and already own the EF II and III versions and aren't too worried about future repairs. The newer RF performed remarkably - the IS is impeccable. Do you need the RF version - nah!
However, I would upgrade to an RF body and EF to RF adapter. The R5II and R1 or even the older R3 improve lens performance of older EF big white lenses significantly. That's kind of a life changer. But don't expect to get much for your older pre-RF body.
netexpress wrote:
AI is great at some things like summarizing information but not so much at analytical thought except for specialized models which most of us don't use. What AI are you using?
I think you'd get better advice here listing specifically what you have and how you use them.
Honestly, I have a lot of EF glass still. I also have a lot of newer RF lenses. I recently sold off my EF big whites for RFs for birding. But aside from the new 800/5.6 RF I'd probably could have been happy with the older EF II and III versions I just sold in 400/2.8 and 600/4 to buy the RF 400/2.8 and RF 600/4. The only reason I did it was because tariff were coming, prices were about to increase and service life on the version II's were ending and I was able to pull it off. They are all excellent! I like the lower weight and shorter length of the RF versions but it isn't worth the upgrade cost at this point if you looking at at return on investment and already own the EF II and III versions and aren't too worried about future repairs. The newer RF performed remarkably - the IS is impeccable. Do you need the RF version - nah!
However, I would upgrade to an RF body and EF to RF adapter. The R5II and R1 or even the older R3 improve lens performance of older EF big white lenses significantly. That's kind of a life changer. But don't expect to get much for your older pre-RF body.
Right now I am using Gemini, a subscription plan so using the latest and greatest. It is getting better by leaps and bounds. Writing some Python scripts for me, just on and on. Was going to pick up some Robotics , Biotech Monday morning when it gave me a reality check. I think spot on for me. Also using some Claude, really like it also.
Anyway I have the R5II and an adapter. Also a couple of II lenses. Am out of the country for another 3 months and when I get back was thinking of re-aranging a bit. Either that or maybe a 4x4 in South America for a one or two year excursion. Not sure.
gkinard1952 wrote:
I use AI as a research tool for investing and a few other things. I like birding and AI knows it. Crazy as it sounds. Anyway some of the investments are reaching levels where at 73 it is advising me to stop. So, Since I don't own any RF lenses and I don't see any that are of interest to me at present as a birder. I am not sure what to do. Switching is an option I guess. But, I have enjoyed Canon for many years. Although I don't agree with them most of the time I have a couple of EF lenses that are Excellent.. Anyone in the same boat? What have you done? Since I am frustrated with Canon I guess switching is an option for sure. Do you Sony or Nikon shooters that have switched regret it or have you forgotten Canon ....Show more →
No dilemma for me, all of my quality lenses are still EF mount. I'm shooting them of R52 and R3 now, and before that R5 and R7.
The ONLY RF lenses I have are a kit lens, and a nifty fifty. Shooting EF is in no way a compromise that I can discern. Many, even 3rd party, operate better on the R bodies then they did on 5D4 etc.
I'm not an AI robot, but can give some free advice.
Rent a Z9 with Z 600/4 TC and also an a1 II with 600/4 GM and 1.4x, and use then for a few days compared to the Canon. You will find some differences in ergonomics and AF. Acquisition and tracking are not the same. It's all a compromise. I find the two main differences are the Canon R5 II has the worst sensor and the 1.4x in the Nikkor is really convenient like the old EF 200-400 w/TC. You can see if the @arbitrage has some good advice. He owns full systems of most all brands.
EBH
Apr 03, 2026 at 09:44 PM
Steve Spencer Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On
gkinard1952 wrote:
I use AI as a research tool for investing and a few other things. I like birding and AI knows it. Crazy as it sounds. Anyway some of the investments are reaching levels where at 73 it is advising me to stop. So, Since I don't own any RF lenses and I don't see any that are of interest to me at present as a birder. I am not sure what to do. Switching is an option I guess. But, I have enjoyed Canon for many years. Although I don't agree with them most of the time I have a couple of EF lenses that are Excellent.. Anyone in the same boat? What have you done? Since I am frustrated with Canon I guess switching is an option for sure. Do you Sony or Nikon shooters that have switched regret it or have you forgotten Canon ....Show more →
One thing to keep in mind about A1 is that it is designed to largely tell you what it thinks you want to hear. It is very much a "yes," man. Don't think of it as providing objective advise. Think about it as trying to discern what you would like to hear and telling you that is what you should do.
If you want something to challenge you and whether something you are considering is a good idea, don't rely on AI for that. Rely on real humans to challenge your thinking, because that is just not what AI does--at least as the bots are currently built.
So, it is in that spirit that I will challenge what seems to be your thinking in your post. If you are thinking that investing in RF lenses is a bad idea at your age, then switching systems is surely a worse investment and AI won't tell you that if it thinks you want to switch brands. The cheapest solution in your current situation is to keep your EF glass, which is excellent as you say, and use it with the EF to RF Canon converter especially as you already have a very good camera in the Canon 5D II.
Switching to Sony or Nikon and getting excellent glass for those systems will surely costs you thousands of dollars. There are reasons to switch systems. Personally, I have just switched back to Canon after using primarily Sony for many years, but switching systems is itself an investment and it doesn't come for free and in your case as a birding enthusiast it will cost thousands of dollars. Perhaps it is worth that price--I thought switching was worth what it cost me--but do not think of it as avoiding investment. Switching to Sony or Nikon for you will be a significant investment.
From reading the comments, it seems as though money really isn't a big factor in your decision. Given this, I think the advice to rent the top line from Sony and Nikon and try them out is a good one.
The other question I have is this: what Canon lenses are you shooting with? Depending on what you have, there may be other recommendations within the Canon system or it might inform what you might like in other systems.
Ltgk20 wrote:
From reading the comments, it seems as though money really isn't a big factor in your decision. Given this, I think the advice to rent the top line from Sony and Nikon and try them out is a good one.
The other question I have is this: what Canon lenses are you shooting with? Depending on what you have, there may be other recommendations within the Canon system or it might inform what you might like in other systems.
At 73-years these are his priorities? Please defend this position. His lenses are likely not the solution to his desire to upgrade.
Rent OK - I've never rented a camera in my life and I've owned a lot of them.
For anyone who IS thinking about switching and who is still using EF gear, the stars align right now to make that a somewhat better bet than usual.
As long as the underlying system stays the same, as was the case with EF lenses one Canon DSLRs fo r many years, it rarely makes sense to switch brands. While one brand might be a bit ahead at some point in some way, it won’t be long until another brand catches up and surpasses them in some way. So, while there were sound arguments for Sony and Nikon options in the DSLR days, I stuck with my Canon EF gear and it worked fine. If I needed a new or updated lens, getting an EF lens was fine and it worked with my existing system.
But the introduction of the RF system changes things for a while. (Yes, I know that you can adapt EF lenses, but there are reasons that I’d prefer not to for the most part.) The old argument for sticking with my existing brand (Canon in my case) and avoiding the disruption and expense or replacing not just a body but a whole system… don’t apply in quite the same way. If I were to get an R body (and there are some attractive ones) I would also be updating lenses to RF.
The cost of that is much greater than replacing a body. And the cost of doing that and sticking with Canon R and RF lenses is virtually the same as considering another brand at this point. For some, Canon will still turn out to be their preference. For me, I’m not so sure — actually, I’m pretty sure Canon is not my ideal choice at this point.
I move slowly when it comes to consequential decisions like this, but at this point I’m virtually certain to move to Sony (most likely a7rvi) before long.
I think what I get out of your post, is that you have a big budget, and r5ii and some good Ef lens -- and you are wondering if there is something better.
I think you need to provide more details to get advice - what is your pursuit(s) travel, wildlife, portrait, landscape, what is making you think about change (R5ii is really good at everything, EF lens are adapable and very good) weight, size, iq?.
Not knowing anything, I would say go Fuji medium format if you are strong and focussed on landscape, go r8 several rf STM lens, go Sony if you want more mpx, if you want to stay in canon go light weight, buy a sony and a bunch of sony lens if you just want to try something different.
But my advice is all the brands are pretty much even, and if you switch you will look over the fence at the canon you would have had, and don't underestimate how much it takes to remember how to use a (sony, fuji, nikon) just because of the different lens /bodies/ menus, it will frustrate you.
At 73 (I am 65), I would be pursuing quality at lower weight canon kit; (because of weight). Eg iff you go m4/3 why not just use a iphone 17 pro rather than something smaller than apsc, if you go fuji medium frame get a sherpa, if you go Sony or Nikon just expect frustration to get the same result.
Just wait for the upcoming 7dii (reasonable weight) and buy a 200-800; and call it a day. And go on some good trips to Antartica, Patagonia and Botswana.
netexpress wrote:
At 73-years these are his priorities? Please defend this position. His lenses are likely not the solution to his desire to upgrade.
Rent OK - I've never rented a camera in my life and I've owned a lot of them.
Given that this is an open forum and I only gave my opinion, I'm not sure I should have to defend my position. However, I will explain my logic:
First, with respect to money not being an object, in his second post he mentioned investing in biotech, being out of the country for 3 months and purchasing a 4x4 in South America for a one to two year excursion. It seems reasonable that a person who can afford this time and expense will not likely suffer any ill effect from spending $20 to $30k on a camera kit if they so choose.
Second, in is original post he indicates he's does not see any RF lenses which interest him and that he's frustrated with Canon, it makes sense to try the top tier cameras and any lenses from them that might interest him. It's not a question of Nikon or Sony being better than Canon, but rather one of them either offering options which he prefers to Canon or them offering an adventure different than what he can get with Canon (as a new system can provide a new challenge).
Finally, what does his age have to do with anything? If he wants to change systems, or purchase expensive lenses or take expensive and long trips or do nothing, and he has the money, who am I to say he shouldn't?
gdanmitchell wrote:
For anyone who IS thinking about switching and who is still using EF gear, the stars align right now to make that a somewhat better bet than usual.
As long as the underlying system stays the same, as was the case with EF lenses one Canon DSLRs fo r many years, it rarely makes sense to switch brands. While one brand might be a bit ahead at some point in some way, it won’t be long until another brand catches up and surpasses them in some way. So, while there were sound arguments for Sony and Nikon options in the DSLR days, I stuck with my Canon EF gear and it worked fine. If I needed a new or updated lens, getting an EF lens was fine and it worked with my existing system.
But the introduction of the RF system changes things for a while. (Yes, I know that you can adapt EF lenses, but there are reasons that I’d prefer not to for the most part.) The old argument for sticking with my existing brand (Canon in my case) and avoiding the disruption and expense or replacing not just a body but a whole system… don’t apply in quite the same way. If I were to get an R body (and there are some attractive ones) I would also be updating lenses to RF.
The cost of that is much greater than replacing a body. And the cost of doing that and sticking with Canon R and RF lenses is virtually the same as considering another brand at this point. For some, Canon will still turn out to be their preference. For me, I’m not so sure — actually, I’m pretty sure Canon is not my ideal choice at this point.
I move slowly when it comes to consequential decisions like this, but at this point I’m virtually certain to move to Sony (most likely a7rvi) before long....Show more →
It is certainly not my place to second guess anyone's gear choices.
But I can understand why @gkinard1952 might be looking at Nikon (or even Sony) as a birder, given they have some uniquely appealing telephoto lenses for that discipline.
But for the work you do, even if you decided you can't use your EF glass for some reason, I can't imagine RF lenses are the limiting factor.
I suspect you are looking for more from the sensor?
But why stay with full frame at all? Wouldn't a larger format like Fuji GFX or Hasselblad be better still?
Apr 04, 2026 at 04:48 PM
Steve Spencer Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On
gdanmitchell wrote:
For anyone who IS thinking about switching and who is still using EF gear, the stars align right now to make that a somewhat better bet than usual.
As long as the underlying system stays the same, as was the case with EF lenses one Canon DSLRs fo r many years, it rarely makes sense to switch brands. While one brand might be a bit ahead at some point in some way, it won’t be long until another brand catches up and surpasses them in some way. So, while there were sound arguments for Sony and Nikon options in the DSLR days, I stuck with my Canon EF gear and it worked fine. If I needed a new or updated lens, getting an EF lens was fine and it worked with my existing system.
But the introduction of the RF system changes things for a while. (Yes, I know that you can adapt EF lenses, but there are reasons that I’d prefer not to for the most part.) The old argument for sticking with my existing brand (Canon in my case) and avoiding the disruption and expense or replacing not just a body but a whole system… don’t apply in quite the same way. If I were to get an R body (and there are some attractive ones) I would also be updating lenses to RF.
The cost of that is much greater than replacing a body. And the cost of doing that and sticking with Canon R and RF lenses is virtually the same as considering another brand at this point. For some, Canon will still turn out to be their preference. For me, I’m not so sure — actually, I’m pretty sure Canon is not my ideal choice at this point.
I move slowly when it comes to consequential decisions like this, but at this point I’m virtually certain to move to Sony (most likely a7rvi) before long....Show more →
Dan,
All that sounds totally reasonable, but different people may very well see it very differently. A lot depends on whether somebody wants to continue to use their EF glass--at least for awhile. Since EF glasses works at least as welll on RF cameras as it does on EF cameras, some people may reasonably decide to stick with the system and gradually update their EF lenses in much the way they would have if they hadn't switched to the mirrorless RF camera. Your choice is reasonable, but that choice can be reasonable too.
gdanmitchell wrote:
…
I move slowly when it comes to consequential decisions like this, but at this point I’m virtually certain to move to Sony (most likely a7rvi) before long.
Hello Dan, I’d be interested to know which Sony lenses you’d buy to go with the Sony A7R VI if you were setting up your completely new system?
At 78, a couple of years ago I made the decision to go from EF to RF. I gave 2 of my sons who shoot EF gear my bodies and extensive lens kit - including big whites. I have since gone with an R1 and R5 II and am accumulating lenses as I see a need (want). I don't regret it a second. I find now I have no need for some of the lenses I had. I am more selective in the primes and I am really enjoying the versatility of the zooms. I am reexploring and trying new facets of photography. Its fun all over again.
gkinard1952 wrote:
I use AI as a research tool for investing and a few other things. I like birding and AI knows it. Crazy as it sounds. Anyway some of the investments are reaching levels where at 73 it is advising me to stop. So, Since I don't own any RF lenses and I don't see any that are of interest to me at present as a birder. I am not sure what to do. Switching is an option I guess. But, I have enjoyed Canon for many years. Although I don't agree with them most of the time I have a couple of EF lenses that are Excellent.. Anyone in the same boat? What have you done? Since I am frustrated with Canon I guess switching is an option for sure. Do you Sony or Nikon shooters that have switched regret it or have you forgotten Canon ....Show more →
Sounds like you are a prime candidate for a new or parallel system so...
Go Micro four thirds.. heh heh
tomba8tomba wrote:
Hello Dan, I’d be interested to know which Sony lenses you’d buy to go with the Sony A7R VI if you were setting up your completely new system?
That’s what I’m still pondering. My current system covers 16mm to 400mm (a bit longer with a 1.4x TC), is based on zoom lense, accommodates one Pentax medium format zoom lens with a Mirex TX adapter, and includes a 100mm macro. I decided some time ago that I do not need /2.8 (much less f/2) zoom lenses, since my dominant use of this system is landscape photography plus some wildlife photography.
But I’ll stop there since this is a Canon forum and a Canon subject… and that starts to look like a topic more appropriate for Sony forum! :-)
gdanmitchell wrote:
That’s what I’m still pondering. My current system covers 16mm to 400mm (a bit longer with a 1.4x TC), is based on zoom lense, accommodates one Pentax medium format zoom lens with a Mirex TX adapter, and includes a 100mm macro. I decided some time ago that I do not need /2.8 (much less f/2) zoom lenses, since my dominant use of this system is landscape photography plus some wildlife photography.
But I’ll stop there since this is a Canon forum and a Canon subject… and that starts to look like a topic more appropriate for Sony forum! :-)
Dan, you mentioned earlier that you were not interested in keeping your EF glass if you move to full frame mirrorless and I am sure you have good reasons.
But I assume you have been using the EF 16-35mm f/4.0L IS with good results on the 5Ds R?
Hypothetically, I wonder if you have considered adapting this or other EF lenses using Canon's drop-in filter mount adapter? There are circular polarizer and variable ND filters available and apparently the Breakthrough Photography filters are considered good. In any case, I always thought that if I were doing landscape work or outdoor videography, that this setup would have some benefits even over native glass.
