p.1 #1 · Which Canon mirrorless body pairs best with my EF lenses?
I’m considering moving from my Canon 6D to a Canon mirrorless body and would love some advice from people who have actually used EF lenses on the R system.
My current EF lenses are:
EF 17-40mm f/4L USM
EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM (Version I)
EF 28-80mm f/2.8-4L USM
EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM
EF 35mm f/2 IS USM
EF 40mm f/2.8 STM
EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM (non-IS)
I’m currently considering the R6 Mark II, R6 Mark III, R5 Mark II, and possibly the R3.
My biggest question is how well my older EF lenses would hold up on the higher-resolution R6 Mark III and R5 Mark II sensors.
In particular, would the EF 17-40L and first-generation EF 24-105L noticeably struggle with the 32.5MP R6 Mark III or 45MP R5 Mark II? I’m primarily a still photographer and generally don’t crop heavily.
I could also buy the RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM as part of a camera + lens kit and gradually transition to RF glass.
For those who have used these EF lenses on the R6 III/R5 II (or other high-resolution R bodies), how do they perform in actual use?
Also, if you were in my position, which body would you choose given this particular EF lens lineup?
p.1 #2 · Which Canon mirrorless body pairs best with my EF lenses?
Welcome to FM!
You'll gain significant AF improvement with the R bodies, particularly if you photograph action or people, where the subject/face/eye detection allows shooting wide open with the subject anywhere in the frame and produces sharp images.
Whether you'll notice image quality issues with some of your EF lenses really depends on the final uses of the images. If you resize the images (oversample them) down to 6D resolution, you'll basically have the same results, though oversampled images tend to be a bit sharper. If you're going to use the full resolution of the R6III or R5II, yes, it will better reveal existing lens weaknesses, compared to the 6D.
I'd consider replacing the 17-40 with the RF 16-28/2.8 if you primarily use the wider end of the range, or perhaps the 14-35/4 if you need the full range. In the 'normal' range, you could consider the RF 28-70/2.8. Much, much smaller and lighter than the vintage 28-80L. Both the 16-28 and 28-70, despite being non-L lenses, are not 'cheap' kit style lenses of the EF era. They're very capable.
Body choice really depends on your requirements, which you haven't outlined. The best 'all rounder' is the R5II: high resolution if needed, stacked sensor with comparable performance to the R3, which is eminently usable for action/sports, current generation AF features, some of which the R3 lacks, current pre-capture capability, if needed. After this, it's a toss up depending on what you need. R6III would be the next most capable 'all rounder' but gives up e-shutter speed because it's not a stacked sensor. If primarily shooting sports, there's an argument for the R3, but I'm not 100% convinced it's a better choice than the R5II.
Most of your lenses are pre-2010-2012, which is the transition point between newer EF lenses that have virtually no performance losses on RF mount, compared to older generation lenses. Canon publishes a chart of lens compatibility with all of the camera manuals and you will see that the older EF lenses generally result in lower fps rates in mechanical and EFCS modes, though apparently they also somewhat impact high e-shutter frame rates. But if you don't need 12fps mechanical/EFCS, then this performance tradeoff might not be a significant factor for you.
I transitioned from EF with the R6II and currently use the R5II. I photograph mostly social events and sports but also have interest in general travel photography, urban and natural landscapes. If the R6III would have had a stacked sensor, I probably would have gotten it instead. But I don't regret the R5II other than it not having a lower resolution full RAW option for the times when I don't need or want 45MP.
It would be helpful if you could provide more information about what you typically photograph.
p.1 #3 · Which Canon mirrorless body pairs best with my EF lenses?
The only EF lenses I tried on my R5 were the 100-400L V2, the 24-105F4L v1, and the 16-35F4L.
All of them worked just fine on the R5, but I eventually sold all but the EF 16-35 F4L due to it's superb image quality, and bought an RF 100-500L, and a RF 24-105F4L.
Though I had a relatively good EF24-105L copy, I find the RF version to be far superior in IQ.
If you decide to stay with any EF lenses you can get a used, guaranteed EF 16-35 F4L at MPB, and it will leave the EF 17-40 "in the dust" https://www.mpb.com/en-us/product/canon-ef-16-35mm-f-4-l-is-usm
A word of caution. Mixing a number of EF and RF lenses could lead to a lot of adapter fumbling. With all EF you can leave an Adapter permanently on the camera, but with a mix, unless you buy an adopter for each EF lens it could become a lens switching hassle.
p.1 #4 · Which Canon mirrorless body pairs best with my EF lenses?
pulseimagez wrote:
I’m considering moving from my Canon 6D to a Canon mirrorless body and would love some advice from people who have actually used EF lenses on the R system.
My current EF lenses are:
EF 17-40mm f/4L USM
EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM (Version I)
EF 28-80mm f/2.8-4L USM
EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM
EF 35mm f/2 IS USM
EF 40mm f/2.8 STM
EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM (non-IS)
I’m currently considering the R6 Mark II, R6 Mark III, R5 Mark II, and possibly the R3.
My biggest question is how well my older EF lenses would hold up on the higher-resolution R6 Mark III and R5 Mark II sensors.
In particular, would the EF 17-40L and first-generation EF 24-105L noticeably struggle with the 32.5MP R6 Mark III or 45MP R5 Mark II? I’m primarily a still photographer and generally don’t crop heavily.
I could also buy the RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM as part of a camera + lens kit and gradually transition to RF glass.
For those who have used these EF lenses on the R6 III/R5 II (or other high-resolution R bodies), how do they perform in actual use?
Also, if you were in my position, which body would you choose given this particular EF lens lineup?...Show more →
The EF 17-40 and the EF 24-105/4 both kinda suck, so I would not be using them.
My 85/1.8 was good on the 5DsR so should be fine on any lens but stopped down somewhat.
Overall those lenses are not so much $$$, so you should be buying a body for what you need in the future not those lenses.
On a budget the R6 II is not a bad camera at all.
p.1 #5 · Which Canon mirrorless body pairs best with my EF lenses?
pulseimagez wrote:
I’m considering moving from my Canon 6D to a Canon mirrorless body and would love some advice from people who have actually used EF lenses on the R system.
My current EF lenses are:
EF 17-40mm f/4L USM
EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM (Version I)
In particular, would the EF 17-40L and first-generation EF 24-105L noticeably struggle with the 32.5MP R6 Mark III or 45MP R5 Mark II? I’m primarily a still photographer and generally don’t crop heavily.
I could also buy the RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM as part of a camera + lens kit and gradually transition to RF glass.
For those who have used these EF lenses on the R6 III/R5 II (or other high-resolution R bodies), how do they perform in actual use?
Also, if you were in my position, which body would you choose given this particular EF lens lineup?...Show more →
I have both these lenses and the RP and R5. Both will be softer on the RP and R5, but that shouldn't deter you from buying an RF body. The 24-105mm focal range is so useful to me, that I don't mind its softness on the RP. I'm sure the RF version would be similarly useful and much sharper.
p.1 #7 · Which Canon mirrorless body pairs best with my EF lenses?
My EF lenses work exceptionally well (as do my EF mount Sigma and Zeiss lenses) on my now relatively outdated EOS R, so I would think that any RF body would work just as well or better than what I have.
p.1 #8 · Which Canon mirrorless body pairs best with my EF lenses?
pulseimagez wrote:
I typically like to photograph architecture, night photography, and the details of classic cars.
So basically no action and probably often stopped down or on a tripod?
I'd just pick a camera and start with the lenses you have. If you find any don't meet your expectations, you can start looking for either newer EF options that should be well priced on the used market, or transition to RF versions.
For example, the EF 16-35/4L IS is an excellent replacement for the 17-40/4.
You could also consider the R5. Canon is clearing it out for $3,000, only $200 more than the R6III. If you focused more on people and action, then the newer AF features of the R5II and R6III would make those preferable, IMO.
p.1 #9 · Which Canon mirrorless body pairs best with my EF lenses?
I would like to shoot action such as marathon races and drag races. I just never had a camera with a good enough AF system that could get good results.
p.1 #10 · Which Canon mirrorless body pairs best with my EF lenses?
pulseimagez wrote:
I typically like to photograph architecture, night photography, and the details of classic cars.
A friend of mine likes to take the same pictures (https://www.instagram.com/mb_archiframe/). He bought a used (Mint) EOS R and he's very very happy with the results he gets when using, along with a couple of RF primes, his "old" EF 50/1.4, EF 16-35/4 L & EF 70-200/4 IS.
He has compared thoroughly the files of EOS R to more modern FF Canon MILCs: he told me he much prefer the quality/color/rendition of R files.
p.1 #11 · Which Canon mirrorless body pairs best with my EF lenses?
You mention you like details of classic cars and photographing marathon races. IMHO I would then go with a R5 or R5 MKII. You get the excellent resolution. The R5MKII has better tracking for marathon runners.
As to the lenses you have, they will hold up just the same as your 6D. As Ron mentions they will focus better on an RF body than the 6D.
I would start with what you have with EF glass an get the adapter for your EF glass before jumping on a bunch of RF glass. Start slow maybe 1 RF lens to start.
The reason I say start slow is there is a lot of options in RF glass to consider when building your kit. When I started my transition from a Canon 5DsR I opted to only buy RF glass that had a uniqueness that EF didn't offer. My early RF lenses were 35/1.8 macro(because of macro capabilities), 28-70/2 and eventually 14-35. Not that these lenses are in your wheelhouse of needs but the options you have in terms of building your RF kit are much better than what I had.
You mention you like nighttime photography I would look at the VCM lenses. I have all 6 they are light weight and there are 6 different focal lengths. For architecture the VCM 20 is very nice.
p.1 #12 · Which Canon mirrorless body pairs best with my EF lenses?
Welcome. From your list I only have the EF 24-105/4 L IS. As all of my EF lenses with the Canon EF-RF adapter it works seamlessly. As a matter of fact, the AF performance is much better on my R6MKII than my 5Ds.
p.1 #13 · Which Canon mirrorless body pairs best with my EF lenses?
pulseimagez wrote:
I would like to shoot action such as marathon races and drag races. I just never had a camera with a good enough AF system that could get good results.
Unlike the DSLR era, all of the cameras you listed in your first post have considerably better AF performance than their DSLR predecessors and there is much less difference in performance across this range of cameras (mid-tier to top-end). I use an R6, R6II and R5II and there is not a big AF performance difference between all of them. But there are some subtle differences that favor the newer cameras due to faster sensor readout speeds and processor performance.
If budget is not limited, get the R5II, which as I mentioned previously is the best Canon all-rounder type of camera. It's great for action, landscapes, travel, people, etc. Pretty much anything. Otherwise, get the R6III if there are some budget constraints.
p.1 #14 · Which Canon mirrorless body pairs best with my EF lenses?
R5 is a great camera, works perfect with all of the EF lenses and all the EX flash units. it can still be had new and for about the same as R6 mark iii. i can also endorse the filter adapter as an easy way to get VND for all of my EF lenses.
p.1 #15 · Which Canon mirrorless body pairs best with my EF lenses?
Some of those lenses are known to be weak whatever sensor you have. For example, unless you've got an outlier your 17-40 probably has poor corner sharpness until you stop it down a fair bit, just like mine. And the 85 1.8 can be weak wide open, but gets a lot better by f/2.8. Still when I went from my 22mp 5DIII to the 30mp 5DIV, I didn't feel that either of those - or indeed my 24-105 - dropped off a cliff; ditto with the 30mp original R, so I can't see anything changing with the R6 III. Things could be different with R5 of course, especially if you want to take advantage of all the cropping headroom, but 30mp is as big as I've gone so I can't comment.
Be aware that if you're looking at action there can be other reasons why you might want to upgrade. For example some older designs like the 85 1.8 won't let you shoot at the camera's full fps rate when the mechanical shutter (full or EFCS) is involved. You can do better with fully electronic shutter, at least until you stop down. Here's Canon's official list:
And of course, RF brings new options like the very compact and lightweight 70-200 f/2.8 that focuses even faster than my EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II used to on my R series bodies (so probably faster than your EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM too). Not that the EF 70-200 is a slouch, but the RF version is better, and apparently the RF Z is better still.
p.1 #16 · Which Canon mirrorless body pairs best with my EF lenses?
Ripolini wrote:
A friend of mine likes to take the same pictures (https://www.instagram.com/mb_archiframe/). He bought a used (Mint) EOS R and he's very very happy with the results he gets when using, along with a couple of RF primes, his "old" EF 50/1.4, EF 16-35/4 L & EF 70-200/4 IS.
He has compared thoroughly the files of EOS R to more modern FF Canon MILCs: he told me he much prefer the quality/color/rendition of R files.
I replaced my 5dsr with an r5. R5 seems to do everything well. I had an eos r along side the 5dsr for a bit. Af on the eos r stinks. No reason to buy it today.
Jp
p.1 #17 · Which Canon mirrorless body pairs best with my EF lenses?
pulseimagez wrote:
I’m considering moving from my Canon 6D to a Canon mirrorless body and would love some advice from people who have actually used EF lenses on the R system.
My current EF lenses are:
EF 17-40mm f/4L USM
EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM (Version I)
EF 28-80mm f/2.8-4L USM
EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM
EF 35mm f/2 IS USM
EF 40mm f/2.8 STM
EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM (non-IS)
I’m currently considering the R6 Mark II, R6 Mark III, R5 Mark II, and possibly the R3.
My biggest question is how well my older EF lenses would hold up on the higher-resolution R6 Mark III and R5 Mark II sensors.
In particular, would the EF 17-40L and first-generation EF 24-105L noticeably struggle with the 32.5MP R6 Mark III or 45MP R5 Mark II? I’m primarily a still photographer and generally don’t crop heavily.
I could also buy the RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM as part of a camera + lens kit and gradually transition to RF glass.
For those who have used these EF lenses on the R6 III/R5 II (or other high-resolution R bodies), how do they perform in actual use?
Also, if you were in my position, which body would you choose given this particular EF lens lineup?...Show more →
I currently have an R6II with the EF 85mm f1.8 USM, EF 100mm f2.8L, EF 17-40mm f4.0L, and the non-IS version of the EF 70-200mm f2.8L. They work flawlessly on my R6II, and the images are sharp (yes, even with the much hated EF 17-40mm f4.0L that everyone scoffs at).
You can always listen to the paid marketing influencers here and buy only the latest, greatest RF lenses, or you can listen to real folks (like me) who actually own both EF and RF lenses. Your choice. Your money. I'm happy with what I have.
Both the 16-28 and 28-70, despite being non-L lenses, are not 'cheap' kit style lenses of the EF era. They're very capable.