Transitioning to RF?

[Kayaker72]

So a couple of sales have caught my eye, specifically $300-$400 off the RF 70-200 f/4 (https://www.usa.canon.com/shop/p/rf70-200mm-f4-l-is-usm?color=Black&type=New) and RF 14-35 f/4 (https://www.usa.canon.com/shop/p/rf14-35mm-f4-l-is-usm?color=Black&type=New). As I am content with my EF glass, I am most likely to let the sales pass without picking either of these up. Actually, the primary issue I have with my EF glass is noise while videoing, but I typically video with a 24-70, so neither of these would really fix that problem.

The temptation:

RF 70-200 f/4:

Pros: Small, light travel telephoto lens. Great IQ. Seems superb in every review I have seen.
Cons: Really, what I would like is a 70-300 L that is about the same size and weight. Variable aperture for a travel lens is fine with me. Right now I mostly travel with the 100-400 II, but do eventually want something smaller/lighter.


RF 14-35 f/4:

Pros: 2 mm wider, and IS + IBIS may give me enhanced handholdability
Cons: Meh, I really rarely even use my EF 16-35. It is already a great lens. Size/Weight aren't much different. And IBIS alone with the R5 and the EF 16-35 lets me hand hold down to ~1/2 sec. How much better would it be, really?



So, you can see, not overpowering arguments.

So, before the sale ends, I thought I would turn to the forum, see if anyone else has strong arguments.

Thanks...Brant.

[DavidEccleston]

Pro: If you sell your EF lenses now, to fund these, more people will be interested than when everything is RF mount.

Con: If you have a mix of EF and RF bodies, new lenses won't work on the other bodies.

[Jonathan Huyer]

The 70-200 becomes a 110-320 when you switch the R5 to crop mode :rolleyes:

I use the EF 16-35 f/4 on my R5 and like it a lot. It's a bit big, especially with the adapter on, but I'd have a hard time justifying the swap to RF.

[Kayaker72]

Pro: If you sell your EF lenses now, to fund these, more people will be interested than when everything is RF mount.


A good point. At a minimum, I really should take a look at my little to not used lenses. Granted, that may only be one or two lenses as I actually use or want to keep most of my lenses.


Con: If you have a mix of EF and RF bodies, new lenses won't work on the other bodies.

Yep. This is in play, currently I still have the M6II and 5DIV that can also use the EF lenses. My overall plan is to never completely sell off my EF lenses as I plan to keep my 5DIV. Safe been the EF 24-70 II will never be sold, same may be true of the 100-400II. Nice basic kit there even if I move to RF with everything else and even duplicate those lenses in RF.



I use the EF 16-35 f/4 on my R5 and like it a lot. It's a bit big, especially with the adapter on, but I'd have a hard time justifying the swap to RF.

Exactly. Great lens. It does what I need perfectly. Looks like they are selling for $500-$600 on ebay. So, I'd invest $800 and time to sell the EF 16-35.

More and more, I am beginning to wonder if I will stay primarily EF for a long time. Maybe augment with a RF lens if something really catches my eye. I may have said this before as I have been thinking it for awhile now. But what really is a pretty good sale on those two lenses had me thinking again as sometime in the next couple of years is when I thought I would transition...

[HDNitehawk]

My opinion is that there are very limited reasons to upgrade any lenses to RF.
Unless you have the cash to burn for limited returns I recommend staying with EF.
Keep in mind that I know have the following RF lenses and the only real benefit I see:
24x70 L it has IS but it seems larger. The EF versions are excellent.
70x200 f/2.8 L it is much smaller and more compact, can not use extenders. The EF versions are excellent.
100x500mm it has no equal really so it is the one exception.
600mm F/4 less weight and better balanced. The 600mm F/4 II would be an excellent lens to hold on to if you weren't trying to pick up a few pounds.


I still have all my EF lenses and have debated whether to sell them or not. Much of the EF stuff is already fire sale prices IMO and I am thinking about gifting mine if a family member takes an interest.

[HDNitehawk]

The 70-200 becomes a 110-320 when you switch the R5 to crop mode :rolleyes:


After 14 years posting on the forum it is just hard to argue that logic........

[Kayaker72]

Much of the EF stuff is already fire sale prices IMO and I am thinking about gifting mine if a family member takes an interest.

I think many photographers may be willing to be adopted for a few of those gifts ;-).

Thanks Rick. I was wondering what you thought of your new gear. Didn't know you had picked up the RF 600 f/4.

One small tweak I may make to my kit as it looks like I am staying EF for the foreseeable future would be to start using the drop in filter adapter and not have to pack multiple sizes of different filters (I typically travel with 6 different front end filters). They wouldn't be stackable, but I do not often do that anyway.

[Fast Glass]

It is tempting for sure these sale prices, I promised myself no more big purchases for a while since buying my 500mm f/4 IS. But the prices of some of these items is substantial marked down! Specifically the 1Dx III at only $4500. If I had the means I'd probably jump on it. Right now I'd be having to run my credit card, which is something I don't like to do for anything but emergencies.

But does purchasing gear I use to make money justify it? Hence my temptation.

Hope my thought process helps, if you got the means to comfortably afford it. I'd be tempted to go with it.

[Kayaker72]

Thanks John.

If a lens will help you make more money than otherwise in a reasonable timeframe...yes, I would say it justifies its purchase. :)

For me...I will likely occasionally check out RF gear, but I decided to hold tight. I am looking at drop in filters for the EF to RF adapter instead.