topic Re: Looking to update to Mirrorless. in Gear Guide

Mirrorless upgrade recos from EOS 5D Mark II & III

Gobabygo — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 18:30:12 GMT

Hi,

Im looking to update my cameras to mirrorless. I have a canon 5d mark iii and ii. I was doing professional photography a couple years ago and , while I’m no longer in business, I’d like a fairly decent , but affordable mirrorless that is close to what I had before. I’ll be doing mostly travel photography now, so anything under $1400. What do you recommend?

I have pro EF lenses .

Re: Looking to update to Mirrorless.

deebatman316 — Sun, 24 Aug 2025 01:01:01 GMT

What are the lenses that you own we'll need to know the FULL NAME of all the lenses you own. Saying "Pro EF lenses" doesn't mean anything when it comes to compatibility. A lot of older EF lenses are NOT fully compatible with the highly advanced AF system found in the EOS R series. Or shooting high fps due to DSLRs being limited in how many fps they could take.

Re: Looking to update to Mirrorless.

shadowsports — Sun, 24 Aug 2025 03:31:12 GMT

Greetings,

Look at the R8 and R6 mkII.

I'm including a link to the Canon refurbished store to keep in line with your stated budget.

Canon Refurbished & Used Cameras & Accessories | Canon U.S.A, Inc. https://share.google/MzVMKQdxXGVvZl1HJ

The R6mkII which is slightly above your budget will be a meaningful upgrade from a 5D mkIII (5D series) in both features and performance. The R8 would be a runner up. It's a smaller camera, nice for travel. Worth noting, the R8 has a smaller battery and no IBIS. These are not deal breakers, but if you can swing the R6 mkII it would be well worth the additional expense.

Canon refurbished gear comes with the same 1 yr warranty as new. Inventory comes in and goes out of stock quickly so check back frequently. You will also need a Canon EF to EOS R adapter, some new memory cards and at least one extra battery.

As @Demetrius pointed out some older EF lenses may not perform to a mirrorless body's full capabilities. This can be influenced by age and model, but most (many) will do just fine.

Re: Looking to update to Mirrorless.

Gobabygo — Sun, 24 Aug 2025 09:41:15 GMT

Thanks!

EF 50mm 1.2L USM

EF 85mm 1.8 USM

35mm 1.4 USM

Re: Looking to update to Mirrorless.

Gobabygo — Sun, 24 Aug 2025 09:40:31 GMT

Thanks so much. Do the refurbished cameras come with a shutter count?

Re: Looking to update to Mirrorless.

shadowsports — Sun, 24 Aug 2025 14:05:34 GMT

Greetings ,

Shutter count. They do not, and actually it's not needed. In some cases the gear isn't even used. Dealer demo, damaged packaging, etc. All refurbished gear is returned to factory specifications before sale. Cosmetically and functionally. Also remember that mirrorless cameras don't have a mirror that flips up and down inside the shutter box. There's a shutter in there, but it's different than a DSLR. I have purchased many refurbished lenses. I couldn't tell the difference between them and brand new. They didn't have a mark, blemish, or even a fingerprint 😂. All have performed flawlessly. I would not hesitate buying anything refurbished from Canon for one minute. I have extremely high standards and everything I've ever bought from them has exceeded my expectations. You can buy with confidence, truly.

For firure. The best time to buy cameras is typically in Match. This is the end of the Japanese fiscal year. However, Canon has some good sales throughout the year. Upcoming sales are Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Christmas. You're probably not going to see further reduction on the R6 Mark II. It's already well below its original release price. Refurb is an even sweeter deal.

The R6 mkII is Canon's most popular and best-selling mirrorless camera. Its a professional grade body. Go to Best Buy or a camera store and hold one. Anyway, that's the body I'd recommend coming from a 5D mkIII.

Here's a side-by-side comparison between the 5D mk III and R6 mk II.

Canon R6 II vs Canon 5D MIII Detailed Comparison https://share.google/ove72m498PpSWp06T

Re: Looking to update to Mirrorless.

LeeP — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 00:17:20 GMT

I have a canon R8 and I really like its versatility.

Re: Looking to update to Mirrorless.

Gobabygo — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 00:47:19 GMT

Thank you for the detailed response. So helpful!