70-200 2.8 Lens - should I use an adapter or get a new lens?

akutama1 — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 14:42:03 GMT

Im interested in purchasing a Canon R6 or R8. I have a few Canon EF lenses that I will be able to use with an adapter on those bodies. I'm interested in also purchasing a 70 to 200 2.8 lens.. is there any advantage to buying that lens for a mirrorless versus using it with an adapter? Obviously the ones for the mirrorless bodies are more expensive. I'm looking at new and used from reputable sources like B& H.

Re: 70-200 2.8 Lens - should I use an adapter or get a new lens?

deebatman316 — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 14:45:55 GMT

For RF Mount cameras stick with RF Mount lenses. Unless you already own a given lens or if an RF Mount lenses equivalent isn’t available. Not to mention most EF lenses can’t fully utilize all of the camera’s features. Limiting what features you can use with a given lens. Every EF lens has restrictions. Canon has a list of which EF lenses are fully compatible with RF Mount cameras via an adapter.

Re: 70-200 2.8 Lens - should I use an adapter or get a new lens?

ebiggs1 — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 16:36:23 GMT

Not so fast let's think about this. If your choice of R series cameras, R6 or R8, is what you intend to buy, I see no reason to not use your EF lenses because the adapter is merely a spacer there is no glass involved. It's not like the old FD to EF adapters.

So, do you buy a new more expensive RF 70-200mm zoom or do you find a good used EF 70-200mm zoom that is the question. If money becomes an object of concern I would go for the EF model since you are already going to have the adapter so you can use your other EF lenses. Right? All your EF will work as well as they ever did and I am sure you were happy with them.

However, if you had said you were buying an R3 or R1 or even the R5, I would agree with the post above. It is probably best to go all RF series lenses if possible. Keep in mind a RF 70-200mm f4 is going to be around $1500 bucks and the f2.8 model even more. Much more so if dollars isn't a problem then by all means go for it. Again, like I always say the best lens is the one(s) you have and not the one(s) you wish you had.

You'll be fine with a EF version and the already purchased adapter.

Re: 70-200 2.8 Lens - should I use an adapter or get a new lens?

March411 — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 17:57:07 GMT

The EF system has been around for over 30 years, which is why it has the deeper portfolio. There are over 180 EF lenses in the lineup vs around 45 in the RF lineup (as of 3.8.2025).

As many photographers make the transition from DSLR’s to MILC (Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera) the question regarding what to do with EF lenses invariably becomes part of the progression. There are those that will say that the EF lens will not perform well on the Canon mirror-less systems. Research, if you have the desire to do it will confirm this simply isn’t true; many users find that their EF lenses performance improves on mirror-less bodies. Many note that focus speed is one of the most pronounced improvements over the same lens being used on their DSLR’s.

Why is there hesitation to move away from EF mount lenses? Many photographers are quite heavily invested in the Canon EF lens system. Additionally, they don’t want to change to RF because a comparative lens is not available. For others they do not want to convert their current stable of EF lenses due to the expense. And then there are professionals like destination wedding photographer Katya Mukhina that states "I continue to use certain EF lenses because their lens characteristics are so unique".

One small item that will improve the reliability and performance of EF lenses, use only the Canon EF-EOS R mount adapter. While I am normally a supporter of some third-party equipment none of the adapters that I tested could match the focusing speed of the Canon adapter. Several third-party adapters were slow and would cause the lens to rack significantly before finding/locking focus.

The standard Mount Adapter EF-EOS R works well. There is the EF to RF adapter with a control ring that can be configured in the Canon menu system, many have suggested that the adapter with the control ring sits to close to the body and makes it challenging to use. I found this to be true, especially with larger focal length lenses.

Regardless of which Canon adapter you prefer it is true that out of the 180 (plus or minus) EF lenses Canon available, merely eight older lenses do not maintain full functionality when used with EF-EOS R mount adapters. The power zoom button does not work on the Canon EF 35-80mm f/4-5.6 PZ (1991), and the AF stop button does not work on the following lenses when used with EF-EOS R mount adapters: Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM (1999), Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM (1999), Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM (1999), Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS USM (1999), Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM (2001), Canon EF 200mm f/2L IS USM (2008), Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM (2008). All other functions operate as normal.

A couple other items to consider. RF lenses have a 12-pin connection to the camera, while EF lenses have 8 pins. This allows RF lenses to communicate with the camera faster and more efficiently. While using an EF lens on an EOS R system camera with an adapter you may experience some limitations to continuous shooting speed as the older communication protocols of the EF mount may result in the camera not being able to achieve its maximum burst rate.

EF Lenses supporting maximum continuous shooting speed
EF24mm f/2.8 IS USM	EF400mm f/2.8L IS II USM	EF24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM	EF200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x
EF28mm f/2.8 IS USM	EF400mm f/2.8L IS III USM	EF24-105mm f/4L IS II USM	EF-S24mm f/2.8 STM
EF35mm f/1.4L II USM	EF400mm f/4 DO IS II USM	EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM	EF-S35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM
EF35mm f/2 IS USM	EF500mm f/4L IS II USM	EF24-70mm f/4L IS USM	EF-S10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM
EF40mm f/2.8 STM	EF600mm f/4L IS II USM	EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM	EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM
EF50mm f/1.8 STM	EF600mm f/4L IS III USM	EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM	EF-S18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM
EF85mm f/1.4L IS USM	EF8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM	EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM	EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM	EF11-24mm f/4L USM	EF70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM	EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM
EF300mm f/2.8L IS II USM	EF16-35mm f/2.8L III USM	EF70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM	EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM
	EF16-35mm f/4L IS USM	EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM

Third party EF mount lenses perform well on R bodies but the firmware should be updated when planning to use them on MILC. There were early reports of third party lenses breathing, racking and having challenges locking focus. I personally experienced this on four of my Sigma lenses and updating the firmware resolved all the challenges I was having with the lenses.

It is also important to note that normal service life for Canon photographic gear is about ten years on average. This should be a consideration if you do not have local support for your Canon equipment. Even if you have a local provider parts may eventually become unavailable.

You can view the End of Service list here but will need to have your browser translate Japanese to English: https://canon.jp/support/repair/period#ml

Lenses Supporting Maximum High-Speed Continuous Shooting Speed - Update May 2025

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70-200 2.8 Lens - should I use an adapter or get a new lens?

Re: 70-200 2.8 Lens - should I use an adapter or get a new lens?

Re: 70-200 2.8 Lens - should I use an adapter or get a new lens?

Re: 70-200 2.8 Lens - should I use an adapter or get a new lens?