Upgrading from DSLR to EOS R1: Use lens adapter or buy all new lenses?

[twoegrets]

Long time reader, first time poster.   

I'm a long time EF lens owner, 400 2.8, 300 2.8, 200-400 (560 with built in), 500 f4, etc...  I own 2 x 1dx mark iii's as well and that has been my go to body for the past 3-5 years.   I've spent many years shooting mostly sports and concerts.    Sharpness is a must for me.   ....and I've been incredibly happy with the sharpness I get currently.   

All that said, I'm ready to go mirrorless, but not yet ready for an R1 + 40k in new lenses.    I've been reading and reading about the R1, very intrigued, sounds like a great body, and I'm considering making the jump with the $150 lens converter.    It just seems way too easy?    I'm really in love with my EF lenses.    I know the R1 is not out yet, but does anyone have history with the R5 mark ii and large EF lenses with the converter?    Some lenses fair better than others Im sure?   If the glass is great it's great and should be a smooth transition?    Is my disbelief that a $150 converter can make a $6500 R1/$7500 EF lens combo work seamless together a misplaced fear?   Maybe it's tough for me to believe that a $150 converter can make 2 expensive pieces of camera gear work seemlessly?

I'll eventually upgrade lenses, but it will be a process for me.   How frustrated will I be in the meantime?

Hope I'm making some sense.    I'd love to hear anyone's experiences.    Thank you!

[kvbarkley]

As long as you get the canon convertor, it will work fine. As you identify deficiencies - if you find any - you can upgrade your lenses.

[Tronhard]

Wise advice Keith!

[p4pictures]

EOS R-series cameras are "bi-lingual" they can communicate with complete native level proficiency in both EF and RF lens protocols. The EF to EOS R mount adapter is a physical connector between the two, it serves two purposes; to put the EF lens the correct distance from the sensor, and to convert the RF connections on the camera to EF connections for the lens. Your EF lenses will perform as well on the R-series cameras as they do on the DSLRs. However the additional connections in the RF mount, and the additional speed of communication between RF lenses and R-series cameras allows the even better performance than is possible using EF lenses on R-series cameras.

You could get the R1 and the mount adapter and use your existing lenses and get the same performance you are used to. You may be missing out on any extra performance that is available when using RF lenses with R-series cameras, but your wallet will be happier.

[ebiggs1]

"I'm a long time EF lens owner, 400 2.8, 300 2.8, 200-400 (560 with built in), 500 f4, etc...  I own 2 x 1dx mark iii's as well ..."

IMHO, in your case I would stand pat and stay with what you have. The advantage which is going to be slight going R1 isn't worth the cost ...yet. I have bandied around this question for myself but at my age I can't justify the cost vs the benefit ratio. For you waiting before you jump, the field will only be better later on. Your gear is still in service life.

In your work, what is an R1 going to do that your 1DX Mk III isn't or can't do? I suspect nothing.

[John_SD]

"...at my age I can't justify the cost vs the benefit ratio. For you waiting before you jump, the field will only be better later on. Your gear is still in service life."

I remember Bob from Boston, God rest his soul, said the same thing at times. Certainly understandable to be wary of spending tens of thousands of dollars straight away. But I think if you sold some gear you would be in good position to get yourself an R3 and a nice RF lens or two. I say go for it. 

I agree with the OP waiting until he is better informed and confident about going mirrorless. His current rig will suffice till then.

[almanzam]

I don't do photography for a living but if I was to buy an R1 or anything "better" than my current R6, I would ditch all my EF lenses just to get all RF lenses. 

I would equate this with getting a Ferrari but keeping the Ford Taurus's wheels on it. The R1 is too high of a quality camera to be used with lower quality and lower-speed lenses. The build, quality, and high-speed communication with the RF lenses is unmatched, although (don't get me wrong) EF lenses can still hold their own and work well. You'd be covered by never looking back to a previous system that will continue to require you having the adapter. 

Again, if you do this for a living, your investment will be paid off quickly enough. 

I still use the EF 135mm f/2 and 50mm 1.4 but if I had such beautiful body (physically and Canon 😉 I wouldn't use anything from before. 

Just the opinion from someone who owned an XSi, T1i, 7D, 6D, and now R6.

Hope it works well with whatever you choose! 

[John_SD]

"All that said, I'm ready to go mirrorless, but not yet ready for an R1 + 40k in new lenses."

Use the $150 lens adapter and stay put for now until you are comfortable about moving on. You are right to be wary of spending this kind of money on new gear, despite the personal assurances and encouragement from Canon reps and forum addicts. The fact is you don't have to spend $40K to get into mirrorless, and you certainly don't have to start off with an R1. Buyer's remorse is not a good thing and can be avoided by being informed and realistic about your tolerance for debt. Best of luck to you. 

[ebiggs1]

"The R1 is too high of a quality camera to be used with lower quality and lower-speed lenses."

The OP hardly has low quality lenses! Again, what is an R1 going to do that your 1DX Mk III isn't or can't do? I suspect nothing.

[kvbarkley]

"R1 going to do that your 1DX Mk III isn't or can't do?"

Not have to worry about mirror lock-up? 8^)