EOS 6D Mark II Camera and/or lens upgrade suggestions

[mmolbert]

Hello, 

     I currently have a Canon EOS 6D Mark II with EF 70-200mm f/2.8L II USM and EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM being the lenses that I use the most.  I shoot a lot of my daughter's volleyball games.  I am asking for any suggestions on a new camera/lens.  Thanks!  

[shadowsports · Accepted solution]

Greetings,

Both of my colleagues have asked good questions.  Your body and lenses are exactly where I was 2 yrs ago.  The lenses you own are two of Canon's best.  I owned both and a few more 🙂.

My vote would be for a new camera, an this is is a great time to buy..  We are expecting some big announcements this month.  March is also Canon's end of year.  I moved to an R5 C.  2 years later I remain more than pleased and am excited every time I take my camera out.  Because you are a full-frame shooter and already own EF glass, I would stick with full frame.  A new full frame body will be familiar to you, and  deliver in the performance categories to which you are accustomed.   Of course, for the most part an upgrade is going to come down to budget.  Please tell us what might be ideal, and as far you'd go comfortably.  .

[Waddizzle · Accepted solution]

“ The truth is with your current gear you have very little to gain. ”

I would beg to differ.  The AF systems found in R series bodies are superior to those found in any DSLR.  The ISO range of body like the R6 Mark II is superior to the 6D mark II.

[shadowsports]

All here have made valuable contributions.  

I was waiting for a response on budget to, so we could accurately gauge recommendations.

Does your 6D2 offer an adequate level of detail?  If yes, and improved AF and subject tracking is the goal for sports, then the R62 has Canon's latest AF algorithms and subject tracking.  It also offers better low light performance than that of the 6D2 (a camera very dear to me).  It's detail will be on par with the 6D2 (26.2MP) vs the R62 (24MP) 

If you want wow in the level of detail and low light performance, with great AF and subject tracking, the R5 would be hard to beat.  Its a mature offering with stellar performance offering many of Canon's greatest strengths and features.  Higher resolution, low light performance, IBIS and subject tracking which is hard to beat.  I wouldn't classify the R62's AF and tracking as better, Its just different.     

While I wouldn't buy a DSLR today, a 1Dx3 is any sports photographers dream.  Its needs no introduction, or justification.  Its as good as it gets as far as DSLR's go.  Sitting across the table is the R3.  Also a sports shooters dream in mirrorless.  It boats 6K video and eye tracking if that's your thing.  20 and 21MP respectively.

This month the R52 and R1 should be announced.  Specs for the R52 are still unknown.  The R1 will have 30MP.  I hope these will be real Cadillacs for Canon. 

Given my satisfaction moving from the 6D2 to R5 platform, I would absolutely recommend this body.  It continues to meet my needs.  My advice though is look at several of the above bodies and see what appeals, what feels right for your shooting scenarios, and what you are looking for that your current body isn't doing now. 

You own 2 of Canon's nicest lenses and if you are able to be courtside, I don't think you'll do better than the 70-200 f2.8. inside with decent lighting.  The EF 135  f2 would give about 1 additional stop of light  which could help marginally using faster shutter speeds, but I would take the versatility of the zoom over the fixed focal length for sports as the players will be moving around quite a bit.   A EF 400mm would be better for soccer or football.  

A new body would be the direction I'd go.  I don't see a new lens giving you more than a updated body could overall.

[ebiggs1]

Do you suggest a new camera?

Not always. However, I have fallen to the lure of a new camera with no real need so I never say never. If you want it and you can afford it go buy it. What I mean to say is all the new features may or may not be beneficial for your work.

I still have a 1D Mk IIn and for the most part it still does what I need. It is 20 years old with 20 year old specs!