So My Long Term Plan - Lens & Camera Goals

[Far-Out-Dude]

So my long term plan over next 3 years is this:

1: I will be getting a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens later this month, this will connect to my Canon M50 for taking pictures of wildlife, particularly wild turkey and whitetail deer. It will also be used for landscape and birding.

2. Next April I want to get a new camera, something better for the lens. I am disabled but think I can save between $1500.00-2500.00 depending on how much I am willing to go without. I once built a computer by going a month and a half out of a 4 month period without eating (Not all at once) and think I can still do the same.

3. If my GF has not left me by then I want to get the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens by April 2025 which will be a main landscape lens.

Now a big question I have is should I trade the EF model (100-400mm) in for the mirrorless model when I get the camera, is there any difference in performance to warrant such an action?

Thoughts on this?

[amfoto1]

No worries! Take care of yourself and get back with us when you can, with any thoughts or questions..

Since you mention using a gimbal head, I don't believe the RF 100-400mm has a tripod mounting ring, which may present a bit of a problem.

On the other hand, the EF 100-400mm II that you're considering does have a tripod ring... but the design of the removable foot on it is not conducive to fitting an Arca-compatible lens plate, which is necessary when using a gimbal. I replaced the foot on mine with one from Hejnar Photo, to be able to use it on my gimbal heads. This foot has the Arca-style dovetail built right in. (I wish Canon would do that with their lenses, the way both Tamron and Sigma do now.) The Hejnar replacement foot also attaches more securely than the OEM thumbscrew. There are several other manufacturers offering similar replacement feet for this lens: I know Kirk Photo and Really Right Stuff do... there may be others.

Neither of these zooms are ideal for use on a gimbal, because they aren't fully internal focusing and/or internal zooming. In other words, they change length a bit in use, so the equilibrium doesn't remain perfect the way it does with a fully IF and/or IZ lens. This is a relatively minor thing, though. Doesn't stop me from frequently using the 100-400mm II on a gimbal head (usually the Wimberley Sidekick). Some of my sporting events last 8 or 10 hours and that 3.5 lb. lens on a 2.5 lb. DSLR seems to get heavier after an hour or two! 😗

Two more lenses that might interest birders, in particular, the RF 600mm f/11 and 800mm f/11 lenses both have built-in tripod mounts. However they don't rotate to allow re-orientation of the camera from landscape to portrait.  Kirk Photo and Really Right Stuff are both making brackets for these lenses that allow the camera and lens orientation to be changed, but they both work by unmounting and remounting the camera and lens in the other orientation. I think it's just a matter of time until someone comes up with a "hinged" mounting bracket that makes it quick and easy to change the orientation with these lenses. If no one ever makes a bracket like that, maybe I'll rig one up myself (no rush though... I don't have either of those lenses yet... or even an R-series camera to use them upon).

As this is Canon's website, I'm a little hesitant to mention them, but there are also Tamron and Sigma 100-400mm lenses offered in EF mount. AFAIK, these also can be adapted for use on either M-series or R-series cameras. The Tamron lens doesn't come with a tripod mounting ring, but one is sold separately for it. The Sigma doesn't even have option of fitting a tripod mounting ring. I'd also note that these lenses are up to 2/3 stop slower (dimmer) than the Canon EF 100-400 II. The Sigma in particular starts out 1/3 stop slower and then stops down even more very quickly as it's zoomed. For example, the Sigma has an f/5 to f/6.3 variable aperture. It is f/5 only until 112mm, where it stops down to f/5.6. Then it closes down another 1/3 stop to f/6.3 at 235mm and stays there the rest of the zoom range. The Canon EF lens starts out at f/4.5, stops down to f/5 from 135mm to 311mm, then is f/5.6 through the rest of the zoom range. So while the size and weight of the Sigma lens might appeal, there are several reasons it might not be the best choice. The Tamron is probably a better choice, so long as the tripod ring is fitted to it. It's also a little brighter than the Sigma... although not as bright as the Canon lens.

Finally, most of the EF to EF-M and some of the 3rd party EF to RF lens mount adapters also have a tripod mounting point (which might be removable). However, this doesn't rotate the way I'd need it to, if it were to be used on gimbal. The setup can only be either landscape orientation or portrait all the time., unless a bracket like those mentioned above were used. To me that's not ideal. I probably shoot the different orientations pretty close to 50/50 (another reason I really wish the R7 had option to fit a battery grip, for the secondary/vertical controls those provide).

***********

Alan Myers
San Jose, Calif., USA
"Walk softly and carry a big lens."
GEAR: 5DII, 7DII (x2), 7D(x2), EOS M5, some other cameras, various lenses & accessories
FLICKR

[Far-Out-Dude]

Okay first off I would like to say thank you very much to each of you for the help. If I do not reply to something it does not mean I did not read it, in all honesty it means what you said is above my level of understanding at this time.

I have interests in several forms of photography, never knew I was interested in landscape till one day at a falls I took a picture after watching a video about "Freezing time" and went out and gave it a try. So landscape is one that I am very much into. I have had an interest in wildlife photography the longest though I never had a lens that I could use for it until last year and now want a better one. I also have an interest in Macro but have not been able to kneel since 1988 when I was in the back seat of a car that hit a tree at 90MPH 144.841KPH for those I see are not using Imperial measurements. So Macro that is interest to me is pretty much out but I am also interested in Astrophotrography and after I get a better landscape lens that will be the next major lens I go for.

One lens I have looked at that I liked the pictures I have seen from for the M series lenses is the 32mm Prime, it seemed to have a nice combination of magnification and width that it would work rather well for landscape, that would be between the 100-400 and the camera, I have never had a prime lens and would like to try one after all I have heard. I would have to get it on payments though.

Now I won my M50 and have been slowly getting lenses as I go along, this is what I currently have.

Canon eos M50
Canon EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM Came with camera
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM Bought with last Stimulus check. Use both for wildlife & landscape
Canon EF-S 18 55 macro 0.25m 0.8ft was a gift from a friend and one of my favorite lenes
Canon EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Lens Only one I actually saved up for and one I often use on landscape

So I gave that information to maybe help fill gaps that may help you help me better.

The EF-100-400 is going to actually be purchased for me, it is a done deal as was agreed upon with the Mennonite I drive for, he is buying it for me in the next two weeks for driving him for next to nothing the last several years so this is a lens I will definitely be getting. After that I am completely open to any and all suggestions, I want to be able to save and get a better camera, one with better I think it is called focus tracking for wildlife.

For wildlife I take pictures of wild turkey, whitetail deer and anything else I can including birds in flight.

For landscape I take many pictures of lakes, waterfalls, fall leaves, Winter which is my favorite time of year, and pretty much anything else. I would like to take some sports shots as well just for the learning experience, hockey and American Football would be the two main things but may try some basketball or baseball as well.

The person above this post mentioned the way the lens would mount to my gimbal, I spoke with Wimberly and they suggested their P-10 lens plate mounted in reverse to put that lens on their gimbal. I have purchased some items for the lens over the last few months to protect it, mostly from Lenscoat mainly their RainCoat 2 Standard Camera Cover and the Lens Cover for Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 IS II (Black) I will also be ordering their RainCap Large (Black) & Hoodie Lens Hood Cover (Large, Black) My thought with the Lens hood cover is that I can take the lenscap off the end when I get in the blind early morning and then put that on to cover the lens and remove it silently when something comes out and not allow dirt, moisture and bugs to get on the lens.

Somebody brought up the Sigma & Tamron 150-600mm lenses, I gave very serious thought to these lenses, very serious thought but after looking at hundreds of pictures online, reading & watching many reviews online some of which I understood, much I did not I felt the best looking pictures I saw came from the Canon lens so when I was asked by the Mennonite which I wanted I let him know and he said that was fine, I then made sure he understood the costs and he still said it was fine so that is what I will be getting and I already have the Canon EF-EF-M adapter. Oh I have also purchased the Tiffen 77mm Digital Essentials Filter Kit which comes with a protective UV lens, Polarizing filter and Neutral Density Filter. I understand that there are better but this is what I can afford right now. I know some may find the Polarizing filter and Neutral Density Filter odd for this lens but I do like to shoot landscapes and waterfalls with my 70-300mm lens I have now and think I will use this for the same.

Oh someone had asked which M50 I have and it is the first model but it sat in the box for a year before it got any real use because I knew so little I did not know I could not talk long distance shots with the 15-45mm lens the kit came with until the day I took the picture below. This is the video of the camera gear I won, it is not a sales thing so I think I am safe to share it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHKJ9NYinwo&list=PLbBlHxGJ9l9zG8ax6zcywwd37BKKFm1Q_&index=2Picture that got me started in landscape

[Tronhard]

The information you have given is very helpful and clarifies a few things for me.  Considering you have just got going with the M50 and have accumulated that collection of lenses, plus the EF 100-400, and this whole project is seen as a relatively long term one - by your own words.  I honestly suggest you stick with what you have (100-400 included), save your funds and look to see what is on the market when you are ready.  The range of lenses and bodies could well have changed dramatically in a year or so - it has in the last year, for sure.

When you do decide to get an R-series body, I would recommend a unit that has some weather proofing and has good low-light performance, (with reference to winter shooting and indoor shooting respectively), which at the moment would tend me to go in the direction of the R6 MkI or MkII.  I note that at this stage you have not specified exactly what the output is - mostly digital display, on-line, small-medium prints, or very large, detailed prints: that can be significant.  But that is now, as I say, thinks may look a lot different in a year or so.  In the meantime, get to know your current gear - don't get any more M-series lenses - the platform is dying, but you may choose to keep the M-series gear for its compactness and lightness as a separate system.   The gear is only part of the result, the critical factor is how well you know your technology and technique and that comes down to practise, practise, practise...

[Far-Out-Dude]

Thank you much. Is there any prime lens that would perform as the 32mm EF-M lens I mention? I really would like to see why people tote the prime lenses so much. I forgot to mention that my sister Alesia died on December 20th, she had some form of Canon DSLR that I am supposed to get but I have no clue what model it is. I left to get away from everyone the day after she died, I had been wanting to shoot this location for several months and decided to drive out there and I took this picture, I think it is one of my best.

[Far-Out-Dude]

Oh somebody had mentioned balance with the M50 and the 100-400 I have been able to balance the 70-300mm rather well for the most part in each of it's positions, when shooting wildlife I tend to get it set for the 300mm position and then turn, raise and lower as needed on the gimbal. I had the thought of maybe buying the SmallRig M50 /M50 II /M5 Cage (Upgraded) version and because it has so many holes in it maybe attaching some weight to the back, another thought had been a grip but I am not even sure they make them for the M50 I would love to be able to get an R5 with a grip, a friend that is a professional photographer let me hold his and it was quite comfortable with the grip on it he also let me try his Tamron 150??-600mm lens on the camera and I know it is more than I can hold on my own and get a picture. Any ideas to attach weight to the back of the M50 on the gimbal would be appreciated. I have to go to bed, it is 4:00 in the morning and I have to be up in 4 or 5 hours so I have to leave but will reply tomorrow when I get home. Thank you again.

[Tronhard]

This is an image to be proud of, and I hope it retains positive connections for your departed sister.

I would suggest finding out what gear she has left you, it might be very useful, depending upon its type.

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

We will all be interested to hear what camera you will be inheriting.  I am sorry for your loss.  I had a similar experience last year which was unexpected. 

I'm not sure adding weight to your camera is desirable.  The cage idea sounds like a better idea.

I think I'd hold of making any purchases until I knew what I was getting.  

[Far-Out-Dude]

I know it is a DSLR, not the model of it though. I know she did not have a lot though. I am not expecting a $1000.00 camera, maybe a $500.00 one max and I mean at time of purchase, not what it is worth now. Thank you for the compliment, I intend to get it printed on metal, the walls in my house are old lathe and plaster and things tend to fall off. Ex brother in law just sent me a picture of a Fujifilm Camera. I will say right now he is playing a game, my sister and I used to talk about being able to share my 300mm EF lens because she also had a Canon. I am not surprised, he probably sold it to get the money, no scruples at all. I will make the best of it.

[ebiggs1]

" Is there any prime lens that would perform as the 32mm EF-M lens "

Any Canon prime lens in the 30+mm FL range do as well. The Canon 35mm f/2 IS as the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM come to mind. Plus what I consider the best IQ lens, perhaps of all lenses made, the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art. It is the only Sigma prime lens I still own and I have had many of them. However, I don't believe these will work on an M series camera.

[ebiggs1]

" I intend to get it printed on metal, ..."

You know Red River Paper has a faux metal paper that is pretty fantastic. It has the metal look but you can print it on any photo capable home printer. I have used it  for several years now with my Canon Pro-100 photoprinter.

They also have a faux canvas paper that's also pretty fantastic, too.