Looking to upgrade from EOS 6D Mark II on a budget

[cphilpott]

Howdy! I currently own an EOS 6D MkII that I received as a high school graduation gift two years ago. At my college, I work as a photographer for athletics (so lots of sports photography) and I do quite a bit of journalistic/documentary photography as well both for this job and for my position on the student newspaper. My true passion, however, is bird photography. I have an array of EF lenses, most of which I inherited from my grandmother and are 10+ years old, but for the most part do what I need. Recently bought the EF 100-400 mm f/4.6-5.6 II used which has upped my birding game quite a bit, and I use slightly older stuff for sports because I need a wider range.

All of this to say – it feels that not being mirrorless is holding me back on the birding/action photography field. I currently can't get great tracking autofocus (sucks equally for eagles AND lacrosse, let me tell you) and there's a limit to how much I can crop w/out sacrificing quality. I have done a bit of research into the R10, since it better fits my nonexistent budget, but I want to know if that would actually be an upgrade for me. I also want to know if using the adapter to connect an R10 to my existing lenses, since I certainly can't afford all new ones, and if all of this combined would still be viable for low light conditions as I often face indoors and outdoors.

Thanks so much!

[stevet1]

Cphilpott,

I can 't speak to all your needs, but I will say this; I think the R10 would definitely be an upgrade, plus the lighter weight would be an advantage for holding and carrying for long periods of time.

I've become a firm believer in the idea that if you are going to upgrade, buy the fastest processor that you can afford. I don't know what processor your 6D MkII has, but the R10 has an Digic X processor. That will give you faster burst shooting and quicker processing of the shots you do take.

If you get the R10, you will need an Ef-EOSR adapter to use your EF lenses. The adapter runs about $125.

Steve Thomas

[Waddizzle]

Save up for a used R6 or R6 mark Ii. The R10 uses different batteries and isn’t full frame. 

[jrhoffman75]

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@Waddizzle wrote:

Save up for a used R6 or R6 mark Ii. The R10 uses different batteries and isn’t full frame. 

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For birding photography APS-C is an advantage.

[Waddizzle]

“ For birding photography APS-C is an advantage. “

Coming from a 6D2, the R10 is more of a downgrade than an upgrade.  The 6D2 is a very capable camera.  The lens isn’t ideal for birding, either. 

For an APS-C body, I would recommend the R7, which has its own advantages and drawbacks.

[March411]

cphilpot, how's it going? Welcome to the site.

I'll start out by telling you that for the most part your existing EF lenses will work as good or better on the majority of the Canon R bodies. There are some lenses that have limitations because the EF lenses use an 8 pin system while the RF uses a 12 pin for communication. The information is pretty easy to find if you do the research. 

I myself still use EF glass with excellent results as many do in the industry. You will have to pick up an EF to RF adapter and this is one piece of equipment not to skip, by the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R. I made the mistake of trying third party and had focusing issues with several adapters. The Canon is worth the investment.

As for the body, the R10 is an upgrade....sort of because you are going to get a better processor and for still 651 focus point zones and people animal detection. Auto focus will definitely improve. You have to live within your budget which you made pretty clear in your OP is limited just understand that the R10 is basically a starter camera. If you go to the Canon website you'll see that overall the people that purchased the camera are pretty happy. There are also sample images.

As a college student, live within your budget/means as money isn't endless and purchase the best camera you can afford to start your journey into mirror-less. Don't over extend yourself! 

Also, don't be afraid to keep you eye's peeled for deals in the Canon Refurbished Cameras, some really good deals pop up once and a while. I have purchase equipment from the refurb area and it has always been very nice.

There is an R8 currently available for a couple hundred more if you can swing it but you would still need the adapter that sells for $130.

EOS R8 Body      

[March411]

Anthony Gugliotta does a ton of equipment reviews and uses Canon gear.

@ the 9:30 minute mark there is a nice overview. There is some good information on the battery.