cross-posted from: https://lemmy.zip/post/10379978
I’ve started rediscovering photography again after a multi year break, and I’ve currently got a decision to make. I’ve started doing some more macro photography recently, and I’m to the point I would like to purchase a macro lens. However, I now realize that new DSLR cameras seem to be on their way out and mirrorless is what the major manufacturers are moving to. My current gear is a budget Canon DSLR with a kit lens, and a basic 75-300mm.
My question is this. Should I switch to a mirrorless camera before I spend more money on lenses? I don’t have a huge amount of money invested so far, and whatever lens type I buy is most likely what I’m going to have to stay with for many years to come. My hard limit would be $1000 for the body, but preferably $700 or less. Since I would like to stay with Canon, that leaves me with the R100, R50, and RP at the very top end. I am open to other options however, especially if there are good aftermarket lenses and accessories.
Although I know there will still be new and used EF lenses available, I do worry a bit about future camera body upgrade options. I know I’m overthinking this a bit too much, but I’m just curious what other people think.
I was in your situation recently.
10+ years ago, I had sold all my Canon kit including a 5DMkII and some EF L lenses and I wanted to pick up photography again. I was luckily not committed to a specific brand since I didn’t have any of my kit left so I was free to look at other platforms. I had a few friends with cameras and tested some different platforms out but ultimately settled on Nikon.
I currently have a full frame Z6II mirrorless and I like it very much. It’s lighter and more compact than my Canon setup was, and I also feel like the lens selection and price (both Z and F) are better than it was when I had Canon. My favorite part of mirrorless is the focus peaking. I find myself using it along with manual focusing for about half my shots.
Look around at other platforms like Nikon, Sony, OM, etc. before you commit because it would be a good time to switch of you did want to. If you stay with Canon, I definitely recommend looking at mirrorless.
Do you rely on the focus peaking? I had a Z6 now own a Z8 and find with both the focus peaking was not accurate enough to have an object in critical focus. With a fast lens I had much better results using the autofocus system which with mirrorless is super accurate.
I rely pretty heavily on manual focus and focus peaking. Primarily because my main lens I find myself using is my 70-180 AF Macro with the FTZ adapter, which doesn’t autofocus with the Z bodies. When using Z lenses (like the 24-120 S) then I’ll use autofocus along with peaking.