A Final Gear Alteration

Having doused the desire for a second camera body to accompany the EOS R6, I decided that I would exchange my two zoom lenses for a single super zoom to eliminate the need for lens changes. Gone are the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM and RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM lenses. Arriving is the RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM lens, a lens I have previously owned but sold when the software it requires for lens corrections no longer worked on my MacBook Air.

Although I lost money on the 100-400mm lens by missing the return deadline at Best Buy by a couple of weeks, by including my EF to RF adapter and a Think Tank bag in the sale to MPB it was not so bad. I had purchased the 24-105mm lens used from lens rentals and I actually received more than I paid for it. The 24-240mm lens is a refurbished lens purchased directly from Canon. It was manufactured in July of this year.

I have had the lens for a while now and it remains on the EOS R6 except for when I want a very small setup, more light gathering ability or a shallow depth of field. Here are samples of the focal length extremes of the same scene followed by a couple of intermediate focal length samples and a shot of the gear in the bag. This bag setup weighs 13.8 pounds.

24mm

240mm

65mm

150mm

A Slightly Heavier Bag

The gear is now back in the Think Tank Airport Essentials backpack. This bag is not something I hike around with but instead is a storage and transport bag. I put what I'm going to carry around either in a smaller bag or on a strap and in pockets.

This setup weighs 13.8 pounds.

[UPDATE: I'm thinking of adding an EOS R10 body to the kit for use with the 100-400mm lens. The camera would stay attached to the lens and take up the space where the 85mm hood currently is.]

And One More Makes Six

Before last week's trip to Maine, I picked up an RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM lens at Best Buy. I have until October 24th to return it should I so choose. At this point I think I will hang on to it.

It's a value lens for sure but it does the job when I want something longer than 105mm. Diffraction doesn't start to soften images until past f/11with my 20MP EOS R6 body and it's diffraction limiting aperture of f/10.6. I'm not sure how I would like using the lens with the EOS R7 body and it's diffraction limiting aperture of f/5.2.

Here are some images with the lens from Maine along with the current bag setup in the Think Tank Photo Streetwalker, which weighs about 11 pounds with this gear, and the RF lens lineup.

A Really Cheap, Versatile Lens

If you look at the photo of the new backpack in my last post, you'll notice that a central compartment is being taken up by a lens hood which is usually on the 85mm lens. Nature abhors an empty bag compartment.

I was checking prices on a cheap, Canon kit lens, the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM, and ran across an offer to good to be refused. This lens has a NSRP of $399, Canon sells refurbished copies for $320, MPB sells like new copies for $240 and for some reason, Lens Rentals is selling like new former rentals (10 rentals max) for $140.

The lens costs $18 for a 7 day rental along with $25 shipping. It could be that hardly anyone rents a lens they can afford to buy and which costs less to rent than the shipping. I don't know how many they have available but it is still listed after I bought mine.

The lens has some interesting features like close focusing to .4X and 7 stops of image stabilization with my EOS R6. The image quality is also pretty good. Here is a sample at 105mm and f/8 processed with DxO Photolab 6 which you can click to zoom in on beyond 100%.

The empty compartment is now filled.

A New Backpack

Unfortunately, a whole new set of lenses usually requires a different bag. After trying different ways to use the bags I already have, I decided to take advantage of a sale to pick up a Lowepro Flipside BP 300AW III backpack.

The biggest issue was the new lenses are much smaller in both diameter and length than my previous lenses and the bags ended up being much larger than necessary. Unless I filled in spaces with things I didn't really need to carry around like flashes and tripods.

This backpack only weighs a little over 8 pounds with the gear and opens from the front of the backpack, which is up against your body when carrying. This lets you put the bag down on the ground to access the gear without getting the part that's against you wet and dirty.

Here is a shot of the gear in the bag. You can read a review of the bag at https://amateurphotographer.com/review/lowepro-flipside-bp-300-aw-iii-review/.

The RF STM Lens Quartet is Complete

I received the RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM lens yesterday and tested it out this morning. Here is a focal length comparison of the four lenses overlooking Saratoga Lake.

16mm

28mm

50mm

85mm

You can see some photos from Saratoga Spa State Park with the 85mm lens here.

28mm Pancake on the EOS R6

Here is what the RF 28mm f/2.8 STM pancake lens looks like on the R6. This photo has the Minolta lens hood for my MC W.ROKKOR-SI 28mm f/2.5 lens on the RF lens. They both have 55mm filter threads.

On the R6 is a Leofoto L plate for attaching to tripods and monopods in either portrait or landscape orientation. It also keeps the small camera body and lens combinations from falling into the vertical spots in my shoulder bag.

Waiting for the RF 85mm f/2

MPB has received my gear and, following their final evaluation, I will be getting a "like new" copy of the RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM lens and a healthy transfer to my checking account. This will be the third copy of this lens I've owned, both times trading it in when I wanted to try something new.

Something I didn't have when I owned the lens previously is an R series body with built in stabilization. With my previous RP and R bodies the lens provides a claimed five stops of stabilization. The EOS R6 coordinates its stabilization with the lens based stabilization to provide a claimed eight stops of stabilization.  I look forward to this level of stabilization as my other RF lenses do not have their own stabilization and when you use EF lenses with the adapter there is little to no improvement over the lens stabilization alone.

The RF 85mm f/2 is also a half macro lens with hybrid stabilization and it should be almost perfect for shooting still life type photos in poor lighting conditions such as under a forest canopy.

The four lenses I will have are 16mm, 28mm, 50mm and 85mm. None are slower than f/2.8. The three longer focal lengths are each 1.75 times the focal length of the next wider lens. I can't imagine what a 16-85mm f/2.8 lens would weigh and cost. Nothing like that exists.

Unrelated, here is a photo with the RF 16mm f/2.8 lens from the other day.

I've been trying to come up with an apt analogy for the change from professional grade, very fast EF prime lenses to the consumer grade, slower and smaller RF prime lenses. I came up with going from a MacBook to an iPad. Some things you won't be able to do and some things you won't be able to do as well but it's lighter and more agile, still extremely useful and, in some ways, more fun.

Maybe Another Transition

I took today off from my daily park visits during this nice stretch of weather. It was overcast in the early morning and I couldn't think of anywhere I really wanted to visit. So I didn't.

I've been going over my recent photos and looking at what the settings were and comparing them to other options. With my use, it's rare that f/1.2 or f/1.4 does something that f/2 can't do as well. I find myself shooting the faster EF lenses at f/2 or even f/2.8 in order to get enough depth of field so that the background is recognizable. 

I'm considering shifting from the EF L grade lenses to RF STM prime lenses. While there is certainly a quality difference in terms of build quality and "on paper" image quality, in practice it most likely isn't that noticeable. 

Reasons for the change would be to have more numerous focal length options with me at all times without relying on a slower zoom lens. The EF 24mm f/1.4L lens and adapter alone weighs 760 grams. The 16mm, 24mm, 28mm and 50mm RF STM lenses together weigh 705 grams. 

I'm not totally decided yet but It would be a slightly cash positive transition with the 6D and 24-70mm f/4L, 24mm f/1.4L, 35mm f/1.4L and 50mm f/1.2L lenses going out and RF 16mm f/2.8, 24mm f/1.8, 28mm f/2.8, 35mm f/1.8 and 85mm f/2 lenses coming in along with the 50mm f/1.8 I already have.

I could actually leave out the 24mm and 35mm STM lenses and have a rather complete kit while gaining about $800 more than with those lenses added.

[UPDATE 9/6/23: I'm going to go ahead with the transition. The outgoing gear is packed up and I've received the first two lenses already, the 16mm and 28mm lenses. Some photos from this morning are at https://trulandphotography.com/blog/2023/9/another-lens-transition.]

Outside the Lavatory

On Peebles Island this morning with the R6, EF 35mm f/1.4L and Think Tank Digital Holster 20. 

Things to Relearn

Going backwards in terms of gear age does have a relearning curve it seems. For years now, new Canon lens designs have hoods that snap into place and you have to push a button to release them. I've become accustomed to that security when out walking around with lenses on the camera.

Older lens hoods are much easier to bump with your arm which will knock them askew. Petal shaped hoods only block what they're supposed to when they're aligned correctly. 

I had adjusted the hood after noticing it but kept knocking it. I need to get in the habit of checking the hood each time before I shoot. Here are some examples from this morning.

The Reorganized Backpack

The addition of the EOS 6D ended up requiring a little reorganizing of my main storage and transport bag. 

The BlackRapid Double Breathe strap, which is stored in the computer compartment on the outside of the bag, has metal parts and weighs quite a bit so I substituted the smaller 270EX II flash for the 430EX II flash. The smaller flash uses half the batteries so weight is saved there also. In this configuration the bag weighs 17.4 pounds.

The Complete Kit

I received the EOS 6D body today and tried it out at Oakwood Cemetery. I'm very happy with the condition of the camera. Especially at the very low price I paid. 

The camera's shutter count was 15,503 when I got it. The 6D shutter is rated for 100,000 actuations.

The 6D originally came with an LP-E6 battery. This body came with a Canon LP-E6N battery which the camera indicated is on its last legs. I retire batteries when they get down to the one red box level although they will still function. I will pick up a new LP-E6NH battery at Best Buy tomorrow.

Once I put in one of my backup batteries, updated the firmware and adjusted the settings to my liking the camera was ready to go.

Here is a photo of the two bodies and 4 lenses which now constitute my gear going forward, followed by a few scenes from Oakwood Cemetery with the 6D and EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM lens.

Another New/Old Piece of Kit

Gear migrations are a lot like rabbit holes. Once you start you're not sure where you'll end up. Usually with some dead ends along the way. 

I keep thinking that it'll be "one more" piece to settle matters. It doesn't seem like it. 

My most recent addition, the EF 24-70mm f/4L IS lens, my third copy, does what I wanted with respect to focal length flexibility without lugging around three fast prime lenses that are the same size and weight as the zoom. But, the image stabilization on the lens doesn't seem to work all that well with the image stabilization in the R6 body. The viewfinder image jumps around in ways it doesn't with the non-stabilized lenses. Switching the "high speed display" option on mostly cures the jumping but that setting is a battery hog. 

After a couple of days thinking about various options I decided to experiment with an older DSLR body I've never owned or used, the EOS 6D from 2012. I had a pair of 6D Mark II bodies during the second half of 2021 but never the original 6D. 

One factor in the 6D's favor is it has the same exact sensor resolution, 20MP, as the R6. I won't be tempted to use it just for resolution purposes. Also, used copies are cheap. The copy I found on eBay cost me less than one sixth the price of when they were new, which was $2,100.

On hikes, I will be able to carry the 24-70mm lens on the 6D and any of the fast prime lenses on the R6 with my Black Rapid Double Breathe strap. The camera should arrive early next week.

Here is a comparison of the two bodies from the comparison site https://cameradecision.com/compare/Canon-EOS-R6-vs-Canon-EOS-6D.

And here is a youtube video comparing the two bodies. There are some errors in the video. A couple in the first few sentences. It's an R6 not a 6R and there are 8 years between the launch of the cameras not 6.

The Latest Kit Bag

The addition of the EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM lens to the trio of L series prime lenses led to a switch back to the Airport Essentials backpack for storage and transport purposes. The larger bag also lets me include a flash and batteries in the bag which I couldn't do with the Streetwalker.

For carrying purposes, the plan now is to use the Streetwalker when I want three lenses with me or want a backpack, the Speed Freak shoulder bag when I want two lenses and the holster for just a single lens on the camera.

Two of the lenses have 77mm filter threads and two have 72mm threads. I have the usual filters in both sizes. Here is the new layout with the 24-70mm zoom on the R6.

UPDATE 8/11/23: The EOS 6D I discuss in the 8/11 blog entry will take its place where the straps and blower sit in this photo. One of the prime lenses will be attached to the R6 and the 24-70mm zoom will be stored in one of the lens spots on the right.

The New Kit, In Bag

Over the past two months I've swapped out all my camera bodies and lenses and have ended up with the kit I've been describing. The bag of choice for this gear is the Think Tank Photo Streetwalker.

I can attach the camera with lens to the shoulder straps which balances out the load. I carried everything on the hike yesterday and it's comfortable and it isn't a problem. Of course, the whole kit weighs less than the weight I've lost over the last six months.

Rather than order identifying end caps or stickers, I simply used a silver Sharpie to help identify the lenses, two of which are very close in dimensions.

The pouch on the left contains three 72mm filters which fit the 35mm and 50mm lenses. The 24mm lens has 77mm filter threads.

And here are the three lenses with, and without, hoods.

Now It's Four In

As I explained in a blog entry today, I added a 35mm lens to the lens duo. You can read about it here.

Here is the same scene from Grafton Lakes State Park with the three lenses.

24mm

35mm

50mm

Five Out and Three In

Back in May, my main kit consisted of two EOS R bodies with RF 14-35mm f/4L, RF 24-105mm f/4L and RF 70-200mm f/4L lenses.

Now, two months later, all five of those items are gone and in their place is one EOS R6 body along with EF 24mm f/1.4L II and EF 50mm f/1.2L lenses.

It's a kit with improved image quality potential as well as an at least three stop light gathering advantage. You can see a comparison of the two camera bodies here and a comparison of all five lenses here.

Color Manipulation

I'm not really a fan of monochrome photos with a single color object but I couldn't resist playing with the effect with this image. 

A Not Disappointing Lens

Here's a full size file of one of the first shots with the EF 50mm f/1.2L USM lens at f/2.8. You'll notice some chromatic aberration but when you click twice, you're viewing at 200% so it's more noticeable than it would be otherwise.

A Disappointing Lens Find

I received the Minolta MC W.ROKKOR-SI 28mm f/2.5 lens today. It's in pretty good condition except for some fungus on an interior element, This despite the eBay seller stating that it is a "Clean used lens with no fungus."

The lens is in otherwise excellent condition and my plan is to take it to Camera Works to see about having it cleaned. These lenses are very inexpensive and even if cleaning cost the same as the lens it would be worth it. There are, however, many situations where the particular element can not be cleaned and then the lens is useless. Minolta MC lenses are generally cleanable but not easily.

Here are some shots with the lens from today with some illustrations of the fungus. You can read more about lens fungus at https://high5cameras.com/all-articles/repair/what-is-lens-fungus-the-reason-why/.

Minolta MC Lens Lineup

I'm at a point where I can pause looking for Minolta manual focus lenses and make future decisions after using what lenses I have for a while. Here are some photos of the Minolta lenses I have picked up over the past few weeks and then my gear in the Think Tank Photo Airport Essentials.

UPDATE 6/10/23: Two more lenses of the era are coming soon. A 28mm f/2.5 and a 135mm f/2.8. 

Common Loons

 Ashokan Reservoir. Canon EOS R, Minolta MC ROKKOR-PF 58mm f/1.4. Cropped.

Canada Geese In Flight

Canon EOS R, Minolta MC ROKKOR-PF 58mm f/1.4, cropped to 4:3 plus a little to eliminate empty space.

Forest Fern

Along the Wilkinson Trail at the Saratoga Battlefield with a vintage Minolta MC ROKKOR-PF 58mm f/1.4 lens.

Poplar Seed Ground Cover

 Canon EOS R, Minolta MD ROKKOR-X 50mm f/1.7 lens.

Snake on Junk Engine

This old car/truck has been decomposing on Peebles Island since I first visited there about 40 years ago. Back then, it had a body, roof, doors, etc. All that's left now is the frame, engine and suspension parts.

I was walking around the island this morning with an EOS R and an adapted Minolta MC ROKKOR PF 58mm f/1.4 lens and I decided to check out the corpse. 

The snake departed after the first photo.