From the Canon EOS Canon EOS 5D Mark IV to the mirrorless revolution.
It was a brilliant summer day when I photographed the wedding at Schwerin Castle. The castle's golden towers reflected in the clear waters of the castle gardens, and the gardens were a sea of color—roses, lavender, and dahlias in full bloom. The bride, in a shimmering white gown, strode through the majestic avenues as the sun danced through the foliage. My Canon EOS 5D Mark IV was, as always, ready to capture every precious moment. I was in my element, playing with light and shadow, composing images that would preserve the beauty of this day forever.
But as I looked through my camera's viewfinder, a thought occurred to me that has haunted me repeatedly over the past few months: "Would it be easier with a mirrorless camera?" The weight of my 5D and its lenses was starting to take its toll, especially after hours of shooting. And then there was the technical aspect—eye AF, the electronic viewfinder, the versatility of the new RF lenses. Was I ready to abandon my trusty 5D for these new technologies?
Mirrorless cameras – they were everywhere. In forums, on YouTube, among colleagues who raved about how light their equipment had become and how revolutionary the electronic viewfinder was. But for me, the 5D was more than just a tool. It was part of my identity as a photographer. Its robustness and familiar handgrips had never let me down. Would switching to the new Canon RF system really be progress? Or would I be carelessly jeopardizing a perfectly functioning relationship with my camera?
The first doubt
It was one of those dream weddings that keeps you on your toes all day. The setting was a rustic manor house with a sprawling garden full of ancient oak trees and blooming hydrangeas. I had two camera bodies with me: my 5D Mark IV with the 70-200mm f/2.8 L and the smaller 6D with the 35mm f/1.4, ready for the more intimate moments. It was perfectly planned, but at some point, I began to feel the weight.
During the outdoor ceremony, I switched between the two cameras. I used the 5D to capture the tearful looks from afar, while the 6D captured the details—rings, hands, emotions. But after three hours of nonstop photography, my shoulders and wrists ached. As the guests moved on to the reception, I sat in the shade for a moment, leaving the cameras beside me. For the first time, I seriously thought, "Couldn't this be easier?"
Later, while photographing the first dance, the question returned. The 5D was a workhorse, no doubt about it, but it was also bulky and demanded everything from me on days like these. What if I had something lighter, more modern? Cameras that supported me instead of weighing me down?
On the quiet night after the wedding, as I looked through the pictures, I continued to ponder. The 5D had never let me down, but the promise of mirrorless cameras beckoned: electronic viewfinders, faster autofocus systems, and lighter weight. But would switching solve all these problems, or would I end up making more compromises than I wanted?
The first step
After weeks of pondering and countless hours spent studying reviews and videos, I made a decision: I would give it a try. But cautiously. The Canon EOS R seemed like a good compromise. It wasn't a top-of-the-line model, but it was an ideal entry point to get acquainted with the mirrorless system without immediately giving up everything.
I still remember the moment I first looked through the electronic viewfinder. It was like entering a new dimension. Suddenly, everything was directly visible—exposure, depth of field, color corrections—in real time. No more guesswork. The eye autofocus was impressive, even with landscapes when I wanted to bring precise details to the foreground. I felt like a child who had discovered a new toy and spent hours exploring the camera's capabilities.
But my skepticism didn't completely disappear. I continued shooting with my beloved EF lenses via the adapter. It worked perfectly, but I wondered if I was using the new camera to its full potential. And then there was the question of cost. RF lenses were rare and expensive, and the selection—especially of the highly prized L lenses—left much to be desired.
The slow transformation
The transition was a process. At first, I kept my EF lenses, as they had served me faithfully over the years. But little by little, I began to renew my collection. The first big step was the RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L. The sharpness and autofocus were a revelation. For the first time, I felt that the RF system wasn't just a trend, but a true step forward.
One of my most memorable trips with the new lens took me to the rugged Scottish coast. Waves crashed against the cliffs while the sky was draped in dramatic clouds. With the EOS R and the RF lens, I was able to capture details I'd previously missed. The clarity, the colors—everything seemed more vibrant.
Still, there were also difficult decisions. When I traded my beloved EF 70-200mm L for the RF version, it felt like saying goodbye to an old friend. But the RF version was lighter, more compact, and offered performance that never failed to impress me. At the same time, Canon continued to release more affordable RF lenses, making the transition easier. Today, there's a suitable option for almost every need without spending a fortune.
The new everyday life
Now, years later, my photography has completely changed. In addition to my new passion for creating YouTube videos and sharing my years of photography knowledge, I now also offer workshops and photography tours. These trips take me and my participants to breathtaking locations, from Madeira, the Azores, Colombia, and even local locations like Saxon Switzerland.
The new cameras are my constant companions and have proven to be indispensable tools. The Canon R5 Mark II delivers the impressive image quality I need to guarantee my clients the best results. The R7 is a powerful APS-C tool that particularly shines on wildlife excursions. And my EOS R is still a reliable partner, especially for more compact applications.
I've now swapped all my EF lenses for RF lenses. My focus has shifted to wide-angle lenses like the RF 15-35mm and telephoto lenses like the affordable but excellent RF 100-400mm. This combination gives me the flexibility I need for my projects, whether it's stunning landscapes or detailed wildlife shots.
The combination of working with my camera and being able to share my knowledge fills me with a new kind of satisfaction. Switching to the RF system wasn't just a technical advancement; it was the beginning of a new chapter in my life. It allowed me to evolve not only as a photographer, but also as a mentor and storyteller. And I'm excited about the countless adventures that lie ahead. I've learned that sometimes change is necessary to grow. Switching to the RF system not only opened up new technical possibilities for me but also rekindled my love for photography. The technology has evolved, but the essence remains: capturing moments that make the world stand still for a moment.
When I look at my cameras today—the R, the R5 Mark II, and the R7—I know that each of them tells a story. A story of change, learning, and faith in progress. And I can hardly wait to see what stories I'll write with them in the future.
