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.
As a current Canon photographer (700D owner) going mirrorless is definitely the future. Canon and Nikon have basically given up on DSLRs. (https://www.engadget.com/why-nikon-and-canon-have-given-up-on-dsl-rs-133042286.html).
However, I want to highly stress out to avoid Canon for mirrorless. The reason behind it is that Canon has been “defending” their mirrorless mount relentlessly. Meaning, that no other 3rd parties without Canon’s blessing can make lenses for the RF mount. (Source: https://petapixel.com/2022/09/06/canon-confirms-its-going-after-lens-makers-for-patent-infringement/)
So unless you wanna spend big bucks on Canon approved lenses, I’d go with either Nikon, Sony or one of the other mirrorless brands.
Fun fact, Sony is actually quite permissive in the licensing of their E mount. So they will basically let everyone make lenses for the E-mount.
Just use the converter and you can mount all the EF lenses on the new bodies
That will work as long as EF lenses are still available… But Canon already took some lenses out of production.
So basically, that’s gonna be a dead end path.