Photons to Photos tested the cameras dynamic range and found that the R5 is 0.4 EV better than the R5ii in mechanical shutter mode (which offers better DR than electronic shutter) below ISO 500. After this point the cameras are almost the same. In electronic shutter mode the R5ii performs better by around the same margin, but in electronic shutter it is about 0.5 EV lower than the DR achievable with mechanical shutter. I think the R5ii is definitely the better wildlife camera (where ISO will often be higher than 500) and the R5 is a slightly better and much cheaper Landscape camera.
What about the increased fps maximum range (30) in r5 ii vs r5 (20) which is the cause of the dynamic range worsening in r5 ii vs r5. Is the r5 ii dynamic range quality kept at the r5 level when not exceeding 20 fps ? Many thanks.
@@Skua-w3u I don’t think so. I cancelled my order (as explained in my most recent video) so I cannot test it. But one word of warning beware the hype around noise at the moment no commentators seem to take account of tie RAW converter which plays a huge role. The same dissatisfaction occurred with the original R5 then after months adobe caught up. First place I would test is in Canon DPP
@@WillGoodlet Me too, I cannot make any test because I have no more the R5. I have now the R5 ii which I choosed anyhow mainly because of his improved AF system.
One thing I like about your content, I never get the impression you're just pushing a product. Your analysis is fair, honest, and full of common sense support. Glad you're back and I'm sorry to rejoin the party late. Keep up the good work.
The Nikon Z6 III's left hand mode dial is almost a deal breaker! I'm glad you understand the pain :) Almost nothing should be on the left side of a camera lol.
I'm impressed with the speed and fluency of your narration. If you are reading off of a script, you do so with naturalness. It's seamless. No 'uhs' and 'you knows'. It's actually too fast for my comprehension, but that's not a criticism. I gave up some while ago in trying to keep up with the technical aspect of photography. I'm not a naturally oriented person for mechanical and technical pursuits. Which is why I decided at one point I didn't need to go mirrorless. I decided 'enough is enough' in that sector. My photos were high enough quality to satisfy me so I said, 'Good enough'. It was not worth the strain to try to keep going into more and more sophistication (and that's not even mentioning costs). I distinctly remember one night when you and I wrestled with my R7 unit. You helped me to determine that I was not happy going into that at all. I'll always be thankful for that personal attention you gave me.
No script, it’s just too much information to write and I cut 15 minutes off this video while editing. I made this video 4 times. I went up that hill 4 times and my Landy hasn’t forgiven me yet!! That’s why I look hungover near the top, I just wanted it all to end…once you’ve done 15 takes about battery grips it gets easier to remember your notes!! There’s absolutely nothing wrong with your approach, in fact it is a very sensible one. Now cameras have become so good, it’s very likely we won’t need to constantly upgrade. On the ums and ahhs, where they occur (and I try hard to be aware when I speak) I cut them out and try to hide the cuts behind b roll when I have the energy. Sadly I am by no means word perfect. I also ditched the music for you, I hope you noticed!!
@@WillGoodlet " I also ditched the music for you, I hope you noticed!!". I did not! But really music for this kind of video would have been really, really distracting.
Hi Will, I'm a new subscriber, and I'm considering upgrading my R5 to the new R5 Mark 2. I came across your video and found your content to be engaging and informative. It feels like I'm having a casual yet insightful conversation with a knowledgeable buddy. Keep up the awesome work!
Love it how you have the experience and lack of bias to evaluate practicality from a spec sheet. Bought the R5 after one of your reviews; will hold off on the Mark II for the same reason. Thanks for investing the time to help others decide.
Thank you very much for taking the time to watch. Hope you are enjoying your R5 as much as I am. I'm still experiencing lock-ups with mine but not as bad as when it first came out.
For lens ecosystem I think it is important to keep in mind that Canon offered users a fantastic and seamless solution for adapting legacy glass. EF glass is selling on the secondary market at bargain prices. Many users enjoy ownership of EF glass they couldn't afford before RF came along. That considered I see Canon as a sweet spot for lens ecosystem.
It’s true as I said in the video that this rescues the system but I qualify that statement because of service life and parts. With the late EF primes still costing 4-5k usd second hand it is a big commitment. Would that 5k be better deployed on an RF lens? Particularly if it were a mid-market offering like Nikons PF glass?
@@WillGoodlet I'm not sure about South Africa, but in North America parts and service is not a barrier. There are 3rd party repair houses still servicing V1 Canon lenses even to the point of machining replacement parts at very reasonable cost and turnaround. I do agree that service is an important consideration which is why I left Nikon. Probably a longer story than appropriate for a YT comments section, but suffice to say that the situation in my region was untenable. Especially where warranty service was concerned. I did have a long hiatus in Sony's camp, too. What I will tell you about my time and ownership in various systems is that they really are six of one and half a dozen of the other. The user experience is a little different, but the results are equal. It is ok to fuss over charts and specs, but if one wants to make compelling imagery one has to commit to being out in the field creating those images. I sometimes look at non-hardware specific threads to find that the best image on the page was made by a camera and lens combo you and I might consider unworthy and obsolete. Or a phone. It isn't by accident.
Good to hear the servicing is possible over there. We have very limited availability here. I’m out right this second trying to get shots in the field. Could not agree more about time spent actually taking shots!
My honest opinion of this video ... absolutely excellent! The comprehensive , lucid comparative content, coupled with stunning videography, is simply wonderful. Thanks for producing this most informative video. I'm very much looking forward to your future productions.
This is propably the best review session I have watched. Not only beacause it is a very honest and detailed, but mainly also the setup of doing it in the field. There as so many reviews out there from peoples offices and studios being one long boring and monotone speech. Good that you are back !!!!!
At the beginning I thought "OK this is just another cloud review without having the actual camera in hand". But as soon as I watched till the end I instantly liked. Obviously you've done a great amount of research up R5II from wildlife photographers' perspective and answered a log of my questions. Thank you for posting your work and keep it coming.
Thank you for saying this, I really appreciate it. Been taking some flak for making a video without the camera. We can’t get our hands on cameras on a return basis here, so we have to decide without even touching them whether its a buy or not.
Thanks for this honest and to-the-point review. I own a R5 and I was thinking of upgrading now. After your review I think I wait a little longer. ‘I want it, but I don’t need it’ 😉
Hi Will, welcome back, I have an R3 and R5 and mostly shoot with my R3, you are right in the UK we mostly shoot birds and although I do own the big prime when shooting small birds we need to crop, this is where megapixels help, but I have also been on 3 safaris and the big animals you are so close there is absolutely no need to crop, you are right you don't need the same cameras. I will upgrade my R5 for many reasons, first I don't like the way the R5 focus works it's a bit dated now compared to the latest offerings from Canon, I think the stacked sensor will be better especially for ISO as well as rolling shutter, the other thing I hate about my R5 is when using electronic shutter you have no noise, and you can only use it in 20 fps, the R5 MK2 like my R3 you will be able to shoot what frame rate you like and have a speaker with volume control so you know you are taking photos, and the EVF on the R3 is so much better so this will be nice too.
Great info Tony, thanks. I often shoot mechanical to reduce frame rate, and get the shooting sound back ;) I'm always a little torn between the pro bodies and the high MP bodies. I was always jealous of D850 shooters so was very happy to get the R5 on my 400 f.2.8 but I miss their feel and (I don't know if it was just me) their lovely clean feeling files. I was shooting alongside someone with a Z8 for several days and didn't really feel I was missing any more shots, except for trying to sling my lens out the window as quickly. That was a much bigger issue than the AF :)
@@WillGoodlet Hi Wiil, I too only shoot mechanical on the R5 for the exact same reason 🙂 to be honest Will the last 8-9 years I only shot with pro bodies, I had the 1DX2 for 5 years, swapped it for the 1DX3 but didn't see much difference, I absolutely love the R3 it balances so nice with my 600mm prime, and I personally think it's a cleaner image than the R5 definitely better on ISO, funny I too was jealous of Nikon but more so with the new Z lenses, light big primes 🙂I remember that feeling on Safari trying to photo from vehicles with big primes, for me personally I wish the R5 MK2 was a 32mp camera with all the new features in a R3 body.
Thanks, Will! Quite important information for me! I use an R5 in a very similar way than you do. Nature and wildlife in South Brazil, Patagônia, Antarctica, and South Shetland Is. Love the camera. But I am not a rich man, I only love Nature and Photograph. I Will not run for the last camera. Still using my 5D IV altogether and happy with that. Recently purchased the RF 100-500. Going South again in October. I and my wife love your aproach to Nature and Photography.
For the video toggle switch. If it's anything like the other Canon camera's you can probably put a different button just to start and stop recording. The camera toggle is fun because the entire setup changes towards taking video. The menu is streamlined. The Custom setup change to your custom video setup. So with a toggle I can do slow-motion on one custom setting. 24 fps on another and a studio setting on the third. While keeping my picture profiles untouched when I toggle to picture mode. And it's all my custom settings. Like Zebra lines or false colour or shutting off autofocus on video. While you might need two or three different autofocus modes ready in picture mode.
Thanks for the input on video. Yes I agree and I use the custom modes in exactly the same way. It is also easy to do this on the original mode dial + info it’s two presses instead of one toggle. Crucially for me on the right side. I don’t mind the inclusion of the video toggle it would just have been much better on the right side. If I think about it, it’s only these more recent cameras that place it on the left. From the 5Diii onwards it was on the right side. In any case it’s something to work around for my use case - there are plenty of other use cases where people may prefer it on the left. I think its a setup for press and events where the r5 is a second camera on a strap hanging on the left side. You toggle it with your left hand while it’s hanging on the strap and grab the camera when you need it. That’s my guess anyway- its just a different optimisation that works for some and not so well for others. We will manage!
@@WillGoodlet I don't think you will ever find the perfect camera... the video toggle is basically where the R5 power button used to be. They moved that to the right side. The same location as the R8 and R6ii. Maybe rent one of those bodies and see if it's a huge deal. I own the R8 the real annoyance for me Sometimes is that I don't toggle the power button all the way and it's in lock mode. I never had any issues with the video switch but when I do video it's in the studio on a tripod trying to get a shot of me not cutting my fingers off.
@@matteout_woodworking much more to important use case than mine. Keep those fingers please!!! I almost lost my forearm on a table saw. The machinist grabbed me before I leaned on the blade. Wasn’t concentrating properly. Yes, there’s no such thing as a perfect camera. I shoot around most issues. The cameras these days are very good indeed and there are only small things differentiating them.
Great video Will... but I am still in love with my R3 + 600mm lens... its an amazing work horse ... and you don't have to drill holes into it to stop it over heating !😄
I think the 5Dsr is still as good as it ever was! Only issue I ever had with it was the frame rates but considered it for a long time before the R5 came along
Will, glad to see you back! I really appreciate your positive attitude, informative teaching, creative presentation and really cool B-roll! I do appreciate you taking us into the field and not teaching from a desk! I get a sense of what Africa is like watching your channel. I appreciate you taking us along on these adventures, and I always learn something! Social media leans into negativity, so thank you for embracing an honest hands on approach with real facts and not clickbait. Happy shooting!
I'm a Nikon shooter, Z9 with no interest in Canon cameras or videos (usuall) but I watched all the way through just for the video clips of the amazing scenery. I even like the clips under the Rover as you are driving. I'm not sure why but the motion of the suspension and crunch of the tires on the rock is mesmerizing. I do appreciate your honesty. As others have commented, there is never any hype or over-exuberant content. Just to the point, honest discussion. I really enjoy the channel.
Thanks Philip, appreciate you enduring a Canon camera video! I struggle with these types of video, I prefer photographing animals. I'm glad someone likes Rover suspensions as much as I do :)
As an 5D Mark IV owner, though professional photographer, I think I am more in "want" than "need" category for the new R5mk2, still I ordered it and can't wait it to arrive. I think the new camera will make me shoot more and experiment more. Fresh new camera - fresh new thrill to go use it.
Well said - new camera bodies , lenses and feature help inspire and challenge me to shoot more, try new things , ideas , etc . They might be small , but the fact that it gets me motivated to get off my butt and shoot more is worth the cost . I do a little pro shooting , but I’m mainly a crazy hobbyist with disposable income and a passion for photography and making & taking great images . My R5II is on its way to join the R, R7, R5 and R3 . I did the changeover from the 7D,7D mark ii, 5Dii and 1DXii ..,
Really enjoyed your video, Liked and Subscribed! I'm not in the market for this one, I upgraded from the original R to the R6 MkII recently and also own the R7. But some of my photo friends are getting this one so I wanted to study up on it and your content helped. And I am with you on the RF 200-800mm lens, never seen a piece of gear so hard to find almost a year after it's much touted release! Loved the scenes of South Africa as you walked and drove around, been there a few times and one of my favorite places to visit. I'm also a former Land Rover owner, had the Discovery II and I spent enough on repairs over the years to have purchased the RF 1200mm lens instead. But it was the best off road vehicle I ever owned, just had a lot of upkeep!
Hi Chris, thanks for taking the time to watch it and subscribe! I've cancelled my 200-800 order, just got fed up waiting. I have photos to take now! Touch wood my two Defenders have been very well behaved and at 27 and 13 years old, I cannot fault them, especially given what they have to put up with. No Chelsea tractors here..
Just wanted to point out that I think you are misunderstanding the “eye-control AF” that’s being implemented in the R5MII. It of course has eye-detect AF like all R cameras have and the most advanced version of that capability. However, the eye-CONTROL autofocus is something that so far was unique to the R3… except for about 25 years ago when it was present in 2 of Canon’s film SLR bodies, the EOS 3 and the Elan 7e. It’s a feature where the viewfinder tracks your eye and detects where you are looking to help determine what you want to focus on. That, combined with eye-detect/face-detect, should help the camera know WHICH eye/face to focus on if there are multiple subjects in the frame. Personally, I owned an EOS 3 and found the eye-controlled AF to work well for me. I do have light colored eyes, so that probably helped. My understanding is that the eye-controlled AF performed better for people who had more contrast between their iris and their pupil. I am tempted to splurge on the R5 MK II for this feature alone. If it worked for me 25 years ago, I am keen to see how it performs now.
@@eschrad thanks this is exactly my understanding but perhaps it didn’t come through in the video? Thank you for settling it out so clearly for others here. The idea I try to get accross with the buffalo / oxpecker sequence was that I hoped to use eye control to refine af eye selection across species in the same shot. Where the current R5 usually selects the bird over the mammal one could use eye control to select either. I’m also hoping (but far from certain) that where the camera selects a nostril on the same animal, it might also have detected the eye and we might prompt the correct selection of the eye using eye control. Then with spot AF eye control will surely be faster which in itself will be an excellent improvement. Great to have insight from an EOS 3 owner obviously that was incredibly advanced tech at that time let alone now. I am also excited to try it for the reasons above.
Thank you very much.... Yes, the new camera is the best, it is clearly visible.... I have subscribed and am waiting for other videos... I am especially interested in Macro and 100mm Macro 2.8 with converter 1/4 ......
I think that’s a way of thinking that often leads to problems and sucks people into over-investing in equipment in the belief that it makes a difference. I feel like this because it happened to me and to many others. Distance is a problem that is not overcome by a camera or a lens. Or, if they are, it is at the compromise of image quality. The problem is that atmospheric effects, heat, haze and dust prevent a lot of distant wildlife shots from being useful. My belief is that, for example, an 800mm lens is best used for small subjects that are close by. And wider telephotos for larger subjects close by. The very distant shots should be ignored in 90% of cases unless conditions allow or the extreme interest or rarity of the shot make it worthwhile to take. That said, where you want or need to crop (as many of us have to) it is usually better to crop more pixel dense cameras with excellent or no anti-aliasing filters and bright lenses. The pixel density allows for more resolution in the image or prints but comes with the risk of greater diffraction. This is offset by using brighter lenses. Many of us do not have the choice of using these lenses.
Best TH-cam about camera gear for a long time! Honest, right pace, great language and you are a wildlife photographer. I am a new subscriber!. I had the pleasure to do a private photo safari in South Africa 2022 with a professional wildlife photographer as guide. An outstanding experience that I want to do again.
Thank you very much for watching and the kind comment, welcome to the channel :) So happy you had a great time in SA! My primary goal with this channel is to encourage people to get into wildlife photography and to come to Africa/SA and visit. Hope you come back and visit soon.
Great video, thank you! I’m upgrading due to being fed up with Fuji’s autofocus. The z8 looks great but from comparisons I’ve seen Canon seems much better in AF. I’d hate to risk it not being good enough.
@@Brooksms Thanks for watching and the Fuji feedback (I think of the XH2S as the spiritual successor to the EOS 7DMark ii) I shot alongside a Z8 shooter for a 12 day safari last month and he got pretty much the same results as me with the R5. So these cameras are all very good now. Sure the R5ii is better for AF though
Some safari vehicles, like the ones used by Pangolin Photo have charging facilities. And, if you have an adapter you can geta charger that plugs into the cigarette lighter socket.
@@alankefauver6187 thank you. yes you are right of course some do, especially photographic safari vehicles. But many still don’t have enough power outlets Just something to check really with these power hungry cameras. Not great to travel so far and be caught without a charged battery!
One feature that no one ever talks about (probably because they don't need it) but I hope this camera has the ability to record the VF from the external HDMI while still keeping the VF active.
Awesome very well thought out video. I'm in the same boat as you. I wanted it but didn't need it. But as a fellow TH-camr the content i could create with it had a value of it's own so I ended up buying it. I just subscribed to your channel. Look forward to watching more of your content.
Thanks Will! Good to see you! I’ve so enjoyed my R5 and it’s been such a great Swiss Army knife camera and since it’s long paid for I think I’ll be sticking with it. Enjoyed learning about the new R5 II though. Cheers!
I'm keeping mine too. Obviously, it's easier to upgrade with a trade in but unfortunately I need an extra camera. My sensible side is saying secondhand R5. My wild side is saying try a Nikon and my wallet is saying stop buying cameras!
Fantastic point that wildlife photography ≠ bird photography. There's obviously some crossover, but the needs of a bird photographer can be pretty different to to a photographer heading out after mammals, or other larger creatures. It's one of the many reasons I particularly enjoy your channel Will, as you bring an experienced perspective on the genre.
Owning an R6 and not being able to afford an R5 MII the actual content of the video is not of utmost importance to me. The only the reason I've watched the video is you being back on the screen. As somebody living in Europe and feeling strongly connected with the wild, especially in southern Africa, I love how you're able to convey your experiences visually and verbally. Great to see you back on the screen, keep up the great work! Looking forward to some less "technical" content.
Best all around discussion I have heard to date. You are well Informed. I have mine pre-ordered 5800 Canadian dollars. 3 extra batteries and a regular grip another 880 dollars
Thanks for watching and congratulations on the new camera! If possible please drop me a reply here and let me know what you think when it arrives and you try.
Super recording and material! Thank you for the review of the R5 Mark II. The R5 Mark II is already on its way to me. I am mainly afraid of the ventilation holes when taking pictures in the forest, meadows, on the beach, etc. (small bugs, midges, sand, dust and other dirt). What can you say about it? What is your opinion? Nikon Z9/Z8 and Sony A1/A7xxx / A9xxx do not have such holes. These holes seem to be isolated from the electronics. However, I am wondering about cleaning it, e.g. removing dust particles, small flies, dirt, etc. Greetings from Poland!
Congratulations on the new camera hope it has arrived with you safely! I guess the holes are sealed pretty well but possibly they could be cleaned with a can of compressed air with a nozzle (not from an air compressor as this air has a small amount of oil in it) what do you think?
For anybody who wants to get a pro mirrorless camera for wildlife, the nikon z8 will be his first priority, specially the cost, you can get an used z8 for about 2500$ which is a steal and their new tele lenses ar amazing. The Canon R5 ii is a really great camera but it's too expensive and Nikon has better ergonomics and button placements (except the 3rd wheel, they need to add one). I hope there will be a R7 ii.
Great analysis Will, your focus on African wildlife photography is a real testbed for what is needed and what is superfluous. As you know, I am UK based so I rarely encounter large game animals, deer being the exception. Antler tips, ears and nostrils are Canon animal eye detect magnets too. Keep up the great content Will and I'm hoping 'Basil' is OK?
Eye control AF locks onto a focus point when you press the button. The pipper follows your eye after that, but the focus point does not. So you can check your composition to your heart's content and the focus point does not go with you -- unless you press the button again. Eye control AF is for setting the initial focus point. The focus point doesn't involuntarily move with your eye across the screen.
I have the opportunity to shoot the r5 mark ii for the last few weeks. Taking thousands of images on it. I feel they did a great job especially with action/sports still images. I use rf 400 2.8, rf 600 f4, and rf 100-300. The tracking is working well. In the studio image quality is very nice. Looks like there a slightly shift in color over the r5 mark. I was not a fan the R5 mark 1. I shoot mostly with two R3s waiting on the R1. Hopefully I can push the iso harder on the R1. But all in all I happy with Canon and the lens. I personally dont want third part lens but I understand the need for people looking a more budget friendly option.
Thank you! Great to have some first hand feedback on it! Would you say the AF (for wildlife / birds in flight) is comprehensively better or more marginal?
@@james123j1 yep it’s bot a bad idea at all. I just mention it because I often find people visiting underestimate their battery use and very often their storage use.
Will, did you get a new vehicle? Nice review based on specifications only. I picked mine up a couple days ago but have only taken a few test shots. I do think the focus is better.
Hi Peter, no I’ve had two for quite a while and use them interchangeably in past videos. This one is 27 years old and used for shorter local trips. Congratulations on the new camera! I hope it fulfils all your expectations!
Thanks for watching. Yes maybe but why is it needed in camera? I guess either the expectation is either that it will be better than external software at doing it or needed very quickly (no time for processing) by press, sport and event photographers? For wild-lifers we would probably process the image later.
It may be because the new camera no longer uses pixel shift upsizing? If this is better than that, well that would be quite something because it would mean it would work for moving subjects now?
@@WillGoodlet That would be a great feature, indeed. A completely different question, what CF Express B card to you use in your R5 and what size? Thanks.
with respect to the noise and dynamic range and Petapixel's article, Photons to Photos has released the empirical analysis and it's true, the R5 has 0.35 stops greater dynamic range at the low ISO end, converging with increase in ISO, and the mk2 has 0.222 DN greater read noise. The Mk2 is marginally better on both of these measure than the competing Nikons. In all reality, the difference between the R5 and the mk2 is insignificant and the difference between competing brands isn't really significant either. The your lens argument is a good one though like you, I'm already invested in the Canon system. Glad you're back Will.
Having shot the z8 briefly, I don't really care too much about what camera I use. They are all fantastic and if one is missing a feature, surely the next model iteration will have it. Lenses on the other hand stay with us for a very long time. My 400 f2.8 ends it's service support life next year and I'm having a hard time thinking about what to replace it with or simply to keep it til it dies.
There's lots of click-bait camera "experts" on TH-cam currently spewing about the R5 MkII. However, Will's segment here is honest, balanced and very useful.
Hi Will, thanks for this well balanced opinion ! In mainland Europe, the R5ii is 4800 Euro, 300 up from when the R5 was released (so a hike lower than inflation). That $400 USD less than what the Brits have to stomach .. likely one of those brexit-bullitholes in their feet .. (I visited Scotland last month and saw plenty more of those bullit holes 😞) I ordered my 200-800 after the first real life reviews (a month after the announcement) and did receive just another month later. As a result, I'm no longer using the clumsy 420-700, but the 100-500 and 200-800 get about the same % of usage. For me (with European pricing), the 200-800 actually belongs in the mid-tier segment. So in the lower mid segment ($2000 - $4000) it's well balanced between Nikon and Canon, only in the higher mid segment ($4k - $10k) we see indeed clear Nikon territory .. but that part of the segment is already out of reach for most enthusiasts. I've read the first stories regarding dynamic range as well, but the most recent thing I read did put it more in perspective: when using ES, the R5ii can actually be better because of the 14-bit raw io 12-bit. Also above ISO 640 both R% versions are nearly the same. On my R5, I can get 4 times more shots from one battery in ES compared to using EFCS. But because of rolling shutter with birds in flight, I mostly used EFCS this year. With a much improved rolling shutter, the R5ii might allow me to use ES more often .. Soo, I'm pretty tempted by the R5ii .. but I'm not so sure I can convince my wife I need it 😛
Hi Werner, I feel that the way the camera gets priced in Europe/UK is appalling. As if the USD is the same as a Euro or GBP. Then the tax on top....Maybe it's tariff barriers I don't know. I cut it out the video but one solution, if people are coming to SA and want the camera for that, is to buy it here. We often have very low prices (Fuji HX2S is cheaper here than US for example). People can claim the 15% sales tax back when they leave too - doing this, the R5 Mark ii is USD 4230 here. Pays for an airline ticket. I have the 200-800 on order, I think it will do very well for me when I get it, I'm just somewhat resentful that I paid up front but still have no idea when it's coming (from B&H USA). The reason I don't class it in the middle/upper segment is that I would really like a drop in filter and a proper focus ring. Incidentally, how do you find the manual focus using the control ring? I use MF all the time... When I tried the Nikon Z8 and 180-600 off a friend I was blown away when I touch the focus ring - out of nowhere I had full focus peaking and BRIGHT focus peaking that I could actually see. This is a game changer for me and video. I started thinking, why am I putting up with the Canon implementation and I really started to think about these Nikon lenses. Yes, thank you, I've read the updated DR info. For me, in wildlife, I wouldn't really have cared if it was slightly worse. It's just landscapers who need none of this readout speed probably shouldn't upgrade.
@@WillGoodlet Hi Will, Thanks for such extensive feedback ! Without our huge 21% sales tax, the naked price is only $50 above the US The 200-800 was a different story: in today's USD I paid around $2750, exactly the same amount I paid 2 years ago for the 100-500 when it was on sale. I had hoped to pick it up during a business trip to Japan, but I was there just a week before shipment started. The 200-800 was really hyped in the USA, and at a price a lot lower than the rest of world. I guess that's why the USA has such large backorder .. On the 200-800, I don't abuse the focus ring as a control ring (unlike some smaller bodies, the R5 has 3 dials already) and while looking through the EVF I don't mind the focus ring is white and not black. It works as it should, but for some reason I don't need to use MF to assist AF as much as I do on the 100-500. Also, the lenscoat fits nicer on the 200-800 than it did on the 100-500. And 800/9 gives better bokeh power than 500/7.1. Without using a tripod, the focus ring may be a little hard to reach from the zoom ring, but when putting both white zooms side by side, the relative position between both rings is the same. Activating focus peaking when touching the focus ring is indeed a very nice feature !! Nikon has some nice things, but the Z8/9 are pretty heavy and they can't zoom to 800mm ..
Losing dynamic range is brutal compromise. Looking at blown out whites kills it for me. Saying that, if your into shooting digital and your making money. Than your going to get the upgrade. The pre capture looks interesting.
Cheers Axel. I checked the DXOmark scores and was surprised to see the D850 is still near the top of the list. 5th! Seems like you have enough gear to keep yourself occupied for now :)
Nice video. Have you tried programming the front depth the field button on the R5 body to switch you in and out of crop mode? It’s very useful and it’s like having an instant 60% extension. I usually get around 20 to 22 megapixel images doing that and it definitely helps with eye auto focus.
Yes, I noticed that AF and metering is more reliable in crop. I have programmed my depth of field as a menu button. I crop using a custom menu item. I may play around with it more. Always good to get other views on button customisation!
@@WillGoodlet no problem. When you make that customization, it will pull up a menu in the viewfinder or back screen. In order to scroll back-and-forth in the pop-up menu, you may require a different setting elsewhere in the camera. If so, let me know.
I just last week switched over from Canon RF glass and the R5/R7 to the Nikon Z8 and 800mm f6.3 PF lens + 180-600mm Z lens for wildlife. It’s been amazing so far. I was looking at the R5 MK2 but for the price and minor changes plus needing all new batteries and grip I was not doing that
@@WillGoodlet I had the 100-500, 70-200 f2.8 , 15-35mm f2.8, 85mm f1.2, and I had on order the 200-800 but that was literally on back order for 9 months and never got it. I sold it all on Facebook marketplace here in the U.S. got pretty much what I paid for them so it was nice.
Great that you were able to sell so easily. One reason I shoot Canon is the second hand market here is a little more liquid. I doubt it's anything like the US though, quite hard to shift stuff.
@@WillGoodletyeah I would bet it’s much harder to switch over camera brands. Facebook marketplace here in the US is a godsend. I have been buying used gear for about 10 years now and it’s also very easy to sell. Otherwise I would’ve stayed with canon. I just didn’t like their wildlife lens lineup. I don’t have $15,000 for a 600mm f4 lens. Really cool video though got yourself a subscriber!
Thank you! I don’t blame you one bit. Only reason I am even thinking of the r5 mkii is because Ideally I need 1 extra body to help me make these videos
Well a very honest and straightforward assessment of the new R5 II. I own the current R5 and several Sony bodies like the A1 and A7RV so I think I will not get it immediately. Maybe down the road but not using my R5 for BIF so I will wait. Will like and subscribe since I haven’t seen any of your content before. Thank you and take care.
Very informative, honest and timely - thanks Will. I have the R5 and yesterday I booked a mammal trip to the Kruger and was wondering whether to upgrade if I could get my hands on a MKII. The new eye focus would be the main reason for upgrading but all things considered I think I'll stick for now. I mainly shoot birds and I'll no doubt upgrade maybe early 2025 and hope that I've made the right decision to wait. £4500 is a big outlay for possibly inferior image quality.
Thank you! I certainly wouldn't worry about upgrading for the Kruger trip. If you are driving yourself, you may find pre-capture useful. If you are with other guests in a safari vehicle, and they are not birders (which is common) you won't be getting the opportunity to sit and wait for take-offs to pre-capture. If, you are on your own or with a private guide then you could. But that would be the only real reason to consider it and it's a very very flimsy one!
@@WillGoodlet Hi Will, thanks for your reply. I'll be with a group on a specific mammals tour although we should get plenty of birding in. I prefer shots of birds landing than taking off and my reactions are quite good with anything larger than a Martial Eagle 😉 so I'm not sure pre-capture alone would be worth the upgrade. Agreed, the eye-focussing on mammals isn't great and I often give the camera a little help with manual focussing before letting it do its thing. I look forward to your review when you get the R5 II.
A very good, informative, easy going (as in doesn't come across as spec heavy), excellent opinion about just the spec but even better when you put it in context of the location ie safari shooting (pictures) vs just the spec itself. Also really enjoyed your comparison of the R5 vs R5ii specs again especially in your type of shooting (pictures). Absolutely cracking video. Thanks.
Doesn’t the R5 mark ii have an inbuilt extender like the R6 mark ii? If so, I’m surprised you didn’t mention it as I would have thought it was a useful tool for wildlife photography.
No none of them have a built-in extender but you may be talking about the crop-mode which is included in most full-frame cameras. All this does is limit the view to a smaller part of the sensor, simulating the field of view from an APS-C (crop sensor) camera, it doesn't do anything we can't do by cropping the image ourselves later and it doesn't improve the quality of the image in the way an optical teleconverter/extender would.
Superb review. Puts many features into a proper real world context which is missing from many other reviews. I have "only" a Canon R so will definitely upgrade.
Hi Will, would you suggest Nikon z 400 f2.8 tc vr enough for african wildlife or would a 600mm be bare minimum while on safari. And what are your thoughts on Nikon 180-600mm for African wildlife. Please do a video on Nikon Z8 and what lens would be good for safari in africa.
I wish I could! I don't have a Z8 but I did shoot alongside someone with one for 12 days recently and was impressed. If I can get my hands on one somehow I will. On the lenses - the 400f2.8 (I shoot a Canon version) is the original swiss army knife for wildlife. With the TC built-in, it's even better. It's advantage is that you can quickly change from a 400f2.8 which is wonderful for early mornings and low light conditions to a 560 f4 (which is also very good for low light). Effectively it's almost the same as having a 600f4 AND a 400f2.8 in one lens. The other advantage is that for large animals close by (think elephants etc..) the 600mm might be too close. The 600mm F4, will also be great for early mornings and is often a more appropriate focal length, especially for open savanna (not everywhere in Africa is open savanna, some places are very thick trees and bushes). The advantage of the 600 is that it can easily go to 840mm f5.6 and even 1200mm f8 with teleconverters while the 400mm f2.8 will give you 560mm f4 and 800mm f5.6 Also bear in mind that a 1200mm may not be as useful as you think because more distant animals will be obscured by heat haze. It's better to think of these lenses for very small animals that are not too far from you. I find that 800mm is more or less a maximum useful focal length, which is why I find the 400mm f2.8 so versatile. With newer cameras with better noise characteristics, the advantage of the f2.8 in low light is less marked and at night, if you have the assistance of someone with a spotlight it's not necessary either. So it comes down to a decision about what's the best compromise for the type of wildlife and area you intend to shoot in. An additional thought is how to travel with these large lenses. The 400 is a little bit shorter and will fit more easily on small planes. I think the 180-600 is very good indeed for African wildlife. It's a great focal range and can work very well with the 1.4tc to give you 840mm f9. At dawn and dusk and after dark it is challenged to some degree, but these periods do not last a long time, the sun comes up fast. It's also superb for travel and using it in a crowded vehicle. I wouldn't hesitate to use it.
Video/photo switch is very useful for hybrid shooters, better if it's on the right shoulder. Pre-roll in stills and motion is a game changer. Even FX3 so called cinema line doesn't have that. Back bottom focus of Canon is top of the class. The only two complaints I have would be the lack of internal zoom lens, like the Sony 200-600. Balancing an external zoom on fluid head is a pain. The other is subsampled 4K60P.
I was waiting long time to see this R5 II in the market. Now i will be able to upgrade from my R6 to an original R5 in the second hand market for a very very good price
I’m SO happy to see coverage of wildlife photography rather than just birds! I want to upgrade from an old DSLR, mostly for bears, moose and wolves, and I’m curious about the AF for moose in particular. (Bears and wolves should be reasonably covered by the dog algorithms.)
Glad to find a fellow wild-lifer :) You know, I think that any of the recent mirrorless cameras are going to be very good. If you do run into a problem with the AF, you can always just change between eye and spot AF like I do. I imagine the antlers will be the biggest issue on moose. Speaking for the original R5, the dog AF works well, sometimes struggles with a dark eye in dark fur.
Pressing video button in photo mode starts videorecording with the settings you have setup in C3 in videomode... I can't see any problem with the video/photo switch is on left side....... Just setup C3 in video mode to what you use most and then when in photo mode you can record video with those setting just pressing videorecord button
The problem is I need more than one mode. The old method was significantly better. Better still would be an additional High frame rate button as on the Black Magics. You need more than one mode so you can use 4K120 quickly when needed. The rest of the time, its ok to shoot 4K60 because it is not so media hungry or heat intensive
Appreciate the nuanced thoughts on this new Canon release. I find you often put a perspective out there that others miss, as they are so often just repeating talking points that one could find in any number of review videos. I particularly thought your observation about how geographical location and propensity for bird photography in some locales is really driving the conversation around the R5ii. Folks are so focused on the improved rolling shutter management - and the implications for BIF photos - over the original R5 that they're glossing over other important considerations associated with the R5ii (e.g. the dynamic range). Also liked your thoughts on the Nikon vs. Canon lens offerings at this point...though I'm hoping some of these rumored L-series super-zooms might tip the balance in the next few years. Anyway, great video. So glad you're back at it!
Thank you Brandon. Bird photography is driving the entire conversation, which is understandable. Luckily for the camera companies they are such tricky little b@5t@rd5 otherwise we'd all still be happily shooting at 6FPS (except for cheetahs). I'm sure Canon will bring some more lenses to the table, it's just that speaking vey personally, I don't really want to sacrifice more time waiting. Anyway for now I've ordered a 200-800 I'm sure I'll be happy enough if it ever arrives! Although an internal zoom, full focus ring and a drop-in filter would be ideal and a bit faster. On the DR - canonrumors has an interesting update. R5 wins in mechanical shutter by a small amount under ISO500 - otherwise mostly the same. I think it's a pointless change for landscape to upgrade. Wildlife/birds sure it will be better but the R5 is good enough - I doubt very much it's really any of the modern cameras holding most people back in their photography.
Though I am a long-time Sony wildlife shooter, many of my buddies are Canon and Nikon users. I completely agree with your ranking of which factors that are most pertinent to the R5 upgrade and find your logic about those factors impeccable - well done!
Thanks for watching even though you shoot Sony. I was in two minds about comparing the A1 and A9iii but the price difference is quite significant - which cameras are you using out of interest?
@@WillGoodlet I use both but 90+% of my bird shooting requires the A1 for cropping, even though the AF is better on the A9iii. If I know I'll be relatively close to the birds, then the A9iii wins out for ergonomics, precapture, frame rate, bird-eye AF in video, high speed flash sync, etc. despite the 24MP & lower IQ.
@@gordonnorman8259 thank you that’s very interesting to know. I gave up using flash after mine was stolen but it would be useful for the sunbirds we get here.
this has kind of made my decision just to look at an R5 MK1 - too many extra costs and its still going to fit with all my lenses and batteries etc...thanks
@@WillGoodlet my thoughts exactly - most of the "new" features aren't massively important to me - just nice to haves , so factoring in everything the original R5 is more than up to what I need it for and would be good as an alternate to the R7 I already have...might get it before a return to RSA next year...
I'm actually very happy with the photos I get using old second-hand Canon dslr's. I don't think my wife would be too enthusiastic on me spending so much money on any camera :) I just wanted to let you know I enjoyed your video. Thanks
Cheers Duncan. There's no reason to change over as long as you are happy. Mirrorless are easier to use, better for video (especially if you can't see like me) and have incredible AF. But all that really means it you work a little harder for the shot with the DSLR, you can still GET the shot with patience and skill. DSLR also has the benefit for wildlife of starting up much quicker (I lose 10-15% of good shots BECAUSE I shoot mirrorless) and you will know, shooting from vehicles, these are often the best shots. Mirrorless makes up for it when you have time to setup and then you get shots DSLR has a hard time with in AF. Then the battery life and pleasant observational characteristics of DSLRs are seldom mentioned. It's just NICER looking at a leopard for 2-3 hours through an optical finder and that's an important part of why we photograph - enjoying nature.
@@WillGoodlet Hi Will, Many thanks for taking time to reply. I love taking photos. There’s just so much out there to photograph. My first SLR camera was a Canon A1, which I bought new, along with a 50mm f1.4 lens, when I returned home to Scotland from Australia in 1979. I absolutely loved using that camera and lens. Back then, I’d go out and shoot anything that captured my interest. When I got home, I’d immediately go and develop my black and white film. Then I’d make prints using a second-hand enlarger (bought from a friend) - all on the same day. :) It was magical. I’m spoiled now, with DSLR cameras selling for bargain prices. I’m having great fun using them now. I’m not a professional photographer, so I can’t really justify spending a lot of money on new equipment, but a few years ago, I was fortunate to have earned enough money from accumulated stock image sales, to buy myself a new Canon EF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L lens, along with a Canon EF 1.4 extender. I really like the lens and enjoy using it with with an old Canon 1D MK2n. They’re a heavy combination, but when I’m concentrating on getting a photo, I seem to forget all about the weight. When I hear about the latest statistics of mirrorless cameras, I must admit, I’d be interested to use them as well. Especially for their amazing auto focus and video capabilities. Hopefully, some day :) I’m subscribed to your channel now, so I look forward to your next video. All the best, Duncan
Hi Duncan, I'm very like you in that my first serious camera was a Minolta SRT Super and 50mm f1.4. It was my grandfathers and I still have it. You must have been delighted to be able to develop straight away, that's something I've only recently taken up - but not the enlarging. I'm also intrigued to hear you use the 1D Mark ii N, that was my favourite camera and my first professional body. 8MP of machine gun shutter snapping bliss with a psychic autofocus system :) I still have shots up on my website made with that camera. I was at university in Edinburgh, if I ever have to leave South Africa, it will be Scotland I go to I think. Lot's of stunning country up there. Keep well!
@@WillGoodlet Hi Will, I never parted with my old Canon A1. I last used it around a decade ago, with a roll of Fujifilm Velvia 50, on a holiday abroad with my wife. I do actually intend to use it again at some point, as I still have a few rolls of unused film (although I’m not sure how good they’ll be after lying in storage for so long). I bought the Canon 1D2N second hand and love it. I’ve taken many images with it that I’m very happy with. Although I must admit, it took me a wee while to figure out the buttons. I know 8 megapixels doesn’t seem a lot, but I’ve always loved the images I’ve got from it. I tend not to crop my images much anyway. My grandfather spent half of the Second World War in Africa and the other half in Italy. He always used to say: “Scotland’s the best country in the world - bar none.” It’s not easy to put into words, but for me, there’s something very special about Scotland. But then, I’m Scottish :) I’ll google your website, it’ll be interesting to see your work. All the best, Duncan
My opinion is for landscape photographers is to just get the original R5 if noise is an issue. The test the R5II’s dynamic range just show the shadows is more sharp or little more noisier which is think with software like Adobe Lightroom’s Classic Denoise feature can be fixed easily. I don’t see the need for faster autofocus and high sensor readout speeds for landscape photographers. Just my opinion. I would get a Hassleblad .
Thanks Will. This is my first time on your channel and I really enjoyed your presentation. I have subscribed and wish you the best. I have an R5 and I'm on the fence about the R5ll. Just got my 200-800 That I ordered in Dec '23. So far I like it. Heavier than my 100-500. IQ is excellent even out to 800. So be well and keep the videos coming.
@RVNmedic thanks for watching and for the sub :) I’m glad to hear the 200-800 is good, bit worried it took so long to get to you though! That’s a far more important item for me than a new camera. I’ll do my best to keep the videos coming.
My R7 with the EF 100-400 ii and 1.4xiii is great for birds. The R5ii is great. But I think a well priced used R5 is on the cards for me to compliment the R7. That AF on the R5ii is killer though. But now that I have figured out the AF on the R7, I don’t need anything more - and the R5 should do
Sounds like a good plan to me! I'd love to see a really wildlife focused R7 mark ii (that's why I was looking hard at the Fuji XHS2 for a while) but now Canon is making more stacked sensors it may come to be.
A few (other) things that I might find concerning: weather sealing considering the new added vents, camera performance after battery is less charged -- heard that fps might be affected, potential cold issues as the operating temps are between 0-40 deg celsius and lack of 3rd party lenses.
Yes good points. I read the same about the batteries in the manual. I imagined the vents to be almost a funnel or heat exchanger without any points of ingress but that will definitely need to be confirmed by someone with the camera
Excellent and honest review Will ! Tired of seeing all this sponsored TH-camrs pushing gear! The part where you talked about the baboon taking a crap while enjoying the view was: gold! 😂 Looking forward more posts like this ! Cheers! 👏
Thanks for watching! I'm glad someone made it to the end. I want to photograph that baboon, he'd look awesome sitting on the cliff edge watching the sunset :)
That’s the best summing and comparison of the R5 mk2 I’ve seen. The comparisons with Nikon and Sony was very helpful as I was about to start doing the same myself. You addressed almost all the questions I had regarding the lenses available, and it would be good to know what lenses you would select if you were a tourist going on a safari and you only had a single R5.
Thank you, I’m so glad it was useful. On the lenses it very much depends on where you go and what you do. Did you have anywhere in particular in mind? I like to shoot 3 lenses - 24-70, either (ef 100-400 / 100-500) and a big prime But if you are in a cramped or shared vehicle its better to forego the big prime. You cannot beat the versatility of the 100-400/500. But it won’t be quite as good for low light. I’d love it if it were just a but longer without the TC issue zooming out. The 200-800 also would work but you lose some of the versatility of the 100-500 for people and travel/nature
@WillGoodlet Will, thanks for this fantastic, practical, measured, and level-headed commentary. Best I've seen, mate. I'd be curious to watch a similar breakdown after you've had the new camera in hand for a week or two. ;)
I don't know if it's accurate to say that Nikon has better lens selections right now. Maybe if you are exclusively talking about for wildlife, but for other uses Canon has some killer and very unique lenses (i.e. 28-70mm f2, 24-105mm f2.8, 10-20mm f4, 85mm f1.2 DS, 200-800mm etc...).
Only one of those interests me for wildlife! Maybe the 24-105 as well. :) My thoughts are exclusively wildlife, particularly lenses in the 4-7k area there is just nothing between the 13k RF big white and the 2 - 2.5k zooms. So if you want to use a drop in filter and have a faster aperture you are stuck with EF lenses like the 200-400 TC or older Primes. Which is not the end of the world but their service life is up in the next couple of years and it’s a lot of money to spend on a lens with no parts supply. (I know North America has 3rd party repairs but that is definitely NOT true for most of the rest of the world) if it breaks you are done
I agree with your summary. It comes down to want vs need and as you say, that’s a motivation for many TH-camrs - they want it to help promote their channel but probably don’t need it to advance their photography. My Canon R5 is not holding me back at the moment, opportunity is, along with my own limitations despite being a photographer most of my life. Just on switching to video mode. I have the fn button set so pressing that goes straight to my chosen video mode. Nice and quick.
Thanks Frank, yes apart from pre-capture in video (perhaps more useful for me than photos) and the overheating in my environment, the R5 is plenty. Luckily I can always use my other camera while it's cooling down again. Good tip on the fn button - although someone commented that this doesn't work on the new camera!
On a lighter note, once you do upgrade to the R5M2 you can then upgrade your classic Defender to the new Defender 110 (my current safari vehicle) which has charging ports everywhere!
Thanks for the useful and balanced summary. I have one on order and share your thoughts on the potential reduction in dynamic range. I mostly shoot electronic shutter with the R5 so I am hoping that the move to 14bit from 12bit offsets some of this difference. Living in the UK and often shooting in poor light, bringing out detail in the shadows is essential for me.
Thanks for watching, yes I am very grateful for the sunlight over here, it does make things easier but jealous of your wonderful long evenings. That must be fantastic light to shoot it when it's good. I am hoping the Petapixel/DPReview story is a little overblown.
I think that one of the reviews I read showed that the slight reduction in dynamic range occurred below ISO 400 and that above ISO 400 the R5 and R5MII were the same. I don't know about you, but I don't remember the last time I shot a wildlife or bird picture at ISO 400 and below! 😆 Seems like all my shots are in bad weather or at dawn or dusk or difficult lighting. For my purposes, I'm expecting them to perform the same at the ISO I am likely to use. Catherine
I have been told by someone with an R5 ii that it will still have the record button and will easily switch to CM 3 but MfN button no longer allow you to switch to video mode, so you can only access 1 mode without taking your eye off the subject a step backwards. Dynamic range is a concern for me shooting ducks like the Bufflehead a step backwards. Clog 2 and 120 FPS with sound are interesting. AND .. I like my R5 s
The R5 Eye focus has problmes with the animals in the Galapagos too. The sealions and marine iquanas are all black and have black eyes. Tough to lock on to.
Yes but with some compromises: 1. 1080 video 2. Jpg photos 3. Your frame rate will obviously impact your sharpness. 25FPS (1/50th shutter speed) will not be producing sharp images. So you need to shoot faster depending on subject. Fast shutter speeds produce choppy video (eg flying birds) - consider this more useful for press events than wildlife where people are standing around and talking. Jpg will be good enough for news wire and video for social or news flashes
The problem with most new cameras (from a still photographers point of view) is that too much emphasis is placed upon video. Although I am an OM (Olympus) system user, I recently bought an old full frame Nikon D600 I had a couple of old Nikon lenses)and have to say it has everything you could require for landscape and general wildlife photography.
You are correct, many cameras are very generalist and you can blame that on the enormous success of the original 5D mark ii. I love 1 series bodies, having started out in Canon with a 1D mark ii N. I am very tempted to pick up a relatively cheap 1DX ii or iii just for that. Of course the 1Dxiii is great for video, it's just I can no longer see the back screen!
You got me really excited about the Out-of-Focus Image Detection. But I looked at the manual and it only works on JPG, and it seems it's mostly just for human faces. Bummer. Was hoping it could help sorting through images more quickly.
Great video, I myself have the Z9 and just sold the R3 to fund the R5II, Here in Greece it will be available August 20th and I already have the RF 200-800 that I really like, But I read Canon will be releasing new tele zooms. The thing that makes me mad about Nikon is the jpeg only feature for the pre capture which sucks.
Yes, the JPG precapture is a downside to an otherwise pretty amazing camera. Glad to hear you like the 200-800, normally I prefer to try lenses but obviously not possible, so it's good to hear from people who have it. Looks like Canon is filing some interesting patents for zooms but I'd settle for just getting the 200-800 delivered right now, I really do have a use for it! When I could just go and grab a Nikon 180-600 tomorrow it's frustrating.
Fantastic video and a great breakdown of what actually matters for some professionals and their use cases on safari and as others have mentioned, it’s great to have an actual photographer putting their thoughts forward rather than the usual TH-camr voicing their irrelevant gripes with specifications. I personally use the R5 and R6mk2 for events, corporate jobs, sports and aviation and love them both for what they offer in photography and video. I know you didn’t favour the photo and video dial being on the left side and I can 100% understand why in your field and use case. For myself, on the R6mk2 it’s been an absolute game changer in switching modes as I often don’t have a heavy lens to combat with the left hand and it’s a very quick way to switch over. The camera still needs a second to switch modes and by the time it’s ready to start recording or take a shot, my hand is already back at the lens and my much less elusive subjects are in frame and in focus. The R5’s way of hitting the mode button and switching was quite cumbersome for myself and my colleagues and we all ended up mapping the M-fn button to switch between the two modes. As a rather clicky button, none of us liked using it for anything other than switching, so it has worked quite well for us. It’s very fast and we don’t have to take our eye off the EVF. It does still take a couple of seconds to ready itself, so you stand there looking a bit dorky for a few moments, but still better than using the Mode button. I’ll be skipping the R5mk2 for now, although the AF and readout speed upgrades are certainly welcome, however I value the enormous upgrade to the R1 from the R6mk2 and will be focusing on that switch to a professional body first.
Thanks for watching really appreciate the info in your comment too. Someone mentioned to me that the M-fn button no longer works on the mark ii?! I was hoping it was still an option. Like any camera we will just have to work around the problems we discover in use. They are all so much better than they used to be anyway! Enjoy the R1 :)
thankyou i have just bought the r5 mk2 and beggining to wish i hadn't i do wildlife but also landscape and the lack of dynamic range bothers me, i havent taken it out the box yet and might just get a refund with the price of the camera compaired to the r5 i could get the 70-200 2.8 aswell almost that might be a better choice
Thanks for watching and commenting. Photons to Photos tested the cameras dynamic range and found that the R5 is 0.4 EV better than the R5ii in mechanical shutter mode (which offers the better DR than electronic shutter) below ISO 500. Above ISO 500 the cameras are almost the same. In electronic shutter mode the R5ii performs better by around the same margin, but in electronic shutter it is about 0.5 EV lower than that achievable with mechanical shutter. I think the R5ii is the better wildlife camera (ISO likely higher than 500) and the R5 is slightly better and much cheaper Landscape camera. Ps. I decided to cancel my own order after hearing that users were experiencing the same freezing that plagued the R5 when it came out. I had to return my first R5 to Canon because of this and it still costs me more shots than anything else on the R5 even though it's far less common now. I will wait for Canon to fix the R5ii before I get one.
Photons to Photos tested the cameras dynamic range and found that the R5 is 0.4 EV better than the R5ii in mechanical shutter mode (which offers better DR than electronic shutter) below ISO 500. After this point the cameras are almost the same.
In electronic shutter mode the R5ii performs better by around the same margin, but in electronic shutter it is about 0.5 EV lower than the DR achievable with mechanical shutter.
I think the R5ii is definitely the better wildlife camera (where ISO will often be higher than 500) and the R5 is a slightly better and much cheaper Landscape camera.
What about the increased fps maximum range (30) in r5 ii vs r5 (20) which is the cause of the dynamic range
worsening in r5 ii vs r5.
Is the r5 ii dynamic range quality kept at the r5 level when not exceeding 20 fps ?
Many thanks.
@@Skua-w3u I don’t think so. I cancelled my order (as explained in my most recent video) so I cannot test it. But one word of warning beware the hype around noise at the moment no commentators seem to take account of tie RAW converter which plays a huge role. The same dissatisfaction occurred with the original R5 then after months adobe caught up. First place I would test is in Canon DPP
@@WillGoodlet Me too, I cannot make any test because I have no more the R5. I have now the R5 ii which I choosed anyhow mainly because of his improved AF system.
@marziofusaroli8955 congratulations on the new camera, just enjoy it!
One thing I like about your content, I never get the impression you're just pushing a product. Your analysis is fair, honest, and full of common sense support. Glad you're back and I'm sorry to rejoin the party late. Keep up the good work.
Thanks Kurtis, that's very kind and thank you for sticking around.
I agree
The Nikon Z6 III's left hand mode dial is almost a deal breaker! I'm glad you understand the pain :) Almost nothing should be on the left side of a camera lol.
@@cameraconspiracies Haha dead right :)
Absolutely. Canon really should've put the shoulder screen on the left if they really think it's necessary. Otherwise, just leave it blank.
I'm in exactly your situation. Not sure any other TH-camr speaks to my situation like you do. Thanks so much.
Glad to hear it's useful, thank you!
Because others only care about upselling likes , views etc than ever be critical or question the features ability when thry fail
I'm impressed with the speed and fluency of your narration. If you are reading off of a script, you do so with naturalness. It's seamless. No 'uhs' and 'you knows'. It's actually too fast for my comprehension, but that's not a criticism. I gave up some while ago in trying to keep up with the technical aspect of photography. I'm not a naturally oriented person for mechanical and technical pursuits. Which is why I decided at one point I didn't need to go mirrorless. I decided 'enough is enough' in that sector. My photos were high enough quality to satisfy me so I said, 'Good enough'. It was not worth the strain to try to keep going into more and more sophistication (and that's not even mentioning costs). I distinctly remember one night when you and I wrestled with my R7 unit. You helped me to determine that I was not happy going into that at all. I'll always be thankful for that personal attention you gave me.
No script, it’s just too much information to write and I cut 15 minutes off this video while editing. I made this video 4 times. I went up that hill 4 times and my Landy hasn’t forgiven me yet!! That’s why I look hungover near the top, I just wanted it all to end…once you’ve done 15 takes about battery grips it gets easier to remember your notes!!
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with your approach, in fact it is a very sensible one. Now cameras have become so good, it’s very likely we won’t need to constantly upgrade.
On the ums and ahhs, where they occur (and I try hard to be aware when I speak) I cut them out and try to hide the cuts behind b roll when I have the energy. Sadly I am by no means word perfect. I also ditched the music for you, I hope you noticed!!
@@WillGoodlet " I also ditched the music for you, I hope you noticed!!". I did not! But really music for this kind of video would have been really, really distracting.
Thank you for the review. Perfect! Where there’s a Will, there’s a way!
@@bronteturner446 thanks for watching:)
Hi Will,
I'm a new subscriber, and I'm considering upgrading my R5 to the new R5 Mark 2. I came across your video and found your content to be engaging and informative. It feels like I'm having a casual yet insightful conversation with a knowledgeable buddy. Keep up the awesome work!
Hi, thanks for the sub and I'm so glad you enjoyed the video. I'll do my best!
Love it how you have the experience and lack of bias to evaluate practicality from a spec sheet. Bought the R5 after one of your reviews; will hold off on the Mark II for the same reason. Thanks for investing the time to help others decide.
Thank you very much for taking the time to watch. Hope you are enjoying your R5 as much as I am. I'm still experiencing lock-ups with mine but not as bad as when it first came out.
For lens ecosystem I think it is important to keep in mind that Canon offered users a fantastic and seamless solution for adapting legacy glass. EF glass is selling on the secondary market at bargain prices. Many users enjoy ownership of EF glass they couldn't afford before RF came along. That considered I see Canon as a sweet spot for lens ecosystem.
It’s true as I said in the video that this rescues the system but I qualify that statement because of service life and parts. With the late EF primes still costing 4-5k usd second hand it is a big commitment. Would that 5k be better deployed on an RF lens? Particularly if it were a mid-market offering like Nikons PF glass?
@@WillGoodlet I'm not sure about South Africa, but in North America parts and service is not a barrier. There are 3rd party repair houses still servicing V1 Canon lenses even to the point of machining replacement parts at very reasonable cost and turnaround. I do agree that service is an important consideration which is why I left Nikon. Probably a longer story than appropriate for a YT comments section, but suffice to say that the situation in my region was untenable. Especially where warranty service was concerned. I did have a long hiatus in Sony's camp, too. What I will tell you about my time and ownership in various systems is that they really are six of one and half a dozen of the other. The user experience is a little different, but the results are equal. It is ok to fuss over charts and specs, but if one wants to make compelling imagery one has to commit to being out in the field creating those images. I sometimes look at non-hardware specific threads to find that the best image on the page was made by a camera and lens combo you and I might consider unworthy and obsolete. Or a phone. It isn't by accident.
Good to hear the servicing is possible over there. We have very limited availability here. I’m out right this second trying to get shots in the field. Could not agree more about time spent actually taking shots!
My honest opinion of this video ... absolutely excellent! The comprehensive , lucid comparative content, coupled with stunning videography, is simply wonderful. Thanks for producing this most informative video. I'm very much looking forward to your future productions.
Wow, thank you! that's extremely kind. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
This is propably the best review session I have watched. Not only beacause it is a very honest and detailed, but mainly also the setup of doing it in the field. There as so many reviews out there from peoples offices and studios being one long boring and monotone speech. Good that you are back !!!!!
At the beginning I thought "OK this is just another cloud review without having the actual camera in hand". But as soon as I watched till the end I instantly liked. Obviously you've done a great amount of research up R5II from wildlife photographers' perspective and answered a log of my questions. Thank you for posting your work and keep it coming.
Thank you for saying this, I really appreciate it. Been taking some flak for making a video without the camera. We can’t get our hands on cameras on a return basis here, so we have to decide without even touching them whether its a buy or not.
Simple, detailed and to the point review. Hard to find such reviewers nowadays on TH-cam. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for this honest and to-the-point review. I own a R5 and I was thinking of upgrading now. After your review I think I wait a little longer. ‘I want it, but I don’t need it’ 😉
@@broodjebeeld thanks for watching and I know, that phrase is going around my head too…!
Hi Will, welcome back, I have an R3 and R5 and mostly shoot with my R3, you are right in the UK we mostly shoot birds and although I do own the big prime when shooting small birds we need to crop, this is where megapixels help, but I have also been on 3 safaris and the big animals you are so close there is absolutely no need to crop, you are right you don't need the same cameras.
I will upgrade my R5 for many reasons, first I don't like the way the R5 focus works it's a bit dated now compared to the latest offerings from Canon, I think the stacked sensor will be better especially for ISO as well as rolling shutter, the other thing I hate about my R5 is when using electronic shutter you have no noise, and you can only use it in 20 fps, the R5 MK2 like my R3 you will be able to shoot what frame rate you like and have a speaker with volume control so you know you are taking photos, and the EVF on the R3 is so much better so this will be nice too.
Great info Tony, thanks. I often shoot mechanical to reduce frame rate, and get the shooting sound back ;) I'm always a little torn between the pro bodies and the high MP bodies. I was always jealous of D850 shooters so was very happy to get the R5 on my 400 f.2.8 but I miss their feel and (I don't know if it was just me) their lovely clean feeling files. I was shooting alongside someone with a Z8 for several days and didn't really feel I was missing any more shots, except for trying to sling my lens out the window as quickly. That was a much bigger issue than the AF :)
@@WillGoodlet Hi Wiil, I too only shoot mechanical on the R5 for the exact same reason 🙂 to be honest Will the last 8-9 years I only shot with pro bodies, I had the 1DX2 for 5 years, swapped it for the 1DX3 but didn't see much difference, I absolutely love the R3 it balances so nice with my 600mm prime, and I personally think it's a cleaner image than the R5 definitely better on ISO, funny I too was jealous of Nikon but more so with the new Z lenses, light big primes 🙂I remember that feeling on Safari trying to photo from vehicles with big primes, for me personally I wish the R5 MK2 was a 32mp camera with all the new features in a R3 body.
Thanks, Will! Quite important information for me! I use an R5 in a very similar way than you do. Nature and wildlife in South Brazil, Patagônia, Antarctica, and South Shetland Is. Love the camera. But I am not a rich man, I only love Nature and Photograph. I Will not run for the last camera. Still using my 5D IV altogether and happy with that. Recently purchased the RF 100-500. Going South again in October. I and my wife love your aproach to Nature and Photography.
For the video toggle switch. If it's anything like the other Canon camera's you can probably put a different button just to start and stop recording.
The camera toggle is fun because the entire setup changes towards taking video. The menu is streamlined. The Custom setup change to your custom video setup.
So with a toggle I can do slow-motion on one custom setting. 24 fps on another and a studio setting on the third. While keeping my picture profiles untouched when I toggle to picture mode.
And it's all my custom settings. Like Zebra lines or false colour or shutting off autofocus on video. While you might need two or three different autofocus modes ready in picture mode.
Thanks for the input on video. Yes I agree and I use the custom modes in exactly the same way. It is also easy to do this on the original mode dial + info it’s two presses instead of one toggle. Crucially for me on the right side.
I don’t mind the inclusion of the video toggle it would just have been much better on the right side. If I think about it, it’s only these more recent cameras that place it on the left. From the 5Diii onwards it was on the right side.
In any case it’s something to work around for my use case - there are plenty of other use cases where people may prefer it on the left. I think its a setup for press and events where the r5 is a second camera on a strap hanging on the left side. You toggle it with your left hand while it’s hanging on the strap and grab the camera when you need it. That’s my guess anyway- its just a different optimisation that works for some and not so well for others. We will manage!
@@WillGoodlet I don't think you will ever find the perfect camera... the video toggle is basically where the R5 power button used to be.
They moved that to the right side. The same location as the R8 and R6ii. Maybe rent one of those bodies and see if it's a huge deal.
I own the R8 the real annoyance for me Sometimes is that I don't toggle the power button all the way and it's in lock mode. I never had any issues with the video switch but when I do video it's in the studio on a tripod trying to get a shot of me not cutting my fingers off.
@@matteout_woodworking much more to important use case than mine. Keep those fingers please!!! I almost lost my forearm on a table saw. The machinist grabbed me before I leaned on the blade. Wasn’t concentrating properly.
Yes, there’s no such thing as a perfect camera. I shoot around most issues. The cameras these days are very good indeed and there are only small things differentiating them.
Brilliant video! So glad to have you back. I absolutely love to get your take on things, and this was a very welcomed topic for sure!
Thank you! I'm very grateful you stuck around :)
Thank you for the information!
A great pleasure
Great video Will... but I am still in love with my R3 + 600mm lens... its an amazing work horse ... and you don't have to drill holes into it to stop it over heating !😄
@@martinpettinger Haha! It looks built like a tank, you probably could drill holes in if you wanted!
5DSR owner here, thanks for good review. I am still staying with my 5DSR until R5 mark II drop price of R5 under at least 2000USD.
I think the 5Dsr is still as good as it ever was! Only issue I ever had with it was the frame rates but considered it for a long time before the R5 came along
Will, glad to see you back! I really appreciate your positive attitude, informative teaching, creative presentation and really cool B-roll! I do appreciate you taking us into the field and not teaching from a desk! I get a sense of what Africa is like watching your channel. I appreciate you taking us along on these adventures, and I always learn something! Social media leans into negativity, so thank you for embracing an honest hands on approach with real facts and not clickbait. Happy shooting!
Thanks very much for this wonderful comment, it makes me want to get out there right now and work on the next one! So glad you enjoy them :)
I'm a Nikon shooter, Z9 with no interest in Canon cameras or videos (usuall) but I watched all the way through just for the video clips of the amazing scenery. I even like the clips under the Rover as you are driving. I'm not sure why but the motion of the suspension and crunch of the tires on the rock is mesmerizing. I do appreciate your honesty. As others have commented, there is never any hype or over-exuberant content. Just to the point, honest discussion. I really enjoy the channel.
Thanks Philip, appreciate you enduring a Canon camera video! I struggle with these types of video, I prefer photographing animals. I'm glad someone likes Rover suspensions as much as I do :)
As an 5D Mark IV owner, though professional photographer, I think I am more in "want" than "need" category for the new R5mk2, still I ordered it and can't wait it to arrive. I think the new camera will make me shoot more and experiment more. Fresh new camera - fresh new thrill to go use it.
Well said - new camera bodies , lenses and feature help inspire and challenge me to shoot more, try new things , ideas , etc . They might be small , but the fact that it gets me motivated to get off my butt and shoot more is worth the cost .
I do a little pro shooting , but I’m mainly a crazy hobbyist with disposable income and a passion for photography and making & taking great images .
My R5II is on its way to join the R, R7, R5 and R3 . I did the changeover from the 7D,7D mark ii, 5Dii and 1DXii ..,
@@view23015 Exactly my point.
Congratulations! Enjoy the thrill nothing like new camera day :)
Really enjoyed your video, Liked and Subscribed! I'm not in the market for this one, I upgraded from the original R to the R6 MkII recently and also own the R7. But some of my photo friends are getting this one so I wanted to study up on it and your content helped. And I am with you on the RF 200-800mm lens, never seen a piece of gear so hard to find almost a year after it's much touted release!
Loved the scenes of South Africa as you walked and drove around, been there a few times and one of my favorite places to visit. I'm also a former Land Rover owner, had the Discovery II and I spent enough on repairs over the years to have purchased the RF 1200mm lens instead. But it was the best off road vehicle I ever owned, just had a lot of upkeep!
Hi Chris, thanks for taking the time to watch it and subscribe! I've cancelled my 200-800 order, just got fed up waiting. I have photos to take now! Touch wood my two Defenders have been very well behaved and at 27 and 13 years old, I cannot fault them, especially given what they have to put up with. No Chelsea tractors here..
Just wanted to point out that I think you are misunderstanding the “eye-control AF” that’s being implemented in the R5MII. It of course has eye-detect AF like all R cameras have and the most advanced version of that capability. However, the eye-CONTROL autofocus is something that so far was unique to the R3… except for about 25 years ago when it was present in 2 of Canon’s film SLR bodies, the EOS 3 and the Elan 7e. It’s a feature where the viewfinder tracks your eye and detects where you are looking to help determine what you want to focus on. That, combined with eye-detect/face-detect, should help the camera know WHICH eye/face to focus on if there are multiple subjects in the frame. Personally, I owned an EOS 3 and found the eye-controlled AF to work well for me. I do have light colored eyes, so that probably helped. My understanding is that the eye-controlled AF performed better for people who had more contrast between their iris and their pupil. I am tempted to splurge on the R5 MK II for this feature alone. If it worked for me 25 years ago, I am keen to see how it performs now.
@@eschrad thanks this is exactly my understanding but perhaps it didn’t come through in the video? Thank you for settling it out so clearly for others here.
The idea I try to get accross with the buffalo / oxpecker sequence was that I hoped to use eye control to refine af eye selection across species in the same shot. Where the current R5 usually selects the bird over the mammal one could use eye control to select either. I’m also hoping (but far from certain) that where the camera selects a nostril on the same animal, it might also have detected the eye and we might prompt the correct selection of the eye using eye control. Then with spot AF eye control will surely be faster which in itself will be an excellent improvement.
Great to have insight from an EOS 3 owner obviously that was incredibly advanced tech at that time let alone now. I am also excited to try it for the reasons above.
Thank you very much.... Yes, the new camera is the best, it is clearly visible.... I have subscribed and am waiting for other videos... I am especially interested in Macro and 100mm Macro 2.8 with converter 1/4 ......
Which camera is your choice for far distance wildlife photography?
I think that’s a way of thinking that often leads to problems and sucks people into over-investing in equipment in the belief that it makes a difference. I feel like this because it happened to me and to many others.
Distance is a problem that is not overcome by a camera or a lens. Or, if they are, it is at the compromise of image quality.
The problem is that atmospheric effects, heat, haze and dust prevent a lot of distant wildlife shots from being useful.
My belief is that, for example, an 800mm lens is best used for small subjects that are close by. And wider telephotos for larger subjects close by.
The very distant shots should be ignored in 90% of cases unless conditions allow or the extreme interest or rarity of the shot make it worthwhile to take.
That said, where you want or need to crop (as many of us have to) it is usually better to crop more pixel dense cameras with excellent or no anti-aliasing filters and bright lenses.
The pixel density allows for more resolution in the image or prints but comes with the risk of greater diffraction. This is offset by using brighter lenses. Many of us do not have the choice of using these lenses.
Best TH-cam about camera gear for a long time! Honest, right pace, great language and you are a wildlife photographer. I am a new subscriber!. I had the pleasure to do a private photo safari in South Africa 2022 with a professional wildlife photographer as guide. An outstanding experience that I want to do again.
Thank you very much for watching and the kind comment, welcome to the channel :)
So happy you had a great time in SA! My primary goal with this channel is to encourage people to get into wildlife photography and to come to Africa/SA and visit. Hope you come back and visit soon.
Great video, thank you! I’m upgrading due to being fed up with Fuji’s autofocus. The z8 looks great but from comparisons I’ve seen Canon seems much better in AF. I’d hate to risk it not being good enough.
@@Brooksms Thanks for watching and the Fuji feedback (I think of the XH2S as the spiritual successor to the EOS 7DMark ii) I shot alongside a Z8 shooter for a 12 day safari last month and he got pretty much the same results as me with the R5. So these cameras are all very good now. Sure the R5ii is better for AF though
Some safari vehicles, like the ones used by Pangolin Photo have charging facilities. And, if you have an adapter you can geta charger that plugs into the cigarette lighter socket.
@@alankefauver6187 thank you. yes you are right of course some do, especially photographic safari vehicles. But many still don’t have enough power outlets Just something to check really with these power hungry cameras. Not great to travel so far and be caught without a charged battery!
One feature that no one ever talks about (probably because they don't need it) but I hope this camera has the ability to record the VF from the external HDMI while still keeping the VF active.
I think Froknowsphoto mentioned it in his review at the Canon event - I think I remember him saying it doesn't - not certain.
Awesome very well thought out video. I'm in the same boat as you. I wanted it but didn't need it. But as a fellow TH-camr the content i could create with it had a value of it's own so I ended up buying it. I just subscribed to your channel. Look forward to watching more of your content.
Thanks for watching and the sub, it's greatly appreciated. Congratulations on the new camera, hope it's arrived!
Thanks Will! Good to see you! I’ve so enjoyed my R5 and it’s been such a great Swiss Army knife camera and since it’s long paid for I think I’ll be sticking with it. Enjoyed learning about the new R5 II though. Cheers!
I'm keeping mine too. Obviously, it's easier to upgrade with a trade in but unfortunately I need an extra camera. My sensible side is saying secondhand R5. My wild side is saying try a Nikon and my wallet is saying stop buying cameras!
Fantastic point that wildlife photography ≠ bird photography. There's obviously some crossover, but the needs of a bird photographer can be pretty different to to a photographer heading out after mammals, or other larger creatures.
It's one of the many reasons I particularly enjoy your channel Will, as you bring an experienced perspective on the genre.
Thank you!
Great review... First time watching your channel love the unbiased review.
Thanks for watching Francois and welcome! :)
Owning an R6 and not being able to afford an R5 MII the actual content of the video is not of utmost importance to me.
The only the reason I've watched the video is you being back on the screen. As somebody living in Europe and feeling strongly connected with the wild, especially in southern Africa, I love how you're able to convey your experiences visually and verbally.
Great to see you back on the screen, keep up the great work! Looking forward to some less "technical" content.
Thank you Dennis I appreciate it. Hope to show you around my new corner of Africa in the near future!!
@@WillGoodlet Can't wait
Best all around discussion I have heard to date. You are well Informed. I have mine pre-ordered 5800 Canadian dollars. 3 extra batteries and a regular grip another 880 dollars
Thanks for watching and congratulations on the new camera! If possible please drop me a reply here and let me know what you think when it arrives and you try.
Super recording and material! Thank you for the review of the R5 Mark II. The R5 Mark II is already on its way to me. I am mainly afraid of the ventilation holes when taking pictures in the forest, meadows, on the beach, etc. (small bugs, midges, sand, dust and other dirt). What can you say about it? What is your opinion? Nikon Z9/Z8 and Sony A1/A7xxx / A9xxx do not have such holes. These holes seem to be isolated from the electronics. However, I am wondering about cleaning it, e.g. removing dust particles, small flies, dirt, etc. Greetings from Poland!
Congratulations on the new camera hope it has arrived with you safely! I guess the holes are sealed pretty well but possibly they could be cleaned with a can of compressed air with a nozzle (not from an air compressor as this air has a small amount of oil in it) what do you think?
For anybody who wants to get a pro mirrorless camera for wildlife, the nikon z8 will be his first priority, specially the cost, you can get an used z8 for about 2500$ which is a steal and their new tele lenses ar amazing. The Canon R5 ii is a really great camera but it's too expensive and Nikon has better ergonomics and button placements (except the 3rd wheel, they need to add one). I hope there will be a R7 ii.
The best thing about all these cameras is that they are all very much better than my Minolta SRT :) What a choice we have now.
Great analysis Will, your focus on African wildlife photography is a real testbed for what is needed and what is superfluous. As you know, I am UK based so I rarely encounter large game animals, deer being the exception. Antler tips, ears and nostrils are Canon animal eye detect magnets too. Keep up the great content Will and I'm hoping 'Basil' is OK?
Eye control AF locks onto a focus point when you press the button. The pipper follows your eye after that, but the focus point does not. So you can check your composition to your heart's content and the focus point does not go with you -- unless you press the button again. Eye control AF is for setting the initial focus point. The focus point doesn't involuntarily move with your eye across the screen.
Brilliant that makes good sense and is likely to be very useful especially if the AF recognises more than one animal as a potential target
I have the opportunity to shoot the r5 mark ii for the last few weeks. Taking thousands of images on it. I feel they did a great job especially with action/sports still images. I use rf 400 2.8, rf 600 f4, and rf 100-300. The tracking is working well. In the studio image quality is very nice. Looks like there a slightly shift in color over the r5 mark. I was not a fan the R5 mark 1. I shoot mostly with two R3s waiting on the R1. Hopefully I can push the iso harder on the R1. But all in all I happy with Canon and the lens. I personally dont want third part lens but I understand the need for people looking a more budget friendly option.
Thank you! Great to have some first hand feedback on it! Would you say the AF (for wildlife / birds in flight) is comprehensively better or more marginal?
23:00 - Why not get a powertank and keep the camera charged via usb-c for this use case? Much cheaper and longer lasting than battery swapping?
@@james123j1 yep it’s bot a bad idea at all. I just mention it because I often find people visiting underestimate their battery use and very often their storage use.
Will, did you get a new vehicle? Nice review based on specifications only. I picked mine up a couple days ago but have only taken a few test shots. I do think the focus is better.
Hi Peter, no I’ve had two for quite a while and use them interchangeably in past videos. This one is 27 years old and used for shorter local trips.
Congratulations on the new camera! I hope it fulfils all your expectations!
If I could afford a new camera I'd be all over the R5 ii. My R6 ii is fantastic, but I really want a stacked sensor.
I'd have all of them if I could :) I expect the stacked sensor will make it into the R6iii
I’m sure it will 😁
Will welcome back. Glad to see you
Cheers Felix :)
Great upload, a most comprehensive, real world comparison. I'm chewing on this one. Thank you Mr. Goodlet!
Thank you so glad it was useful :)
Good video. I am wondering if upscaling might not be useful for a big crop zoom of wildlife taken at long distance. Thoughts?
Thanks for watching. Yes maybe but why is it needed in camera? I guess either the expectation is either that it will be better than external software at doing it or needed very quickly (no time for processing) by press, sport and event photographers? For wild-lifers we would probably process the image later.
It may be because the new camera no longer uses pixel shift upsizing? If this is better than that, well that would be quite something because it would mean it would work for moving subjects now?
@@WillGoodlet That would be a great feature, indeed. A completely different question, what CF Express B card to you use in your R5 and what size? Thanks.
@@paulgold3928 I use an Angelbird 512 gb with a 64gb backup
with respect to the noise and dynamic range and Petapixel's article, Photons to Photos has released the empirical analysis and it's true, the R5 has 0.35 stops greater dynamic range at the low ISO end, converging with increase in ISO, and the mk2 has 0.222 DN greater read noise. The Mk2 is marginally better on both of these measure than the competing Nikons. In all reality, the difference between the R5 and the mk2 is insignificant and the difference between competing brands isn't really significant either. The your lens argument is a good one though like you, I'm already invested in the Canon system. Glad you're back Will.
Having shot the z8 briefly, I don't really care too much about what camera I use. They are all fantastic and if one is missing a feature, surely the next model iteration will have it. Lenses on the other hand stay with us for a very long time. My 400 f2.8 ends it's service support life next year and I'm having a hard time thinking about what to replace it with or simply to keep it til it dies.
@@WillGoodlet It's a nice lens and a good length for mammals. Were it I, I'd keep it until it dies, which could be decades off.
Very useful and intelligent video. Thanks.
@@rickfarber4243 thanks for watching:)
There's lots of click-bait camera "experts" on TH-cam currently spewing about the R5 MkII. However, Will's segment here is honest, balanced and very useful.
@@tenman76 thank you, I certainly don’t want to be one of them.
Hi Will, thanks for this well balanced opinion !
In mainland Europe, the R5ii is 4800 Euro, 300 up from when the R5 was released (so a hike lower than inflation). That $400 USD less than what the Brits have to stomach .. likely one of those brexit-bullitholes in their feet .. (I visited Scotland last month and saw plenty more of those bullit holes 😞)
I ordered my 200-800 after the first real life reviews (a month after the announcement) and did receive just another month later. As a result, I'm no longer using the clumsy 420-700, but the 100-500 and 200-800 get about the same % of usage. For me (with European pricing), the 200-800 actually belongs in the mid-tier segment. So in the lower mid segment ($2000 - $4000) it's well balanced between Nikon and Canon, only in the higher mid segment ($4k - $10k) we see indeed clear Nikon territory .. but that part of the segment is already out of reach for most enthusiasts.
I've read the first stories regarding dynamic range as well, but the most recent thing I read did put it more in perspective: when using ES, the R5ii can actually be better because of the 14-bit raw io 12-bit. Also above ISO 640 both R% versions are nearly the same.
On my R5, I can get 4 times more shots from one battery in ES compared to using EFCS. But because of rolling shutter with birds in flight, I mostly used EFCS this year. With a much improved rolling shutter, the R5ii might allow me to use ES more often ..
Soo, I'm pretty tempted by the R5ii .. but I'm not so sure I can convince my wife I need it 😛
Hi Werner, I feel that the way the camera gets priced in Europe/UK is appalling. As if the USD is the same as a Euro or GBP. Then the tax on top....Maybe it's tariff barriers I don't know.
I cut it out the video but one solution, if people are coming to SA and want the camera for that, is to buy it here. We often have very low prices (Fuji HX2S is cheaper here than US for example). People can claim the 15% sales tax back when they leave too - doing this, the R5 Mark ii is USD 4230 here. Pays for an airline ticket.
I have the 200-800 on order, I think it will do very well for me when I get it, I'm just somewhat resentful that I paid up front but still have no idea when it's coming (from B&H USA). The reason I don't class it in the middle/upper segment is that I would really like a drop in filter and a proper focus ring.
Incidentally, how do you find the manual focus using the control ring? I use MF all the time... When I tried the Nikon Z8 and 180-600 off a friend I was blown away when I touch the focus ring - out of nowhere I had full focus peaking and BRIGHT focus peaking that I could actually see. This is a game changer for me and video. I started thinking, why am I putting up with the Canon implementation and I really started to think about these Nikon lenses.
Yes, thank you, I've read the updated DR info. For me, in wildlife, I wouldn't really have cared if it was slightly worse. It's just landscapers who need none of this readout speed probably shouldn't upgrade.
@@WillGoodlet Hi Will, Thanks for such extensive feedback !
Without our huge 21% sales tax, the naked price is only $50 above the US
The 200-800 was a different story: in today's USD I paid around $2750, exactly the same amount I paid 2 years ago for the 100-500 when it was on sale. I had hoped to pick it up during a business trip to Japan, but I was there just a week before shipment started. The 200-800 was really hyped in the USA, and at a price a lot lower than the rest of world. I guess that's why the USA has such large backorder ..
On the 200-800, I don't abuse the focus ring as a control ring (unlike some smaller bodies, the R5 has 3 dials already) and while looking through the EVF I don't mind the focus ring is white and not black. It works as it should, but for some reason I don't need to use MF to assist AF as much as I do on the 100-500.
Also, the lenscoat fits nicer on the 200-800 than it did on the 100-500. And 800/9 gives better bokeh power than 500/7.1. Without using a tripod, the focus ring may be a little hard to reach from the zoom ring, but when putting both white zooms side by side, the relative position between both rings is the same.
Activating focus peaking when touching the focus ring is indeed a very nice feature !!
Nikon has some nice things, but the Z8/9 are pretty heavy and they can't zoom to 800mm ..
Thanks for the feedback that's very helpful!
@@WillGoodlet Glad to help !
Losing dynamic range is brutal compromise. Looking at blown out whites kills it for me. Saying that, if your into shooting digital and your making money. Than your going to get the upgrade. The pre capture looks interesting.
Informative video. Will canon lend you a R5 Mark ii for 30 days so you try it before you buy it? thanks for the video.
Sadly no, I am a CPS member but in South Africa that basically means I get a free plastic card saying I am a CPS member.
I have the Z8 with the 180-600 with the D850 with the 500pf and turning seventy ! I have a Z6ii and XT3 also. But its very good to see you back Will!
Cheers Axel. I checked the DXOmark scores and was surprised to see the D850 is still near the top of the list. 5th! Seems like you have enough gear to keep yourself occupied for now :)
That 500pf is going to be the next lens in my arsenal! I'm very happy with my D850
Fantastic video. Thx.
@@nsbhagwat thank you!
Nice video. Have you tried programming the front depth the field button on the R5 body to switch you in and out of crop mode? It’s very useful and it’s like having an instant 60% extension. I usually get around 20 to 22 megapixel images doing that and it definitely helps with eye auto focus.
Yes, I noticed that AF and metering is more reliable in crop. I have programmed my depth of field as a menu button. I crop using a custom menu item. I may play around with it more. Always good to get other views on button customisation!
@@WillGoodlet no problem. When you make that customization, it will pull up a menu in the viewfinder or back screen. In order to scroll back-and-forth in the pop-up menu, you may require a different setting elsewhere in the camera. If so, let me know.
I just last week switched over from Canon RF glass and the R5/R7 to the Nikon Z8 and 800mm f6.3 PF lens + 180-600mm Z lens for wildlife. It’s been amazing so far. I was looking at the R5 MK2 but for the price and minor changes plus needing all new batteries and grip I was not doing that
I don't blame you in the slightest. What Canon lenses did you give up?
@@WillGoodlet I had the 100-500, 70-200 f2.8 , 15-35mm f2.8, 85mm f1.2, and I had on order the 200-800 but that was literally on back order for 9 months and never got it. I sold it all on Facebook marketplace here in the U.S. got pretty much what I paid for them so it was nice.
Great that you were able to sell so easily. One reason I shoot Canon is the second hand market here is a little more liquid. I doubt it's anything like the US though, quite hard to shift stuff.
@@WillGoodletyeah I would bet it’s much harder to switch over camera brands. Facebook marketplace here in the US is a godsend. I have been buying used gear for about 10 years now and it’s also very easy to sell. Otherwise I would’ve stayed with canon. I just didn’t like their wildlife lens lineup. I don’t have $15,000 for a 600mm f4 lens.
Really cool video though got yourself a subscriber!
Thank you very much for the careful and thorough observations; I am keeping my R5 for now; GREAT VIDEO AS ALWAYS!
Thank you! I don’t blame you one bit. Only reason I am even thinking of the r5 mkii is because Ideally I need 1 extra body to help me make these videos
Absolutely brilliant, Will!
Thank you for watching it!
Well a very honest and straightforward assessment of the new R5 II. I own the current R5 and several Sony bodies like the A1 and A7RV so I think I will not get it immediately. Maybe down the road but not using my R5 for BIF so I will wait. Will like and subscribe since I haven’t seen any of your content before. Thank you and take care.
@@stevenwaldstein2249 thank you Steven and happy shooting!
Very informative, honest and timely - thanks Will. I have the R5 and yesterday I booked a mammal trip to the Kruger and was wondering whether to upgrade if I could get my hands on a MKII. The new eye focus would be the main reason for upgrading but all things considered I think I'll stick for now. I mainly shoot birds and I'll no doubt upgrade maybe early 2025 and hope that I've made the right decision to wait. £4500 is a big outlay for possibly inferior image quality.
Thank you! I certainly wouldn't worry about upgrading for the Kruger trip. If you are driving yourself, you may find pre-capture useful. If you are with other guests in a safari vehicle, and they are not birders (which is common) you won't be getting the opportunity to sit and wait for take-offs to pre-capture. If, you are on your own or with a private guide then you could. But that would be the only real reason to consider it and it's a very very flimsy one!
@@WillGoodlet Hi Will, thanks for your reply. I'll be with a group on a specific mammals tour although we should get plenty of birding in. I prefer shots of birds landing than taking off and my reactions are quite good with anything larger than a Martial Eagle 😉 so I'm not sure pre-capture alone would be worth the upgrade. Agreed, the eye-focussing on mammals isn't great and I often give the camera a little help with manual focussing before letting it do its thing. I look forward to your review when you get the R5 II.
A very good, informative, easy going (as in doesn't come across as spec heavy), excellent opinion about just the spec but even better when you put it in context of the location ie safari shooting (pictures) vs just the spec itself. Also really enjoyed your comparison of the R5 vs R5ii specs again especially in your type of shooting (pictures). Absolutely cracking video. Thanks.
Thanks so much Adrian, really appreciate the feedback :)
Doesn’t the R5 mark ii have an inbuilt extender like the R6 mark ii? If so, I’m surprised you didn’t mention it as I would have thought it was a useful tool for wildlife photography.
No none of them have a built-in extender but you may be talking about the crop-mode which is included in most full-frame cameras. All this does is limit the view to a smaller part of the sensor, simulating the field of view from an APS-C (crop sensor) camera, it doesn't do anything we can't do by cropping the image ourselves later and it doesn't improve the quality of the image in the way an optical teleconverter/extender would.
Superb review. Puts many features into a proper real world context which is missing from many other reviews. I have "only" a Canon R so will definitely upgrade.
Thanks for watching Alistair. I think you will see a dramatic difference between the R and the R5 mark ii :)
👍
Hi Will, would you suggest Nikon z 400 f2.8 tc vr enough for african wildlife or would a 600mm be bare minimum while on safari. And what are your thoughts on Nikon 180-600mm for African wildlife.
Please do a video on Nikon Z8 and what lens would be good for safari in africa.
I wish I could! I don't have a Z8 but I did shoot alongside someone with one for 12 days recently and was impressed. If I can get my hands on one somehow I will.
On the lenses - the 400f2.8 (I shoot a Canon version) is the original swiss army knife for wildlife. With the TC built-in, it's even better. It's advantage is that you can quickly change from a 400f2.8 which is wonderful for early mornings and low light conditions to a 560 f4 (which is also very good for low light). Effectively it's almost the same as having a 600f4 AND a 400f2.8 in one lens. The other advantage is that for large animals close by (think elephants etc..) the 600mm might be too close.
The 600mm F4, will also be great for early mornings and is often a more appropriate focal length, especially for open savanna (not everywhere in Africa is open savanna, some places are very thick trees and bushes). The advantage of the 600 is that it can easily go to 840mm f5.6 and even 1200mm f8 with teleconverters while the 400mm f2.8 will give you 560mm f4 and 800mm f5.6
Also bear in mind that a 1200mm may not be as useful as you think because more distant animals will be obscured by heat haze. It's better to think of these lenses for very small animals that are not too far from you. I find that 800mm is more or less a maximum useful focal length, which is why I find the 400mm f2.8 so versatile.
With newer cameras with better noise characteristics, the advantage of the f2.8 in low light is less marked and at night, if you have the assistance of someone with a spotlight it's not necessary either. So it comes down to a decision about what's the best compromise for the type of wildlife and area you intend to shoot in. An additional thought is how to travel with these large lenses. The 400 is a little bit shorter and will fit more easily on small planes.
I think the 180-600 is very good indeed for African wildlife. It's a great focal range and can work very well with the 1.4tc to give you 840mm f9. At dawn and dusk and after dark it is challenged to some degree, but these periods do not last a long time, the sun comes up fast. It's also superb for travel and using it in a crowded vehicle. I wouldn't hesitate to use it.
Thanks for the detailed reply...really appreciate it. Looking forward to your future videos
Video/photo switch is very useful for hybrid shooters, better if it's on the right shoulder. Pre-roll in stills and motion is a game changer. Even FX3 so called cinema line doesn't have that. Back bottom focus of Canon is top of the class. The only two complaints I have would be the lack of internal zoom lens, like the Sony 200-600. Balancing an external zoom on fluid head is a pain. The other is subsampled 4K60P.
These are all excellent points.
I was waiting long time to see this R5 II in the market. Now i will be able to upgrade from my R6 to an original R5 in the second hand market for a very very good price
Not a bad plan at all :) I really enjoy my R6 its a very pleasant camera to hold and use
I’m SO happy to see coverage of wildlife photography rather than just birds! I want to upgrade from an old DSLR, mostly for bears, moose and wolves, and I’m curious about the AF for moose in particular. (Bears and wolves should be reasonably covered by the dog algorithms.)
Glad to find a fellow wild-lifer :) You know, I think that any of the recent mirrorless cameras are going to be very good. If you do run into a problem with the AF, you can always just change between eye and spot AF like I do. I imagine the antlers will be the biggest issue on moose. Speaking for the original R5, the dog AF works well, sometimes struggles with a dark eye in dark fur.
Pressing video button in photo mode starts videorecording with the settings you have setup in C3 in videomode...
I can't see any problem with the video/photo switch is on left side.......
Just setup C3 in video mode to what you use most and then when in photo mode you can record video with those setting just pressing videorecord button
The problem is I need more than one mode. The old method was significantly better. Better still would be an additional High frame rate button as on the Black Magics. You need more than one mode so you can use 4K120 quickly when needed. The rest of the time, its ok to shoot 4K60 because it is not so media hungry or heat intensive
Appreciate the nuanced thoughts on this new Canon release. I find you often put a perspective out there that others miss, as they are so often just repeating talking points that one could find in any number of review videos. I particularly thought your observation about how geographical location and propensity for bird photography in some locales is really driving the conversation around the R5ii. Folks are so focused on the improved rolling shutter management - and the implications for BIF photos - over the original R5 that they're glossing over other important considerations associated with the R5ii (e.g. the dynamic range). Also liked your thoughts on the Nikon vs. Canon lens offerings at this point...though I'm hoping some of these rumored L-series super-zooms might tip the balance in the next few years. Anyway, great video. So glad you're back at it!
Thank you Brandon. Bird photography is driving the entire conversation, which is understandable. Luckily for the camera companies they are such tricky little b@5t@rd5 otherwise we'd all still be happily shooting at 6FPS (except for cheetahs). I'm sure Canon will bring some more lenses to the table, it's just that speaking vey personally, I don't really want to sacrifice more time waiting. Anyway for now I've ordered a 200-800 I'm sure I'll be happy enough if it ever arrives! Although an internal zoom, full focus ring and a drop-in filter would be ideal and a bit faster.
On the DR - canonrumors has an interesting update. R5 wins in mechanical shutter by a small amount under ISO500 - otherwise mostly the same. I think it's a pointless change for landscape to upgrade. Wildlife/birds sure it will be better but the R5 is good enough - I doubt very much it's really any of the modern cameras holding most people back in their photography.
Though I am a long-time Sony wildlife shooter, many of my buddies are Canon and Nikon users. I completely agree with your ranking of which factors that are most pertinent to the R5 upgrade and find your logic about those factors impeccable - well done!
Thanks for watching even though you shoot Sony. I was in two minds about comparing the A1 and A9iii but the price difference is quite significant - which cameras are you using out of interest?
@@WillGoodlet I use both but 90+% of my bird shooting requires the A1 for cropping, even though the AF is better on the A9iii. If I know I'll be relatively close to the birds, then the A9iii wins out for ergonomics, precapture, frame rate, bird-eye AF in video, high speed flash sync, etc. despite the 24MP & lower IQ.
@@gordonnorman8259 thank you that’s very interesting to know. I gave up using flash after mine was stolen but it would be useful for the sunbirds we get here.
this has kind of made my decision just to look at an R5 MK1 - too many extra costs and its still going to fit with all my lenses and batteries etc...thanks
Nothing wrong with that at all. It's a very good camera.
@@WillGoodlet my thoughts exactly - most of the "new" features aren't massively important to me - just nice to haves , so factoring in everything the original R5 is more than up to what I need it for and would be good as an alternate to the R7 I already have...might get it before a return to RSA next year...
I'm actually very happy with the photos I get using old second-hand Canon dslr's. I don't think my wife would be too enthusiastic on me spending so much money on any camera :) I just wanted to let you know I enjoyed your video. Thanks
Cheers Duncan. There's no reason to change over as long as you are happy. Mirrorless are easier to use, better for video (especially if you can't see like me) and have incredible AF. But all that really means it you work a little harder for the shot with the DSLR, you can still GET the shot with patience and skill. DSLR also has the benefit for wildlife of starting up much quicker (I lose 10-15% of good shots BECAUSE I shoot mirrorless) and you will know, shooting from vehicles, these are often the best shots. Mirrorless makes up for it when you have time to setup and then you get shots DSLR has a hard time with in AF. Then the battery life and pleasant observational characteristics of DSLRs are seldom mentioned. It's just NICER looking at a leopard for 2-3 hours through an optical finder and that's an important part of why we photograph - enjoying nature.
@@WillGoodlet Hi Will,
Many thanks for taking time to reply.
I love taking photos. There’s just so much out there to photograph.
My first SLR camera was a Canon A1, which I bought new, along with a 50mm f1.4 lens, when I returned home to Scotland from Australia in 1979. I absolutely loved using that camera and lens. Back then, I’d go out and shoot anything that captured my interest. When I got home, I’d immediately go and develop my black and white film. Then I’d make prints using a second-hand enlarger (bought from a friend) - all on the same day. :) It was magical.
I’m spoiled now, with DSLR cameras selling for bargain prices. I’m having great fun using them now.
I’m not a professional photographer, so I can’t really justify spending a lot of money on new equipment, but a few years ago, I was fortunate to have earned enough money from accumulated stock image sales, to buy myself a new Canon EF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L lens, along with a Canon EF 1.4 extender. I really like the lens and enjoy using it with with an old Canon 1D MK2n. They’re a heavy combination, but when I’m concentrating on getting a photo, I seem to forget all about the weight.
When I hear about the latest statistics of mirrorless cameras, I must admit, I’d be interested to use them as well. Especially for their amazing auto focus and video capabilities.
Hopefully, some day :)
I’m subscribed to your channel now, so I look forward to your next video.
All the best,
Duncan
Hi Duncan,
I'm very like you in that my first serious camera was a Minolta SRT Super and 50mm f1.4. It was my grandfathers and I still have it. You must have been delighted to be able to develop straight away, that's something I've only recently taken up - but not the enlarging.
I'm also intrigued to hear you use the 1D Mark ii N, that was my favourite camera and my first professional body. 8MP of machine gun shutter snapping bliss with a psychic autofocus system :) I still have shots up on my website made with that camera.
I was at university in Edinburgh, if I ever have to leave South Africa, it will be Scotland I go to I think. Lot's of stunning country up there.
Keep well!
@@WillGoodlet Hi Will,
I never parted with my old Canon A1. I last used it around a decade ago, with a roll of Fujifilm Velvia 50, on a holiday abroad with my wife. I do actually intend to use it again at some point, as I still have a few rolls of unused film (although I’m not sure how good they’ll be after lying in storage for so long).
I bought the Canon 1D2N second hand and love it. I’ve taken many images with it that I’m very happy with. Although I must admit, it took me a wee while to figure out the buttons. I know 8 megapixels doesn’t seem a lot, but I’ve always loved the images I’ve got from it. I tend not to crop my images much anyway.
My grandfather spent half of the Second World War in Africa and the other half in Italy. He always used to say: “Scotland’s the best country in the world - bar none.”
It’s not easy to put into words, but for me, there’s something very special about Scotland. But then, I’m Scottish :)
I’ll google your website, it’ll be interesting to see your work.
All the best,
Duncan
Amazing photographs!
Thanks :)
My opinion is for landscape photographers is to just get the original R5 if noise is an issue. The test the R5II’s dynamic range just show the shadows is more sharp or little more noisier which is think with software like Adobe Lightroom’s Classic Denoise feature can be fixed easily. I don’t see the need for faster autofocus and high sensor readout speeds for landscape photographers. Just my opinion. I would get a Hassleblad .
You are right, it's pointless. I would love a Hasselblad.
Thank you. Best review and eval I have seen so far.
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks Will. This is my first time on your channel and I really enjoyed your presentation. I have subscribed and wish you the best. I have an R5 and I'm on the fence about the R5ll. Just got my 200-800 That I ordered in Dec '23. So far I like it. Heavier than my 100-500. IQ is excellent even out to 800. So be well and keep the videos coming.
@RVNmedic thanks for watching and for the sub :) I’m glad to hear the 200-800 is good, bit worried it took so long to get to you though! That’s a far more important item for me than a new camera.
I’ll do my best to keep the videos coming.
My R7 with the EF 100-400 ii and 1.4xiii is great for birds. The R5ii is great. But I think a well priced used R5 is on the cards for me to compliment the R7. That AF on the R5ii is killer though. But now that I have figured out the AF on the R7, I don’t need anything more - and the R5 should do
Sounds like a good plan to me! I'd love to see a really wildlife focused R7 mark ii (that's why I was looking hard at the Fuji XHS2 for a while) but now Canon is making more stacked sensors it may come to be.
A few (other) things that I might find concerning: weather sealing considering the new added vents, camera performance after battery is less charged -- heard that fps might be affected, potential cold issues as the operating temps are between 0-40 deg celsius and lack of 3rd party lenses.
Yes good points. I read the same about the batteries in the manual. I imagined the vents to be almost a funnel or heat exchanger without any points of ingress but that will definitely need to be confirmed by someone with the camera
Excellent and honest review Will ! Tired of seeing all this sponsored TH-camrs pushing gear! The part where you talked about the baboon taking a crap while enjoying the view was: gold! 😂 Looking forward more posts like this ! Cheers! 👏
Thanks for watching! I'm glad someone made it to the end. I want to photograph that baboon, he'd look awesome sitting on the cliff edge watching the sunset :)
Fantastic rundown! Thanks Will!
Thanks Josh!
Will, kudos to you for the better pronunciation of Nikon. An entire tribe further west should pay attention.
Thanks
Thank you that’s very kind!
That’s the best summing and comparison of the R5 mk2 I’ve seen. The comparisons with Nikon and Sony was very helpful as I was about to start doing the same myself. You addressed almost all the questions I had regarding the lenses available, and it would be good to know what lenses you would select if you were a tourist going on a safari and you only had a single R5.
Thank you, I’m so glad it was useful. On the lenses it very much depends on where you go and what you do. Did you have anywhere in particular in mind?
I like to shoot 3 lenses - 24-70, either (ef 100-400 / 100-500) and a big prime
But if you are in a cramped or shared vehicle its better to forego the big prime. You cannot beat the versatility of the 100-400/500. But it won’t be quite as good for low light. I’d love it if it were just a but longer without the TC issue zooming out. The 200-800 also would work but you lose some of the versatility of the 100-500 for people and travel/nature
I feel the 100-400 is too short on its own better the 100-500 plus TC
If its one camera its got to be a 24-70 or similar and one of the supertelephot zooms
@@WillGoodlet probably Kruger and a smaller reserve, any suggestions?
@@t4mor4 Ah great! There’s a few. You are very welcome to drop me an email about it.
@WillGoodlet
Will, thanks for this fantastic, practical, measured, and level-headed commentary. Best I've seen, mate.
I'd be curious to watch a similar breakdown after you've had the new camera in hand for a week or two. ;)
@@bbfoto7248 if it comes I will certainly do so!
I don't know if it's accurate to say that Nikon has better lens selections right now. Maybe if you are exclusively talking about for wildlife, but for other uses Canon has some killer and very unique lenses (i.e. 28-70mm f2, 24-105mm f2.8, 10-20mm f4, 85mm f1.2 DS, 200-800mm etc...).
Only one of those interests me for wildlife! Maybe the 24-105 as well. :)
My thoughts are exclusively wildlife, particularly lenses in the 4-7k area there is just nothing between the 13k RF big white and the 2 - 2.5k zooms. So if you want to use a drop in filter and have a faster aperture you are stuck with EF lenses like the 200-400 TC or older Primes. Which is not the end of the world but their service life is up in the next couple of years and it’s a lot of money to spend on a lens with no parts supply. (I know North America has 3rd party repairs but that is definitely NOT true for most of the rest of the world) if it breaks you are done
I agree with your summary. It comes down to want vs need and as you say, that’s a motivation for many TH-camrs - they want it to help promote their channel but probably don’t need it to advance their photography.
My Canon R5 is not holding me back at the moment, opportunity is, along with my own limitations despite being a photographer most of my life.
Just on switching to video mode. I have the fn button set so pressing that goes straight to my chosen video mode. Nice and quick.
Thanks Frank, yes apart from pre-capture in video (perhaps more useful for me than photos) and the overheating in my environment, the R5 is plenty. Luckily I can always use my other camera while it's cooling down again. Good tip on the fn button - although someone commented that this doesn't work on the new camera!
On a lighter note, once you do upgrade to the R5M2 you can then upgrade your classic Defender to the new Defender 110 (my current safari vehicle) which has charging ports everywhere!
Oh gosh I couldn’t do it Basil is much more popular than I am, i’d get hammered:)
New one will get you stranded
Thanks for the useful and balanced summary. I have one on order and share your thoughts on the potential reduction in dynamic range. I mostly shoot electronic shutter with the R5 so I am hoping that the move to 14bit from 12bit offsets some of this difference. Living in the UK and often shooting in poor light, bringing out detail in the shadows is essential for me.
Thanks for watching, yes I am very grateful for the sunlight over here, it does make things easier but jealous of your wonderful long evenings. That must be fantastic light to shoot it when it's good. I am hoping the Petapixel/DPReview story is a little overblown.
I think that one of the reviews I read showed that the slight reduction in dynamic range occurred below ISO 400 and that above ISO 400 the R5 and R5MII were the same. I don't know about you, but I don't remember the last time I shot a wildlife or bird picture at ISO 400 and below! 😆 Seems like all my shots are in bad weather or at dawn or dusk or difficult lighting. For my purposes, I'm expecting them to perform the same at the ISO I am likely to use. Catherine
@@picklebird1261 I’m not worried about it for wildlife at all
@@picklebird1261 I can definitely live with that! 🙂 Really looking forward to trying this out soon.
I have been told by someone with an R5 ii that it will still have the record button and will easily switch to CM 3 but MfN button no longer allow you to switch to video mode, so you can only access 1 mode without taking your eye off the subject a step backwards. Dynamic range is a concern for me shooting ducks like the Bufflehead a step backwards. Clog 2 and 120 FPS with sound are interesting. AND .. I like my R5 s
That's pretty annoying to hear, about Mfn.... I love my R5 too!
The R5 Eye focus has problmes with the animals in the Galapagos too. The sealions and marine iquanas are all black and have black eyes. Tough to lock on to.
Oh yes I bet! :) Fantastic place to photograph I'm sure!
@@WillGoodlet I have been living in Ecuador for 2 years and planning to lead my first photo trip to the Islands in early 2025.
Still shooting while taking video? Is it really possible with r52?
Yes but with some compromises:
1. 1080 video
2. Jpg photos
3. Your frame rate will obviously impact your sharpness. 25FPS (1/50th shutter speed) will not be producing sharp images. So you need to shoot faster depending on subject. Fast shutter speeds produce choppy video (eg flying birds) - consider this more useful for press events than wildlife where people are standing around and talking. Jpg will be good enough for news wire and video for social or news flashes
thank you for all the great videos and the reply for my question about still in video mode
The problem with most new cameras (from a still photographers point of view) is that too much emphasis is placed upon video. Although I am an OM (Olympus) system user, I recently bought an old full frame Nikon D600 I had a couple of old Nikon lenses)and have to say it has everything you could require for landscape and general wildlife photography.
You are correct, many cameras are very generalist and you can blame that on the enormous success of the original 5D mark ii. I love 1 series bodies, having started out in Canon with a 1D mark ii N. I am very tempted to pick up a relatively cheap 1DX ii or iii just for that. Of course the 1Dxiii is great for video, it's just I can no longer see the back screen!
You got me really excited about the Out-of-Focus Image Detection. But I looked at the manual and it only works on JPG, and it seems it's mostly just for human faces. Bummer. Was hoping it could help sorting through images more quickly.
You're kidding! I should have read about it, thank you. Only human faces?? OMG
Great reviews 😊
Thanks for watching, appreciate it!
Great video, I myself have the Z9 and just sold the R3 to fund the R5II, Here in Greece it will be available August 20th and I already have the RF 200-800 that I really like, But I read Canon will be releasing new tele zooms. The thing that makes me mad about Nikon is the jpeg only feature for the pre capture which sucks.
Yes, the JPG precapture is a downside to an otherwise pretty amazing camera. Glad to hear you like the 200-800, normally I prefer to try lenses but obviously not possible, so it's good to hear from people who have it. Looks like Canon is filing some interesting patents for zooms but I'd settle for just getting the 200-800 delivered right now, I really do have a use for it! When I could just go and grab a Nikon 180-600 tomorrow it's frustrating.
Fantastic video and a great breakdown of what actually matters for some professionals and their use cases on safari and as others have mentioned, it’s great to have an actual photographer putting their thoughts forward rather than the usual TH-camr voicing their irrelevant gripes with specifications.
I personally use the R5 and R6mk2 for events, corporate jobs, sports and aviation and love them both for what they offer in photography and video. I know you didn’t favour the photo and video dial being on the left side and I can 100% understand why in your field and use case. For myself, on the R6mk2 it’s been an absolute game changer in switching modes as I often don’t have a heavy lens to combat with the left hand and it’s a very quick way to switch over. The camera still needs a second to switch modes and by the time it’s ready to start recording or take a shot, my hand is already back at the lens and my much less elusive subjects are in frame and in focus. The R5’s way of hitting the mode button and switching was quite cumbersome for myself and my colleagues and we all ended up mapping the M-fn button to switch between the two modes. As a rather clicky button, none of us liked using it for anything other than switching, so it has worked quite well for us. It’s very fast and we don’t have to take our eye off the EVF. It does still take a couple of seconds to ready itself, so you stand there looking a bit dorky for a few moments, but still better than using the Mode button.
I’ll be skipping the R5mk2 for now, although the AF and readout speed upgrades are certainly welcome, however I value the enormous upgrade to the R1 from the R6mk2 and will be focusing on that switch to a professional body first.
Thanks for watching really appreciate the info in your comment too. Someone mentioned to me that the M-fn button no longer works on the mark ii?! I was hoping it was still an option. Like any camera we will just have to work around the problems we discover in use. They are all so much better than they used to be anyway! Enjoy the R1 :)
thankyou i have just bought the r5 mk2 and beggining to wish i hadn't i do wildlife but also landscape and the lack of dynamic range bothers me, i havent taken it out the box yet and might just get a refund with the price of the camera compaired to the r5 i could get the 70-200 2.8 aswell almost that might be a better choice
Thanks for watching and commenting. Photons to Photos tested the cameras dynamic range and found that the R5 is 0.4 EV better than the R5ii in mechanical shutter mode (which offers the better DR than electronic shutter) below ISO 500. Above ISO 500 the cameras are almost the same.
In electronic shutter mode the R5ii performs better by around the same margin, but in electronic shutter it is about 0.5 EV lower than that achievable with mechanical shutter.
I think the R5ii is the better wildlife camera (ISO likely higher than 500) and the R5 is slightly better and much cheaper Landscape camera.
Ps. I decided to cancel my own order after hearing that users were experiencing the same freezing that plagued the R5 when it came out. I had to return my first R5 to Canon because of this and it still costs me more shots than anything else on the R5 even though it's far less common now. I will wait for Canon to fix the R5ii before I get one.