Making the switch from Canon to Sony

People are often asking, “What camera do you own?”, and “What lenses do you use?” or even “What gear should I buy?”

It’s never a short answer, and my answer is always changing. Honestly, I have no clue what camera you should get. It’s a trial and error process that I feel is unique to every photographer. It all depends on what capabilities and features are most important to the camera user. For me that meant making the switch from Canon to Sony.

I’m constantly upgrading equipment and experimenting with new accessories. Up until a couple years ago, I exclusively shot with Canon cameras. I even went as far as purchasing the Canon 1DX Mark 2, which is a work horse camera but way to large of a body for me. However, after a lot of debate and research, I ended up making the switch to Sony. I sold the 1Dx then I purchased my first mirrorless camera at 1/3rd the price of my previous camera. I made the switch from Canon to Sony a7III’s and more recently an A7IV . Their small size, lowlight capabilities, customizable controls, dual SD slots, and time-lapse capabilities, among many other features I found appealing. I haven’t regretted that switch since I made it in 2019.

Although, this switch took some time. At first I purchased the MC-11 adaptor so I could still use my Canon 85 1.8f, Canon 24 1.4f, Sigma 18-35 1.8f, and Tamron 70-200 2.8f lenses on my new camera body. This was a great way to make the transition easier, without having to buy all new lenses right away. In 2020, I sold my Canon 70-200 and 18-35 lenses to make room in my camera bag for native Sony glass.

I’m happy I’ve finally ditched the converter. The first native Sony lens I purchased was the Tamron 28-75 2.8f. When attached to the Sony A73, the Tamron has it’s impressive focal length of 28-75, yet low f-stop, and lightning fast focusing. This is even still, my most used lens because of all the diverse ranges I’m able to capture. More recently, I purchased the Sony Ziess 55 1.8f, for the creamy bokeh, it’s now my go-to lens for portraits. I moved on to purchase the  Tamron 20 2.8f  because of it’s small size and wide angle which has been super helpful in tight spaces. Finally, I purchased a telephoto lens. I love the Tamron line so much, I ended up with their 75-180 2.8f and couldn’t be happier with it’s lightning fast focusing, impressive focal length, and low f-stop, all cram-packed into such a small size.

Not so fun fact: I had the Sony 55, and 20 shipped to New York City after ordering them online. I planned to have these lenses for a wedding in New York the following week. That was until the wedding was postponed due to the coronavirus, and inevitably so was my flight to NYC. Thankfully my new lenses were then mailed to me in Michigan by the friend I was going to visit on my work trip to the big city.

Now what about my backup cameras?

After some time I was able to get a second Sony A7III. Then I bought my 3rd A7III just in time for the shutter of my first camera to break mid-wedding. This is why backup’s are ESSENTIAL for a professional photographer. If I’m photographing anyone, you’ll probably see my with my dual harness, wielding two camera’s with different lenses on each body for different purposes.

What Camera would I recommend to a beginner?

I’m glad I’m through this brand switch from a Canon setup to Sony gear. Although, I couldn’t help but keep a couple pieces of Canon gear. I still have my original backup camera, the Canon 80D with the Canon 24 and 40 2.8 pancake lenses. I love the swivel screen, and the pancake lenses make sized as for the perfect little travel set up. This camera sells for about $800 now but still captures incredible photos which makes it hard to give up. I do like that I have this trusty setup I’m willing to take more risks with. The 80D is actually what I recommend to anyone looking for a good beginners camera, especially for the price. For a beginner, it seems that Canon has more intuitive controls and an easier to navigate menu than Sony. That camera body paired with the two pancake lenses is a set up you can have for under $1500.

Personally, since making the switch from Canon to Sony, my camera bag is much lighter with gear that fits my personal lifestyle, and shooting habits.