Triston’s range is extensive.  He thrives on learning through investigation, so he was the perfect candidate to test the latest Canon EOS 6D Mark II to see how the latest lightweight full-frame performs.

You recently came to experience the Canon EOS 6D Mark II. Can you tell us the first thing that came to your mind when you saw the camera, and tell us briefly about your discoveries using it?

The first thing that impressed me was the focusing speed of the Canon EOS 6D Mark II. It is so fast, compared to the Canon EOS 6D. I could even lock onto moving subjects at super-fast speed and I believe this is all due to the Dual Pixel AF.

I also found that I was able to hold the camera more firmly as it has deepened the grip slightly, making it more ergonomic.

What were your expectations, and did the actual product live up to the hype?

Technological advancements in the digital SLR industry has come to a point whereby everything is already very good, so I did not have many expectations for the new camera.

To me, the Canon EOS 6D Mark II is greatly welcomed as its focusing is a lot faster compared to its predecessor. Many people find that the Canon EOS 6D Mark II does not offer a good enough dynamic range as compared to the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV but I find that it’s not fair to compare the two, as they are targeted at different client bases.

If a photographer needs a camera with better dynamic range and is willing to invest more, then they should get the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. Otherwise, I find that the Canon EOS 6D Mark II will be more than sufficient for commercial photographers as we do not normally use high ISOs and always have artificial light source setups for our shots.

What was your favourite aspect of the Canon EOS 6D Mark II?

I love the fact that I have a vari-angle LCD screen. This is especially useful when I need to shoot at low angles or when I need to shoot a scene that is high above me, like hotel chandeliers.

What do you enjoy about full-frame cameras VS cropped sensor cameras?

First, I enjoy knowing the exact focal length of the lenses that I am using, as I do not need to multiply the focal length of the lens with the crop factor to get the focal length. Till now, I still believe that lenses are optimised for what they are supposed to be.

Secondly, there is no “tunnel vision” effect when you look through the optical viewfinder of a full-frame camera. Lastly, I believe a full-frame camera offers more of a 3D effect to the entire scene as its sensor size is a lot bigger. That is the reason why an aperture of f2.8 from a compact camera seems to have a sharper background than one from a full frame camera, if both are using the same focal length.

The Canon EOS 6D Mark II includes many upgrades and new features, like the vari-angle LCD screen. How did you find these features in improving your photography experience?

The vari-angle LCD screen is more flexible so I do not need to lie on the floor if I need to shoot at ground level and I do not need to strain my neck looking up at ceilings if I need to shoot upwards. For the occasional wefie or selfie, I can flip the screen around to see myself. The enhanced focusing speed also allows me to easily shoot fast moving subjects such as birds and various sports.

It’s also the lightest full-frame DSLR on the market right now. Do you think the Canon EOS 6D Mark II is lightweight enough to change the stereotype of full-frame cameras being cumbersome?

When one is in the field, every ounce counts. This camera will be especially useful to photo lovers who like travel photography. They do not have to worry about missing precious moments now because they are not carrying the heavier DSLRs, which can be inconvenient while travelling.

What sort of genre would you think it’s best for, and why?

I would say it is suitable for commercial photography as well as for travel photography. The Wi-Fi function allows the client to view the images on an external iPad seamlessly without hooking up wires to a laptop to have a good preview. I still remember a few occasions in the past when clients tripped over the USB cable tethered to the laptop and I had to retire the laptop prematurely. As for travel photography, the fast focusing speed and light weight of the camera will ensure the best moments of a scene are captured.

Who do you think is the target audience for the Canon EOS 6D Mark II?

I think anyone who has been enjoying photography for 2 to 3 years with a cropped sensor camera and is thinking of bringing their photography to the next level should consider getting the Canon EOS 6D Mark II.

What gear would you recommend to pair with the Canon EOS 6D Mark II?

The Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM Lens and the new Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM Lens would work great with the Canon EOS 6D Mark II.

Are there any tips you discovered while using the Canon EOS 6D Mark II that you would like to share?

I realised that the touch screen LCD is really useful for capturing action shots. In the past, we relied heavily on the AI SERVO mode with the multiple focusing points of a camera to get action shots. This may not work well all the time as the camera does not know which point that needs to be in focus, and sometimes it may focus on the foreground instead of the background.

The new touch screen LCD allows me to point at anywhere the subject is moving and I can programme the touch function to autofocus as well as release the shutter at the same time. There is virtually no lag in terms of focusing and shutter release. This is really a super plus point for me. I used this for a shot of my son’s friend in wushu class practising his moves with the rake.

Tell us one reason why everyone should try full-frame photography or the Canon EOS 6D Mark II at least once in their life.

All film cameras are full-frame. The art of photography is originally meant to be enjoyed from a full-frame perspective. Framing a shot via the full-frame optical viewfinder is so liberating as compared to the cropped sensor DSLRs. The depth of field is also shallower in a full-frame DSLR and I strongly advocate every photo lover to eventually choose a full-frame camera as their final choice of camera equipment.

Browse through Triston’s extensive commercial portfolio and travelogue at his website, or get a slice of his life on his Instagram. A regular at events, you can find out more on his Facebook page.

First published: Canon EOS World