For me, Canon cameras are history – for two reasons


In Linh's eyes, Canon system cameras are excellent photography tools, but they have important disadvantages. (Image: Adobe Firefly, Canon)

In Linh’s eyes, Canon system cameras are excellent photography tools, but they have important disadvantages. (Image: Adobe Firefly, Canon)

Canon is known for its high-quality and reliable cameras. Especially in the era of digital SLR cameras, the Japanese manufacturer dominated the market like no other.

This was not only due to the fantastic cameras with excellent image quality and workmanship, but also to the huge selection of lenses and the excellent support for professional photographers.

Today I tried all the major camera brands, from classics like Canon, Sony and Nikon to exotics like Leica and Ricoh Pentax. And although I still believe that Canon is not a bad choice, perhaps even the best for many, I am turning my back on the manufacturer – for two important reasons.

The most important thing in brief

  • Reason #1: No third-party autofocus lenses
  • Reason No. 2: Account requirement for the Canon app
  • Canon cameras are still among the best and are not so popular among professional photographers for nothing.

No third-party autofocus lenses

One of the most important reasons to buy a camera with interchangeable lenses is to have access to the lens fleet of the system you choose. This is usually filled not only by the camera manufacturer’s lenses, but also by those from third parties.

Such lenses often represent alternatives that are either cheaper or offer features that the camera manufacturer itself does not yet offer.

Why are lenses important in system cameras? Lenses are crucial to the image quality of a digital camera because they collect and focus light. They influence the perspective and framing of your photo, creating more space for creativity. Different lenses, such as wide angle lenses, telephoto lenses or particularly bright optics, offer special features and are used for a wide variety of shooting conditions.

Smartphones 2025: Will they really replace the camera and console?
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Smartphones 2025: Will they really replace the camera and console?

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Canon’s mirrorless cameras lack these alternatives – at least if you’re looking for a lens with autofocus.

Canon does not allow third-party manufacturers such as Sigma, Tamron, Samyang and others to produce autofocus lenses for the Canon RF mount.

  • This means that photographers with Canon RF cameras can only buy Canon lenses if they need autofocus.
  • Canon only opened its system for cameras with smaller APS-C sensors to third parties a few months ago, but full-frame photographers continue to look into the tube.
  • There are wonderful third-party manual lenses, but they don’t have autofocus or other electronic features.

The closed system wouldn’t be so bad if it were at least extensive. For example, there are currently only these three options for my favorite focal length of 50 millimeters:

For me personally there is a huge gap between 200 and 1,600 euros. This is where third-party providers like Sigma come into play.

The Sigma 50 mm F/1.4 Art, for example, is available for a price of just over 700 euros and does not have to hide optically from the Canon lenses. It is available for Sony E and Panasonic Leica L – but not for Canon RF.

If you are interested in a 50mm lens with an aperture of F/1.4 for Canon system cameras, you only have one option: Canon.

That's why I bought a TTArtisan 50 mm F0.95 for Leica M mount and attached it to my Canon EOS RP using an adapter. The lens is focused exclusively manually.
That's why I bought a TTArtisan 50 mm F0.95 for Leica M mount and attached it to my Canon EOS RP using an adapter. The lens is focused exclusively manually.






That’s why I bought a TTArtisan 50 mm F/0.95 for Leica M mount and attached it to my Canon EOS RP using an adapter. The lens is focused exclusively manually.

The Canon RF system lacks midrange options. The manufacturer already covers the entry-level and professional areas very well, but there are still big gaps in the midfield.

And even if Canon fills these itself, the system will always have fewer alternatives than the competition as long as it remains closed.

Account requirement for the Canon app

Anyone who takes photos today, especially snapshots, also wants to share them with others and in this respect smartphones are simply much more practical.

Camera manufacturers’ apps can help, with which you can not only control your camera remotely, but also easily transfer photos and videos to your cell phone. Canon also has an app like this that I have always enjoyed using with my Canon EOS RP.

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Now the manufacturer has announced that sometime in the first half of 2025, a Canon ID will be required to continue using the app.

This is only a small hurdle, but it is one more account that would not have been necessary. Above all, I don’t get any additional benefits from registering with a Canon ID, which I could understand. Instead, functions that could previously be used without an account are withheld.

Admittedly, the apps from other manufacturers like Fujifilm or Sony aren’t particularly good either (slow performance or bugs), but at least you don’t necessarily need an account.

There are also clear reasons for Canon

Although I could live with the obligation to have an account, the closed lens system is a reason for me to turn my back on Canon. However, that doesn’t have to mean that you’re making a mistake with the Canon RF system.

Canon cameras and many of the manufacturer’s lenses continue to be among the best on the market. The cameras are extremely reliable, offer very high image quality and the autofocus is one of the best.

The Japanese manufacturer also has some lenses in its range that are an absolute dream for professionals and enthusiasts, such as the Canon RF 85 mm F/1.2 L USM or the RF 28-70 mm F/2.0 L USM.

A dream for portraits: The RF 85 mm F1.2 L USM. (Image: Canon)
A dream for portraits: The RF 85 mm F1.2 L USM. (Image: Canon)






A dream for portraits: The RF 85 mm F/1.2 L USM. (Image: Canon)

In addition, Canon has an excellent service for professionals with unlimited free shipping for repairs and discounts for members.

If my disadvantages mentioned above don’t affect you significantly, then you’re making a good choice with the Canon system.

At the end of the day, your camera is just your tool – or your photographic brush. What really matters is what ends up on the screen.

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