If you are in the market for a powerful DSLR at a budget price, we have the answer — the Canon EOS 6D Mark II. It may have debuted in 2017, but it remains a popular camera thanks to its impressive photo and video capabilities. Moreover, its price has never been lower, making it a great value purchase!
In this Canon 6D Mark II review, we’ll examine its design, handling, photo and video performance, and more. We’ll also recommend our favorite compatible Canon EF mount lenses to use with it. Additionally, thanks to websites like MPB, buying a used DSLR or mirrorless camera has never been cheaper and easier.
Who is MPB? It’s a trustworthy and innovative photography company that offers high-quality used photo and video gear at unbeatable prices. Better yet, every camera and lens it sells is hand-inspected by professional product specialists with years of experience and backed by a six-month warranty, allowing you to make your purchases confidently and worry-free.
What truly separates MPB from other retailers, though, is its state-of-the-art online platform. It’s a one-of-a-kind tool that has helped us save thousands of dollars buying, selling, and trading photography equipment over the years, and we believe it can do the same for you. OK, enough chit-chat. Let’s dive in and discover everything there is to know about the Canon 6D Mark II!
Check out the video above by Jake Borowski to learn more about the pros and cons of shooting with the Canon 6D Mark II.
Table of Contents
- Canon 6D Mark II: Overview
- Canon 6D Mark II: Design & Handling
- Canon 6D Mark II: Imaging Capabilities
- Canon 6D Mark II: Video Capabilities
- Recommended Lenses for the Canon 6D Mark II
- Final Thoughts on the Canon 6D Mark II
Canon 6D Mark II: Overview
The Canon 6D Mark II is a powerful DSLR that first hit stores in 2017. It features a high-resolution 26.2-megapixel full-frame sensor and an advanced Digic 7 image processing engine. Canon developed this camera with semi-professional and experienced photography enthusiasts in mind.
Our two favorite aspects of the Canon 6D Mark II are its low price and awesome native lens compatibility. You could easily pay twice the amount if you wanted a mirrorless camera with similar specs and features. At the same time, the Canon EF mount is the deepest lens mount of all time, with hundreds of prime and zoom lenses to choose from.
Other things to note are its solid autofocus performance, beautiful out-of-the-camera colors, and built-in Wi-Fi. The Dual Pixel AF is fast and reliable and consistently delivers sharp images. Colors are bold and bright, especially in JPEGs. And Wi-Fi lets you instantly share content to your smartphone so you can post it to social media.
Now, here’s a closer look at the Canon EOS 6D Mark II specs and key features:
- Camera Type: DSLR
- Sensor: 26.2MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
- ISO: 100 – 40,000 (expandable to 50 – 102,400)
- Lens Mount: Canon EF Mount
- Speed: 6.5 fps
- Autofocus: 45 focus points
- Video: 1080p @ 60,30, & 24 fps
- Size/Weight: 144 x 111 x 75 mm / 765 grams
- Battery Life: 1200 shots
- Stabilization: Yes (Digital Image Stabilization)
- Touchscreen: Yes
- Weather-Sealed: Yes
- Used Canon 6D Mark II Price: $429-$754
Canon 6D Mark II: Design & Handling
The Canon 6D Mark II shares the same classic design as all other Canon DSLR cameras. So, if you are upgrading from an entry-level Canon DSLR, you will know exactly how this camera handles. This goes for everything from the control dials and button layout to the menu system and viewfinder.
That said, the top LCD of the Canon 6D Mark II is something your old camera might not have. It’s a useful tool that displays current camera settings, boosting photographers’ productivity and workflow speed. In addition to camera settings, you can view the remaining battery life and how much storage space remains on the memory card.
Battery life is a huge strength of the Canon 6D Mark II. With a fully charged battery, you can expect around 1200 shots, more than double the average of most mirrorless cameras. The extended battery life makes the 6D II a good camera for outdoor photographers who don’t have easy access to power and portrait photographers who shoot lots of bursts.
Canon 6D Mark II: Imaging Capabilities
Photo by Tahlia Doyle on Unsplash (license)
The primary photo spec of the Canon 6D Mark II is its 26.2MP full-frame image sensor. While it can’t match the resolution of newer high-end Canon mirrorless cameras like the EOS R5, it still delivers sharp photos with excellent detail retention and gorgeous colors. Whether creating social media content or printing photos to hang around the house, the 6D II gets the job done.
As a full-frame camera, the Canon 6D Mark II offers better low-light performance than APS-C cameras such as the Canon Rebel SL3, making it a good choice for outdoor and indoor photography. Landscape and studio photographers, in particular, enjoy shooting with the Canon 6D II.
The large digital viewfinder is also a terrific feature for photographers. Its 98% frame coverage and 0.71x magnification make it easier to frame and compose attractive images with strong visual appeal.
Canon 6D Mark II: Video Capabilities
As Jake Borowski explains in the video above, as wonderful as the Canon 6D Mark II is for photography, it lacks some key video features compared to more modern cameras. While this may not bother you if you shoot strictly still photos, it wouldn’t be our top choice if you want a hybrid camera for photography and videography. Instead, you should opt for something like the Canon EOS RP.
For example, the Canon 6D Mark II doesn’t have 4K video capabilities. However, its 1080p Full HD video quality is above average. Furthermore, during video recording, you can activate 5-axis digital image stabilization, which reduces camera shake, especially when filming handheld footage.
Other video-friendly features include a fully articulating rear screen, a built-in intervalometer for creating time-lapse movies, and a microphone port for precision audio control.
Recommended Lenses for the Canon 6D Mark II
Here’s a quick list of some of the best Canon EF lenses for photos and video to pair with the Canon 6D Mark II.
- Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS II USM
- Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM
- Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM
- Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L III USM
- Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM
Final Thoughts on the Canon 6D Mark II
Although more and more photographers and videographers are switching to mirrorless camera systems every year, a small niche still prefers working with DSLRs. If you are one of those people or are simply looking for a budget-friendly powerhouse camera, you can’t go wrong with the Canon 6D Mark II!
Just so you know, some of the cool stuff we mention comes with affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission if you buy (no extra charge to you!). Plus, we occasionally feature sponsored content, but rest assured, we only shout out products we genuinely stand behind.
Learn More:
Hero photo by Vince Fleming on Unsplash (license)
