So, I'm a long-time lurker here on the forums. This is my first post, because I need the collective wisdom of the folks here. Here's the scenario:
A year ago, I returned to photography after several years away from it (long story), and decided it was time to make the move from film to digital. I sold all of my Pentax 645N gear and lenses, and picked up a 5D Mk II and several lenses. I knew at the time that I wasn't buying my "final" gear, but then, when is that ever true...

Anyhow, in the past year, I've returned to the field to find an old passion rekindled - primarily in landscape/outdoor/architecture sorts of area. Obviously this means some low light/golden light photography; however, I do have a tripod and know how to use it, so 2.8 glass isn't perhaps required, even if I lust for it. I don't do any wedding photography, relatively little wildlife/birds, only the occasional portrait, and once in a while, a sporting event.
Now, I have an opportunity to spend a bonus. I've been very busy at work of late (it's non photographic), taking on several massive projects, working long hours etc. In what is a very flattering offer, my boss has asked me what I might like as a bonus, and we've settled on a solution - the company is prepared to buy me $8000 in photographic equipment, of my choosing. I don't expect I'll ever have this opportunity again, so I'd like to do this right the first time - hence, I come here for advice.
Here's what I have
- 5d Mark II
- 100 2.8 macro, non-IS
- 17-40mm f/4L Lens
- 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
- 35 f2 (left over from a former career as a journalist)
- 200 f/2.8L (also from journalism, not the newest version - the version with the built-in hood
My wife allows me to use her 70-300 4.5-5.6 IS when I need a longer lens.
Now, here's the equipment I'm lusting after (Prices are B&H):
- 5D Mark III - $3460
- 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II - $2130
- 70-200mm f/4L IS - $1200
- 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS - $1400
- 24-70mm f/2.8L II - $2300
- 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS - $1530
- 24mm f/3.5L II Tilt-Shift - $2000
- 180mm f/3.5L Macro - $1430
Here’s what I’m leaning toward:
- 24mm f/3.5L II Tilt-Shift - $2000
- 24-70mm f/2.8L II - $2300
- 70-200mm f/4L IS - $1200
- 5D Mark III - $3460
I’d dispose of:
- 5d Mark II
- EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
- EF 35 f2)
- EF 200mm f/2.8L
And would end up with:
- 5d Mark IIi
- 24mm f/3.5L II Tilt-Shift
- EF 100 2.8 macro
- EF 17-40mm f/4L Lens
- 24-70mm f/2.8L II
- 70-200mm f/4L IS
So, here are my questions:
1. Should I spend half my funds on the upgrade to the Mark III? The images from the Mark II are lovely, and focusing speed or extreme low light hasn’t been my issue. I do find my images at 1600 ISO seem fairly noisy, but I don’t know whether the Mark III would be substantively better, often enough.
2. What’s the best mix of overlapping zooms? The 75-300 that my wife and I have been sharing is convenient, so in some ways just replacing that with L glass seems like a good choice – in others, I wonder about a 70-200 and 100-400 combo. Or maybe a 70-200 and a 1.4x converter...)
3. How much use will the Tilt/Shift get, really? (I know, that’s hard to quantify an answer)
4. If I keep the 100 Macro, which I love, will I really need the 180 macro?
Thanks for reading what got much longer than I intended, and for advice and comments!