1Dx or lenses

[rpt]

I think you have enough glass

I     don't     understand      this     conecpt.

I know it is a hard concept to grasp. Think 300D and 17-55. Yes that is all the glass I had for a long time!

Another thought - "If you are deprived, you are more determined to win..."
Yet another thought... - "Necessity is the mother of invention"
And yet another thought - "Necessity is the mother of intervention" - the 70's...

All of the above are driven by a lack of something - so deprivation... That is the time you are most creative...
My opinion...

[epsiloneri]

With both the 100/2.8L and the 70-200/2.8L IS II, a 135/2.0L would a bit redundant (unless you shoot concerts). I agree that a standard zoom seems to be missing in your lineup. The 24-105/4L or one of the 24-70's should do.

[xROELOFx]

I'd get a second 5D3 if I were you and save the money for a possible 40+ MP. Especially if you're doing portraits most of the time.

[RLPhoto]

The 24L II is more awesome than the 35L IMO. Its really Wide and Really Fast!

[Chris_prophotographic]

24L mk II is stellar and yes it outdoes the 35 most of the time

[Kernuak]

I haven't done many environmental portraits with the 24 mm f/1.4 MkII, but there are some good examples on here, so if that is something you'd like to do, then it is probably as good a choice as any, as you have the flexibility of opening the aperture up and suggesting the environment or closing down to get everything sharp. Other options at 24mm just wouldn't give you that flexibility.

[photokid]

Thanks guys, now I'm even more confused

Honestly heart wanting the camera, head says lenses.

Have had a sigma ex24-70 in the past, and the 24-105L zooms in this range do nothing for me, I find I don't use them much, but thanks for the suggestions.

I know I have the 135 FL covered, but the 135L has a look that the 70-200 doesn't if I get it I'll mostly use it wide open.

The 85L again mostly be used wide open, the 24L is probably a no brainer, I respect the 35L but the images it produces for mw don't move me.

Thing is even if I did get the 1Dx now I'd still want the lenses. I don't hanker after the big MP bodies, I find the detail and sharpness I get from the 5 is more than enough for my shooting, as I don't print big, in fact with ladies over 40 I find there is too much detail.

So currently while waiting on the funds to be realised (won't be long now) the glass is in the lead by a nose, but that could change again tomorrow, I really appreciate all your advice though, keep it coming.

[Danielle]

What a great predicament.

Pity you don't love the 35L. However I personally think you have a set of great, obviously world class lenses.

Leaves me to suggest the 1DX. Regardless of what is announced next year, the 1DX will still be the top of the pile in what it does.

[Dwight]

FWIW, I have the 5DM3 and just got the 1D X.  Looking at your gallery (great comps, BTW), you're into portraits and environmental portraits.  If indeed these are the types of photography you love to do (for hobby and work) and don't see yourself switching to/learning other types (i.e. sports and wild life) later on, I would stick with the 5DM3.  You already have a superb collection of glass.  AF accuracy on the 5DM3 and 1D X is on par...I can't tell nor do I feel any difference.  AF speed (which you may not necessarily need in portraiture) is where my 1D X has an advantage over my 5DM3.

IMHO, I would stick with the 5DM3 [or pick up another 5DM3 (or 6D whenever available and reviews are favorable)] if you need two bodies.  If you don't need two bodies and money is burning a hole in your pocket or you just want to buy new gear (trust me, I totally understand the mindset), I'd go with the 85LII and 135L.  If you decide to sell your 35L (you did say you're not happy with it), the 24LII is great for environmental portraits.  Otherwise, keep the 35L.  Lastly, budget-permitting, you can just forget about the aforementioned lenses and go all out for the 200f2L IS and call it a day.  The latter is the best portrait lens Canon has ever made to date bar none.  Happy hunting and good luck!

[Dwight]

In addition, the 200f2L IS and 135L have a look that the 70-200f2.8II cannot replicate...and yes, you need to shoot both the former wide-open to really see where both of them shine and will blow you away.

[tpatana]

To me it sounds like:

A: You don't really have good reason to upgrade 5D3 to 1DX
B: Your lenses already cover about anything

So I'd choose option:

C: Drink the money, wait ~1 year, give or take, for next generation of bodies, and then consider again.

[Buyi]

You should buy the 1Dx, lenses can u get later on.

And u already got some good L glass

[pwp]

I'd stop fretting about your equipment, learn to use it properly and get on with shooting. You've got a great kit. Use your surplus cash to take a holiday with your young family.

-PW

[charlesa]

I'd stop fretting about your equipment, learn to use it properly and get on with shooting. You've got a great kit. Use your surplus cash to take a holiday with your young family.

-PW

Besides seconding him, and neuro who says one can never have enough glass, I would say you have an excellent camera body and good glass as it is, just keep learning and improving.

[hawaiisunsetphoto]

Based on what you're presenting, I'd sell the 35L and pick up either a 24L II, 24mm ts-e II, or the new 24-70 zoom which I don't have but is reputed to be super sharp (if you get a good copy).  Then, I'd pick up the 200mm f/2.0L, which is an epic lens- you won't be sorry.  The 200mm f/2.0L will impact your end product,  what you see, more than the 1Dx will -- which is why we shoot.   I'd definitely keep the 1Dx on "the list" for later