Only 1 lens

[Dark Reality]

If you had to start all over and have only one camera and one lens, what would it be?
 I'm selling my:
5d mkii
24-70 2.8
70-200 2.8
and my 580ex
      and using as little of that money to reduce my gear.

My family comes first and life isnt free, but i dont want to give up on photography, which has been my life since i was 17.

I know the overall "profit" ill make wont be a huge amount, but im 25 with a 9 month old and every penny counts right now.

I picked my current gear for landscapes and portraits. So that's what im looking to still be able to do. I probably cant have the best of both worlds, and something that does both, isnt likely to do it as well as what i have. but downgrading for money is looking to be my only option right now.

[neuroanatomist]

I'd keep the 5DII, sell both lenses and the 580, get a used 24-105L, a used 430 flash, and a used 50/1.8 II. I think that could net you $1500 and leave you with a very good kit for landscapes and portraits.

[markm]

In terms of bang per buck for what you are doing (portraits, growing family, and landscape) I think a used Canon 7D is a good option.  You also then have access to more the compact / lower cost EF-S lenses.

I have owned all of the 1Ds series and 5D series (waiting for Canon's response to Nikon), but I also keep a 7D house and it performs amazing well. 

With the introduction of new cameras recently you might find a good deal on a quality used 7D.  Avoid the base kit lens however.  The 15-85mm is pretty good quality however.

[Mt Spokane Photography]

Canon has some really good deals on refurb power shot cameras right now.  Nothing wrong with a G12 for $279 or a S100 for $229 if they can do the job. Do what you have to do to take care of finances.
http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductListingViewAll_10051_10051_-1_29252
 
Maybe a T3i kit for $450.  http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10051_10051_283207_-1
 

[RLPhoto]

5Dc + 50mm 1.4

Done.

[verysimplejason]

I'd keep the 5DII, sell both lenses and the 580, get a used 24-105L, a used 430 flash, and a used 50/1.8 II. I think that could net you $1500 and leave you with a very good kit for landscapes and portraits.

+1.  That's the cheapest and most versatile list I can think of also.  You can also skip on the 24-105L for the meantime if you really need the money but I can't think of letting go of your 5D2.

[Dark Reality]

Thanks for the input. i like the idea of the 24-105, but on a crop it is no longer so wide. the 5dc is an option that i havnt thought of in a while...   and getting rid of the 5d2 would be so hard.. its been my best friend

oh yeah, i forgot i have the 50 1.8, didnt even think of it since its not used too often and wouldnt be worth it to sell. its great for normal, i guess my problem is, i want wide, and tele..

[verysimplejason]

Thanks for the input. i like the idea of the 24-105, but on a crop it is no longer so wide. the 5dc is an option that i havnt thought of in a while...   and getting rid of the 5d2 would be so hard.. its been my best friend

oh yeah, i forgot i have the 50 1.8, didnt even think of it since its not used too often and wouldnt be worth it to sell. its great for normal, i guess my problem is, i want wide, and tele..

If you really want to get rid of everything, except your 50 1.8, then get a 550D + 18-200.  If you go FF, there's not one lens that's cheap enough to have everything you want (wide and tele).  Get a dirt cheap Yongnuo if you want an external flash.  But for me, I'd settle with a 5D2 + 50 1.8/40 F2.8 at the very least.  You can zoom (in or out) with your feet for the meantime.  It's not perfect but at least you get the best IQ for your money.

[PackLight]

You are not talking much money if you are switching around for extra cash. It is always better if you can suffer through.

I would unload the 70-200 for now, keep the 24-70 for the babies pictures. Those pictures will be very valuable to you in future years. If you can suffer through and keep the 5d II and  24-70 you will not regret it.

Been in your shoes more than once, good luck and wish you well.

[neuroanatomist]

Used 5DII prices have dropped so low you may not even be able to get a new 7D with the proceeds - there's a 5DII w/ 20K clicks on my local CL for $1150 right now.  For what you shoot, a 7D isn't necessary IMO - if you go with APS-C, get a T3i (same sensor as 7D), and perhaps an 18-135mm lens. That plus the 50/1.8 for portraits. If you get an xxxD, factor in buying SD cards to replace your CF cards.

But I still think keep your 5DII. The 24-105 is about the most versatile lens you can get on FF (arguably the 28-300L is more versatile, but it's heavy and expensive). 

Used 5Dc and 24-105 is another option.

[sama]

For the family, for the baby, sell everything and shoot with your smart phone for the time being. Good time will come. By then, start all over again.
My best wishes.

[Zlatko]

Your current 5DII + 40mm f/2.8 pancake makes a great package.  That is a very sweet lens and only $149.  Baby and family photos will look just as good with the little 40mm as with the big 24-70/2.8.  The 40mm is great for landscape too (if you like the focal length).  Also, Rebel T4i with kit lens for $599 can do a lot.

[Area256]

If I could only have one lens, and cost wasn't an issue, I would chose the 24-105L.  Second to that if I really wanted the zoom, I would get the "EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM", it sells new for about $420, I'm sure it would be a lot less used if you can find one.

If cost is a major issue I'd take the 40mm f/2.8.   In fact I often just walk around with that lens since it's so nice and light.  The 50mm f/1.8 is also a good option.

Also if you sell the 580ex, you should be able to pick up a knock off flash for around $80.

To drop the 5D2 for something else would be a hard thing to do. However, if it needs to be done, you can get older used rebels with kit lenses (like a t2i/t3i) for very cheap now days - and they can still take great pictures.

[Standard]

Your current 5DII + 40mm f/2.8 pancake makes a great package.  That is a very sweet lens and only $149.  Baby and family photos will look just as good with the little 40mm as with the big 24-70/2.8.  The 40mm is great for landscape too (if you like the focal length).  Also, Rebel T4i with kit lens for $599 can do a lot.

I agree. Best of luck.

[Dylan777]

For the family, for the baby, sell everything and shoot with your smart phone for the time being. Good time will come. By then, start all over again.
My best wishes.

+100% agree with sama, if budget is real big issue.

You still be able to capture that special moments with a $99 P&S. Take care that baby 1st.

I used to golf 3-4 a week. We now have 2 kids, I can't remember the last time I went for golfing. That baby will bring more joys into your life more than anything else.

Otherwise, keep the 5D II + 50mm f1.8

Best,
Dylan