Cheapest way

[Mt Spokane Photography]

If you plan to go to FF and shoot a wedding a couple of days later, you might be unhappy with the results.  Allow yourself plenty of time to use the camera and find out how it handles flash, low light, and do a AFMA on your lenses.
That pretty much goes for any new camera body, but moving to FF will require sone practice to get the best out of the camera.
 

[JPlendPhoto]

If you plan to go to FF and shoot a wedding a couple of days later, you might be unhappy with the results.  Allow yourself plenty of time to use the camera and find out how it handles flash, low light, and do a AFMA on your lenses.
That pretty much goes for any new camera body, but moving to FF will require sone practice to get the best out of the camera.

Thanks for the advice

[scrup]

Consider a flash as well. I purchased a faster lens hoping to get more keepers for indoor shots and found bounced flash made more of a difference.

[JPlendPhoto]

Consider a flash as well. I purchased a faster lens hoping to get more keepers for indoor shots and found bounced flash made more of a difference.

I already have the Canon Speedlite 430ex ii 

[Kernuak]

For used, have a look at MPB Photographics. Their prices tend to be lower than most and their descriptions are accurate.

[JPlendPhoto]

For used, have a look at MPB Photographics. Their prices tend to be lower than most and their descriptions are accurate.

Thanks. Not heard of them before, I'll have a look.

[untitled10]

I really want to go full frame by the end of June as I am the photographer for a wedding at the end of that month, but I am on a very tight budget. I would like to buy the Canon EOS 5D Mark II and the 24-105mm lens; I live in the UK and would like to know the best way/places of getting this camera and lens at the cheapest price possible. Yes I understand this may mean not getting this equipment new.

Thanks very much! 

I would very highly reccomend London Camera exchange, they can be fonud almost anywhere in the UK
great quality, loverly and informed staff, and usuially opening for bartering c;

[JPlendPhoto]

I really want to go full frame by the end of June as I am the photographer for a wedding at the end of that month, but I am on a very tight budget. I would like to buy the Canon EOS 5D Mark II and the 24-105mm lens; I live in the UK and would like to know the best way/places of getting this camera and lens at the cheapest price possible. Yes I understand this may mean not getting this equipment new.

Thanks very much! 

I would very highly reccomend London Camera exchange, they can be fonud almost anywhere in the UK
great quality, loverly and informed staff, and usuially opening for bartering c;

That’s true, they are good, but they are not always the cheapest.

[Skirball]

I wouldn't upgrade the 50mm 1.8 to the 1.4, there are rumors that the 1.4 is going to be replaced. Also it's not much of an upgrade. Keep the 50, it comes in handy now and again.

I agree he shouldn't upgrade the 50 when he could put the cash towards another length prime (like the 85, which may not match up to the 1.2, but I think it's a pretty fantastic lens at the price), but I'd disagree on the 1.4 not being much of an upgrade.  I think the thing is in a whole different league, but I don’t give the 1.8 the credit many do.  I know the Nifty Fifty has something of a cult following, but its only claim to fame is value; and that’s because the lens costs less than a high end UV filter.  I’m fairly certain that the focus ring was designed based off some sort of medieval torture device and the bokeh makes Baby Jesus cry.  I don’t regret upgrading to the 1.4 at all. YMMV.

[Canon_Wisconsin]

I paid $1484 for my refurbished 5D Mark II last spring. It has come down in price, if you watch the sales. Canon just had a 20% off refurb sale and it was around $1408. I have seen them on Craigslist for around $1500 and depending on where you live, you could probably find used, although I like refurbed because then it has been looked over by Canon and comes with a 90 day warranty. No issues with mine at about 7000+ clicks (410 clicks when I got it).

[JPlendPhoto]

I wouldn't upgrade the 50mm 1.8 to the 1.4, there are rumors that the 1.4 is going to be replaced. Also it's not much of an upgrade. Keep the 50, it comes in handy now and again.

I agree he shouldn't upgrade the 50 when he could put the cash towards another length prime (like the 85, which may not match up to the 1.2, but I think it's a pretty fantastic lens at the price), but I'd disagree on the 1.4 not being much of an upgrade.  I think the thing is in a whole different league, but I don’t give the 1.8 the credit many do.  I know the Nifty Fifty has something of a cult following, but its only claim to fame is value; and that’s because the lens costs less than a high end UV filter.  I’m fairly certain that the focus ring was designed based off some sort of medieval torture device and the bokeh makes Baby Jesus cry.  I don’t regret upgrading to the 1.4 at all. YMMV.

Ok thanks, I think that is what I will do. I'll stick with my 50mm 1.8 for now.

[RLPhoto]

I really want to go full frame by the end of June as I am the photographer for a wedding at the end of that month, but I am on a very tight budget. I would like to buy the Canon EOS 5D Mark II and the 24-105mm lens; I live in the UK and would like to know the best way/places of getting this camera and lens at the cheapest price possible. Yes I understand this may mean not getting this equipment new.

Thanks very much! 

A 24-105L is a good lens but It wouldn't do weddings well Unless you do alot of flash.

Lets say 2000$ is your budget.

5D2 + 24-105 = 2000$ used.

or

5Dc
24-105
50mm 1.8 + 100 F/2
580 ExII

for about the same used price.

I'd honestly choose the latter setup, but that's just me.

[JPlendPhoto]

I paid $1484 for my refurbished 5D Mark II last spring. It has come down in price, if you watch the sales. Canon just had a 20% off refurb sale and it was around $1408. I have seen them on Craigslist for around $1500 and depending on where you live, you could probably find used, although I like refurbed because then it has been looked over by Canon and comes with a 90 day warranty. No issues with mine at about 7000+ clicks (410 clicks when I got it).

That is a good price! I would like to spend around £900 on the body; I don't think I'll be able to get it much cheaper than that. I live in the UK, South West England, and the problem I have is I would like to see the camera before buying it. If I could get it refurbished from Canon, like yours, I would feel happier because it would have been looked over by them. I have been looking at www.gumtree.com to see if anyone local is selling the 5D Mark ii, but many of them seem to be in London. The only place I can see Canon sell refurbished cameras in the UK is here: http://stores.ebay.co.uk/canon-outlet

Am I right in saying you have both the Canon 135L f/2 and Canon 85 f/1.8 USM? I am considering saving for one of these lenses after I get the body. I am leaning towards the Canon 135L f/2, but then I am not sure if I will use my current 70-200mm f/4 L much if I got this lens. If you don’t mind me asking, out of these two lenses, which one would you recommend?