5d Mk III dilemma

[DouglasRC]

I have been holding off on purchasing the 5d MkIII as I wanted the 24-70 f2.8 II as well (hopefully in a kit with the 5d), but the production delays for the lens are making things a bit interesting. I have a 65th Anniversary shoot (just family not for $) at the beginning of September and then a vacation to a spectacular nature and wildlife area afterwards. The price has dropped making it more appealing to purchase now. My dilemma is: should I get the 5d MkIII now or wait until the 24-70 II is available and with any luck bundled with the 5d? I currently have a 60d, EF-S 18-200mm kit lens (obviously doesn’t work on FF), 70-200 f/2.8 MkII, 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS, 580 EXII Speedlight, EF 1.4 III extender. I can make do with this gear for September, but the 5d would be a nice addition, although with no FF lens to cover 24-70mm that is another problem. The 35mm f/1.4L would be one solution, but I was planning on the 24-70 before I moved into any primes. As well, the 35mm is due for an upgrade (although still highly regarded). Also there is the inexpensive 35mm f/2.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

[M.ST]

Wait for the EF 24-70 II. It´s a great lens and outperforms the new Tokina, the old EF 24-70 and the 24-105 IS.

[marekjoz]

I don't know if anybody tries such a way: call Canon (or any serious reseller), tell about your concerns. maybe you could get a discount for lens valued at the price difference between bundle and separate items, when 24-70 II is available
BTW - you cannot be sure if this lens will be bundled with 5d3 by Canon.

[neuroanatomist]

I would not expect Canon to bundle the 24-70 II.  Retailers might do so on their own, of course.

[Random Orbits]

Get the 5DIII with the 24-105 kit.  There are already some deals from authorized retailers that will save you hundreds off list.  Sell the 24-105 when you're ready to upgrade to the 24-70 II, which probably won't be discounted (rebates) until next year at the earliest.

[risc32]

what Random Orbits said, and since i'm a minimalist(not that you could tell from looking at all the junk i have around) i'd sell the crop camera and ef-s lenses as well. unless of course you just want to keep the second camera for operational reasons. otherwise with the 5dmk3 and 24-105f4 i'm sure i'd never reach for the 60d 18-200 combo again. looks like you have a nice kit, have fun.

[TrumpetPower!]

I'd be amazed if the 24-70 II will be sold as a manufacturer kit. I'd also be amazed if buying it as a kit from a reseller like B&H or Adorama would save you more than a hundred bucks or so.

And I have a hard time believing that saving a hundred bucks is really worth the wait for somebody wanting to spend several thousand on a new camera, especially somebody who already has invested thousands in equipment.

The 24-105 is slow, yes, but it's optically excellent, has IS, and has a significantly longer reach than the 24-70. And the 24-70 is only one stop faster, which isn't all that much in the real world.

My advice? Get the 5DIII with the 24-105 kit. If you really need that additional stop, get the Tamron 24-70. The Tamron is better optically than the Canon 24-70 I (which is rightfully a legendary lens), costs half as much as the 24-70 II, and has IS.

Either option gets you the camera in your hands today, which is worth a lot more than a hundred bucks. And, either option will save you a grand over the 24-70 II -- almost enough to get the 35 f/1.4.

Should you regret your decision when the 24-70 II finally hits the streets, no worries. If you went with the 24-105, you'll be able to sell that for at least as much as it cost you to buy it in the kit. If you went with the Tamron, the depreciation will be far less than it would have cost you to rent the lens. Either way, you'll have had the full use of the camera and lens for the period and you'll come out ahead financially.

Cheers,

b&

[bdunbar79]

There are actually some stores in the UK that ARE selling it as a kit

[Dylan777]

I would not expect Canon to bundle the 24-70 II.  Retailers might do so on their own, of course.

I agree with neuro....I DO NOT believe Canon going to put 24-70 mrk II as a kit - with discount.

The expectation for mrk II is high. For $2.5K, I - myself expected this is going to be "THE LENS", same or better as 70-200 f2.8 IS II.

About 5D III + 50mm f1.4 for now- until Sep or Oct 2012 - hopefully there is no more delay from Canon.

[canon816]

Try Adorama.  They often have many kit combos and may do a custom kit.

[iaind]

There are actually some stores in the UK that ARE selling it as a kit

It's a small saving between £25-50 

[DouglasRC]

Wow! Thanks everyone for the great advice. I had ignored the 24-100 because I’m hooked on the 70-200mm f/2.8 Mk II; it is simply amazing. With my 100-400 (great lens by the way), unless the light is perfect I get about 10% keepers. With the 70-200 I get 90% keepers even in poor light. Nevertheless, I see the sense in getting the kit with the 24-100 and I will do that. As many have pointed out, I can always sell the 24-100 if I become enthralled with the 24-70, and then there would be no hurry to upgrade as I will be covered with a good lens. I’m keeping the 60d as a backup (and sell the EF-S lens).
Cheers,
Doug

[Axilrod]

+1 on no 24-70 II/5DIII kit.  There is going to be so much demand for that lens there is no way Canon will be compelled to discount it. 

[pwp]

+1 on no 24-70 II/5DIII kit.  There is going to be so much demand for that lens there is no way Canon will be compelled to discount it.

Right, it'll be years before there is meaningful discounting on the 24-70II. After a number of disappointing 24-70 Mk1 lenses I bought a 24-105 a couple of years ago to see me through until the new lens ships. Surprise surprise! The 24-105 leaves all four of my 24-70 lenses gasping for respectability. It's a 10/10 keeper. Most people are highly satisfied with the 24-105. Just dig around on this list for positive feedback.

As TrumpetPower suggested, go straight out and pick up a kit 5D3 and 24-105 today. You'll love it. And if in the unlikely event the 24-105 turns out to be unsuitable, you'll barely lose a penny on it if you on-sell. Great lenses like this hold their value.

-PW

[Jamesy]

I dug up this old link from PhotoPrice Canada from the first day launch of the 5D3 - it got me excited back then and still leaves me wondering if this kit is for real at some level.

http://www.photoprice.ca/product/03869/Canon-EOS-5D-Mark-III-with-24-70-II-Kit-price.html