I'm enjoying a new to me 80D, and a Canon 50 f/1.8 ii for portraits. We also have the 24 f/2.8 and Younguo f/2 when there isn't enough space for the 50. A new friend told me she has the 5D ii, ii, and iv. She said she really loves the 5D ii for skin tone and texture in portraits. It looks like a 5D ii costs about the same as a Sigma 18-35 f1.8 sale price for my 80D. Any feel whether one would be superior for portrait photos?
I didn't expect to consider a body as a direct competitor to a new lens. I figure the 80D may have an edge in really low light recovery, but given decent light, which would be more desirable? I'm very curious what folks with more experience think, since I've never had a FF digital camera.
Hi Kevin,
Whilst I may be a tad biased here I would pick up a 5D Mark II over the 80D. I am still working with them myself and have recently invested in a 3rd body.
A coupe of things that I prefer over any of the X0D range is ergonomics and build. The 5D feels much better and is better laid out for long days of shooting and it is a solid camera build wise.
The sensor just has something about it for skin tones and colour, it's hard to put in to words. The only Canon camera that I have used that beats it in this regard is the 5Ds/sR.
The AF is it's weakness asset but it won't stop you getting the job done. In low light it runs circles around a lot of these fancy new mirror-less bodies when you use the centre point. The outer points will kick your ass though.. they need the SUN as AF assist.
Low light/Noise - Ok it's lagging behind some compared to the 5DIV etc but it still holds it's own upto ISO 3200 and will still take on any of the latest Canon APS-C bodies. For me it's plenty and instead of investing in a £2500+ 5DIV I put money in to faster primes.
As much as I looked at the 5Ds before I picked up the 3rd 5DII I am glad I saved the money for now.
Skin Tones / Colour - It's hard to put in to words. It just has this look. Not like the original 5D look but looks less digital than the 5DIII.
I shoot a lot in studio but I love this sensor in natural light.
Most of the work on my site has been shot with a 5D II. If you want to look at some files give me a shout.
Rick