1Dx or lenses

[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.

 

[Deleted member 42026]

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

 

[Chris_prophotographic]

Agreed, something unique in lenses is nice like a 24mm TS-E.

 

[photokid]

I don't need anymore holidays thanks, the money isn't surplus, it's to be spent on photography.

Don't know what happened to my 500px account, but I've republished some portraits that were missing.

The 24TSE was a consideration, but I'm more of a people guy and its tricky to use for portraits, if I was planning on more landscapes etc I'd have one.

The 200 f/2 well I'd love one, but that's the same price in UK as a 1DX and I could only afford that if I sold my 5D3.

If I could find one for just over £3k Gbp I'd have one in a heartbeat.

 

[CreationHeart]

Currently have 5D3, 8-15L, 35L, 50L 100L 70-200L II I have a couple of EX 600’s and the radio trigger.

I saw this post and couldn't resist not to respond, so I registered an account here. LOL

Lenses:

You've got really great set of gears. 50L is a super portrait lens! I really want to get one but I simply have many other gear priorities. I shoot a lot of portraits with my 85L and 135L but I do miss the "standard" look. IMO 50mm gives a very editorial look for fashion and documentary work. I could shoot entirely with one single 85L or 135L, and guess same goes to 50L. 35L is a good environmental portrait lens, so if you like to include a lot of surrounding in your shot, 35L and 50L will be the ones to go, especially indoors! 24L is too wide for portrait.

Camera body

I bought a 5D3 March this year but thought I would need a 2nd camera body for wedding work, so I bought the 1Dx. But foremost, it was my new passion in wildlife photography that pushed me to spend extra bucks on a 1D body. For portraits and weddings, I think 1D is a bit overkill. It's got much better AF tracking in AI Servo mode. The colour come out from LCD screen also look better using AWB.

You situation

As other forum members have pointed out, you have a little gap in your lineup. If I intend to do more events and flash fashion shoots I would go for a 24-70 II. Your wide angle is lacking as well, fisheye maybe too wide? If you do landscape you do need a proper wide angle zoom or perhaps a 24L, 24-70L. And 14L if you wanna go for more extreme perspectives, but then again you've got the fisheye.

If I were you
Our photography area evolves, our style evolves hence our gears evolves. If I were you, I would keep your current lineup. Practice shooting in 35mm and 50mm more, perhaps get a 85L. To be honest, 135L has superb bokeh, but my 70-200LISII's versatility totally wins, the bokeh is not as dreamy, but I can live with it. 135L has been out of my camera bag for a long time now (could also due to the change in my photography interests). I would get a 200/2 or 300/2.8 if I shoot a lot fashion work and need to isolate backgrounds, and given my new passion in wildlife 300/2.8 will probably go into my bag so supplement my new 500L. = )

cheers,
Felix

 

[photokid]

Thanks Felix, some sound advice, I'll let you know what I decide.

 

[SJTstudios]

Lenses, the 24 l and the 85 l are awesome, get them !!!!!!!!!

For the 135 however, you may start questioning the existence of your 100 macro. I have the 100 macro, when I went on vacation with my uncle, he loaned me his 135l and his 135 2. I liked the 135 for the distance, because I use a rebel now, but I never wanted to put on the macro anymore. So when I stopped carrying it around, and leaving it at the hotel, I never had the is, the macro, or the range.(granted I had a 50mm). Maybe save the extr grand and put it towards the next 135mm, rumors are it will be 1.8 and have is! Maybe even a 17-40 would work well, or a second hand 300mm f4, used lenses, or cheap zooms are nothing to be embarrassed of as long as they improve your photography. Or, you cod buy a s**t load of accessories.

 

[Marek Truchlik]

Waw, but it depends what are you taking pictures of.

If no wild life, sport and reportage it is not really necessary to own 1DX. It is huge body.
I have 5D III gripped and because I use it with heavy lenses (300 and 500) it is more convenient for me. Since 1DX was announced I have never seriously considered to buy 1D series body. Now it is different story.

Just like a month ago I had same dilemma lenses vs 1DX and I have decided that I will buy lenses instead and will wait maybe for new 7D II, what image performance will bring.

Same as you I´m buying 85L and 135L (have 24L already but not 35L) so I suggest same to you get more lenses.

 

[SJTstudios]

Wanna know what, get all 3 lenses, only primes give you a different unique perspective of things, and the 24 will be great (I understand why the 35 seems a bit oof, it's an awkward focal length, but the length is useful none of the less), the 85 1.2 l ii........well....you know....., and the 135, it's great, you may even love it so much that you sell the 70-200 for a newer 135<200 intermediate telephoto prime.

So if anybody from canon is reading this, make these
135 1.8 is
150/175mm f2 l (is maybe)

Sorry about before, I was just a bit jealous that you have all this great glass at your disposal, but I know you appreciate it very much.

 

[symmar22]

To be a bit brutal, if you need to ask if you should buy a 1Dx, then you probably don't need it. You already have one of the best DSLRs on the market, I don't see what a 1Dx would add to your portraits. But it's your money, and of course you spend it the way you want.

Even your glass collection is quite OK, the only gap I see is in the wide angle department (the fisheye is a bit of a specific lens). I would add a 24mm 1.4 II or 24-70mm f2.8, the 135mm f2, and the 85mm f1.8 (unless you absolutely want a red ring on all your lenses).

You'll be better equipped than a lot of pros for portrait.

 

[rpt]

To be a bit brutal, if you need to ask if you should buy a 1Dx, then you probably don't need it. You already have one of the best DSLRs on the market, I don't see what a 1Dx would add to your portraits. But it's your money, and of course you spend it the way you want.

Even your glass collection is quite OK, the only gap I see is in the wide angle department (the fisheye is a bit of a specific lens). I would add a 24mm 1.4 II or 24-70mm f2.8, the 135mm f2, and the 85mm f1.8 (unless you absolutely want a red ring on all your lenses).

You'll be better equipped than a lot of pros for portrait.

+10 x 100 x 10000 x 100000000 x 10000000000000000 x 100000000000000000000000000000000 x 10000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 or thereabouts...

My belief is that the less you have, the more you innovate.

Unless that is not your goal...

BTW, that number is > a googol