2nd Body - your thoughts?

[Dylan777]

Hi guys,
It took me almost 3yrs to accomplish my ultimate goal, to own some of Canon popular lenses: 50L - 85L II - 135L – 16-35L II – 24-70L II – 70-200L f2.8 IS II

To avoid swapping lenses, I’m thinking getting 2nd body to pair it up with my 5D III.

My thoughts:
1. I’m 100% sure that I DO NOT want crop sensor. I want to shoot in low light without flash

2. I’m @ 60% on 1D X – due to high price tag, size, and I’m not shooting anything @ extremely fast.

3. I’m @ 80% on 5D III – just perfect for my needs.

4. I’m @ 90% on 6D – due to lower price tag. The price tag between 6D Vs 5D III is $1500 -$1700 dif. That $ can be easily go to my next DREAM lens, 400mm f2.8 IS.

My setup: all my f2.8 zoom lenses will go with 5D III for general shooting – more likely just 24-70 II. All my prime lenses will go with 6D for close up, portrait and still shots - more likely 85L or 135L.

Would love to have your inputs, especially from 5D III & 6D owners

Thanks
Dylan

 

[Loswr]

I'd get the 5DIII (or the 1D X). The better AF will be beneficial - especially with fast primes you'll want the f/2.8 crosses that the 6D doesn't have. Also, if you're carrying two bodies and switching between them as you shoot, ergonomics is important - having the same controls is preferable, rather than switching from the normal xD dial+joystick controls to the 60D-like dial of the 6D.

 

[jdramirez]

I'd get the 5DIII (or the 1D X). The better AF will be beneficial - especially with fast primes you'll want the f/2.8 crosses that the 6D doesn't have. Also, if you're carrying two bodies and switching between them as you shoot, ergonomics is important - having the same controls is preferable, rather than switching from the normal xD dial+joystick controls to the 60D-like dial of the 6D.

that is true about the knowing the controls by heart. I had a 60d and someone would ask about adjusting a t3i and it was like I never used an slr in my life.

having said that, if you do separate the duties, I think the 6d will be more than sufficient as a portrait camera.

 

[RLPhoto]

Another 5D3 will just add to the muscle memory your probably built already. To me it's seemless to work with them as a pair.

 

[paul13walnut5]

If you want to avoid swapping lenses surely you'll need another 5 bodies? 6 if you get your 400mm?

 

[tron]

I would get the 5DMkIII for the same handling and performance. it's better to have same bodies especially such good ones (such as 5DMkIII)

 

[theobdt]

I would go with another 5D MkIII or an 1Dx. I use the 5D MkIII and 1Dx and the menus are almost identical and the autofocus is the same. The only thing with shooting with the 1Dx it makes me want another one.

 

[distant.star]

.
Since I'm Jack Benny Cheap, I automatically lean toward the 6D. However, I'm using a 5D3 with a T2i backup now. And I resent every time I put a good lens on the T2i. I want every good lens on the 5D3!

The points made here for another 5D3 are good ones. I don't know if they're $1500 good, but I'd really have to think about it. If things like the AF performance start getting it into your head that using the 6D is a big compromise, you may not be happy.

I think if I were going to buy a second body today, I'd find a way to make it the 5D3.

 

[bvukich]

I'd get the 5DIII (or the 1D X). The better AF will be beneficial - especially with fast primes you'll want the f/2.8 crosses that the 6D doesn't have. Also, if you're carrying two bodies and switching between them as you shoot, ergonomics is important - having the same controls is preferable, rather than switching from the normal xD dial+joystick controls to the 60D-like dial of the 6D.

that is true about the knowing the controls by heart. I had a 60d and someone would ask about adjusting a t3i and it was like I never used an slr in my life.

having said that, if you do separate the duties, I think the 6d will be more than sufficient as a portrait camera.

Lol... I've had the same experience. Going from my 5D3 to my old 60D isn't too bad, probably because I used the 60D for a couple years exclusively, but a couple months ago someone handed me a rebel asking for help. I just stood there for about 15 seconds staring at it before I even hit the first button. The person probably thought I had a stroke or something

 

[Dantana]

I can't weigh in on any of those bodies specifically, since I don't own one yet, but I can tell you that Canon online has the 5DIII in stock refurbished for $2799.

 

[sunnyVan]

Hi guys,
It took me almost 3yrs to accomplish my ultimate goal, to own some of Canon popular lenses: 50L - 85L II - 135L – 16-35L II – 24-70L II – 70-200L f2.8 IS II

To avoid swapping lenses, I’m thinking getting 2nd body to pair it up with my 5D III.

My thoughts:
1. I’m 100% sure that I DO NOT want crop sensor. I want to shoot in low light without flash

2. I’m @ 60% on 1D X – due to high price tag, size, and I’m not shooting anything @ extremely fast.

3. I’m @ 80% on 5D III – just perfect for my needs.

4. I’m @ 90% on 6D – due to lower price tag. The price tag between 6D Vs 5D III is $1500 -$1700 dif. That $ can be easily go to my next DREAM lens, 400mm f2.8 IS.

My setup: all my f2.8 zoom lenses will go with 5D III for general shooting – more likely just 24-70 II. All my prime lenses will go with 6D for close up, portrait and still shots - more likely 85L or 135L.

Would love to have your inputs, especially from 5D III & 6D owners

Thanks
Dylan

While swapping lenses is a hassle sometimes, I suspect carrying two cameras would be even clumsier and makes your shooting experience less enjoyable. How about the weight? You may potentially solve one problem while creating another. Maybe you could borrow any camera from a friend and see how it feels carrying two cameras on a shoot. If it works for you, get the 6D for shooting portraits and landscape. Personally I think only wedding photographers must carry two cameras. That's just my opinion.

 

[Deleted member 7828]

I, too, wanted a backup for my 5D3. I could afford a second 5D3, but couldn't justify the price premium when I had its features already. So I decided to go with the 6D. I think although the two cameras are somewhat different in operation, they actually complement each other really well.

- With the 6D, there is NO difference in image quality. You get the same, stunning IQ in a smaller, lighter package. High ISO is just as good...perhaps even a hair better at the extremes.
- For casual/travel photography - mostly walk around, macro work and some event photography- The 6D's AF is more than adequate for a lot of that type of work. Whenever it isn't...well, the 5D3 is sitting right there...
- The difference in size and weight is noticeable. It isn't Rebel-size but it is relatively compact without feeling cramped. Easier to manage for long periods of time.
- some other minor things not really worth mentioning.

This combo suits me quite well...YMMV.

 

[jsexton]

Canon Refurb

http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10051_10051_309850_-1

and if you have another old canon laying around you can see if you can get the Canon Loyalty Program (866)-443-8002 (call them for details) to kick in more of a discount off the refurb price. It's still got a 90 day warranty with Canon and since it's a backup/secondary camera I think it would suit your needs quite well.

 

[Dylan777]

Would love to have your inputs, especially from 5D III & 6D owners

Thanks
Dylan

Thanks everyone for your feedbacks

 

[distant.star]

While swapping lenses is a hassle sometimes, I suspect carrying two cameras would be even clumsier and makes your shooting experience less enjoyable. How about the weight? You may potentially solve one problem while creating another. Maybe you could borrow any camera from a friend and see how it feels carrying two cameras on a shoot. If it works for you, get the 6D for shooting portraits and landscape. Personally I think only wedding photographers must carry two cameras. That's just my opinion.

I think practice doesn't support your opinion.

First, there are very sophisticated systems around for carrying two cameras. And personally, I've never understood the "extra weight" argument. If carrying three of four extra pounds for a few hours is too much, perhaps you need to lose some weight. Lose five pounds and then you'll never notice the second camera you're carrying.

Most photojournalists I know and see customarily carry two bodies -- usually one with a wide lens and one with a 70-200 or similar.

Experienced event shooters often carry two bodies, sometimes one with flash, the other without.

I shot a surprise birthday party recently and without two bodies I could not have simultaneously captured both the crowd reactions and the celebrant coming in the door -- ultrawide on a tripod aimed at the crowd (remote triggered) and a 35mm on the other. Then for the rest of the event I switched to a 35mm with flash for candid and posed group shots and a 135 for unobtrusive, longer and more personal portraits types.

Except for street photography or just out walking around, I'm using two bodies most of the time these days.

It's a lot more versatile and much easier and more convenient than constantly swapping lenses.

 

[bdunbar79]

My vote is the same camera as your backup, unless you can't afford it. Exact same menus, exact same everything. If you had a pair of 5D3's, each with a battery grip, you'd be all set.

 

[Vossie]

Interesting discussion.

My primary thought would be that it is also attractive to have 2 bodies with different features: e.g. A high fps lower MP body for action and a lower fps higher MP body for landscapes. Or a crop body for more reach and a ff for better IQ.

If the 7D2 is a long the line that's being rumored, I think that would be my choice for a 2nd body: more reach and higher fps would give me something to complement my 5D3 rather than to diplicate it.

Does that make any sense to you?

In that line of thinking, you could consider the 1DX (or a used 1D4 if aps-h is acceptable to you). Slightly lower MP, but much faster fps and even better ISO performance. (But heavier and quite a bit more expensive as well).

For pro's I can understand the advantage of identical bodies as the image files will be the same from both cams.

 

[Dylan777]

While swapping lenses is a hassle sometimes, I suspect carrying two cameras would be even clumsier and makes your shooting experience less enjoyable. How about the weight? You may potentially solve one problem while creating another. Maybe you could borrow any camera from a friend and see how it feels carrying two cameras on a shoot. If it works for you, get the 6D for shooting portraits and landscape. Personally I think only wedding photographers must carry two cameras. That's just my opinion.

I have missed many close-up shots for not having 2nd body.

With 2nd body, I'll mount 85L, 135L or 70-200 f2.8 IS for close up shots which will be strapped to my RS7. The primary body will be hand held with 24-70 f2.8 II.

 

[Dylan777]

Interesting discussion.

My primary thought would be that it is also attractive to have 2 bodies with different features: e.g. A high fps lower MP body for action and a lower fps higher MP body for landscapes. Or a crop body for more reach and a ff for better IQ.

If the 7D2 is a long the line that's being rumored, I think that would be my choice for a 2nd body: more reach and higher fps would give me something to complement my 5D3 rather than to diplicate it.

Does that make any sense to you?

In that line of thinking, you could consider the 1DX (or a used 1D4 if aps-h is acceptable to you). Slightly lower MP, but much faster fps and even better ISO performance. (But heavier and quite a bit more expensive as well).

For pro's I can understand the advantage of identical bodies as the image files will be the same from both cams.

I can't speak for future, but I will stay away from crop sensor for now. I doubt 7D II will out perform 5D III in term of low light, regardless what new sensor might be.

1D X is a dream body, but I don't shoot anything fast and the price tag is really high. I would rather spend more money into my next lens 400mm f2.8 IS

 

[Dylan777]

My vote is the same camera as your backup, unless you can't afford it. Exact same menus, exact same everything. If you had a pair of 5D3's, each with a battery grip, you'd be all set.

Another $3200 on 5D III should not be a BIG problem