Best FF option

[RC]

Mulling over what my best FF option is now that the (pathetic) 6D has been officially announced. I want to add a FF body for landscape, architecture, portrait, and flash work. I would like to get it soon, preferably before year's end, but could wait as long as March 2013 if there is a reason to wait. I consider myself a passionate hobbyist, I do not make any money or plan to from photog. I’m interested in the CR community’s thoughts and suggestions.

Current Gear
- 7D (with low shutter count)
- 16-35 II (less than a year old)
- 24-105
- 70-200 F4 IS (may sell for 70-200 2.8 II)
- 100L
- 1.4 II
- 600EX-RT, ST-E3-RT (plan to add a couple of 440EX-RTs)
- Plan to get a 35L or 50L (waiting to see if a 35L II is going to be announced)

I plan to buy new. I may consider a refurb from Canon but not likely since after shipping and taxes I’m not saving much.


Option 1:
- Buy a 5D3 (got the money but really don’t feel good about spending that kind of money on a body. Besides that would delay some of my other intended purchases. Could wait for a price drop but really don't see it dropping below 3k, don't expect anymore $2750 deals--I'm still suspicious about that.)

Option 2:
- Buy a 5D3 – and sell some gear to help offset the cost.
- Sell 7D – Hate to give up reach. I like to shoot MLB games and have wildlife option.
- Sell 16-35 II and buy a 17-40 (plan to use this lens for landscape at small apertures so soft edges on 17-40 shouldn’t be a problem. BTW, how is the distortion on the 17-40 compared to the 16-35II?)

Option 3:
- Buy a 5D2 now (had ruled this out but now reconsidering). If my crystal ball showed that Canon would release firmware for better RT flash support, this would make this option easier but we all know that’s not going to happen.

Option 4:
- Nothing at this time. Wait and see if Canon decides to build a FF camera between the 5D3 and 6D that their customers actually want as opposed to reacting to Nikon's D600.

Option 5:
- Your suggestion

Right now I’m slightly leaning towards option 3. Thanks as always.

 

[Neeneko]

Second hand 1Ds3? Really nice camera for things like landscape/portrait/architecture.

 

[M.ST]

For stills and landscapes go for a used 1Ds Mark III or new 5D Mark II.

I sold my 5D Mark III because the camera can´t reach the image quality of the 1Ds Mark III and 5D Mark II (from ISO 50 to ISO 800). Speed and AF-System is not all and for landscapes and portraits you don´t need a very high ISO setting. The 1Ds Mark III is the best Canon camera for shooting landscapes and portraits.

Re to: 70-200 F4 IS (may sell for 70-200 2.8 II) => Good choice.

If you have a lot of expensive CF-cards, forget the 6D. It´s a shame that Canon don´t put a CF- and a SD slot in it. It´s also a shame that Canon don´t put 2 CF card slots in the 5D Mark III.

Remember that cameras and lenses are only tools. If you have the skills you only need a perfect composition and the best light you can get. Don´t waste a lot of time with thinking about the gear and do some shots.

 

[DzPhotography]

Get a 6D?

 

[RLPhoto]

Mulling over what my best FF option is now that the (pathetic) 6D has been officially announced. I want to add a FF body for landscape, architecture, portrait, and flash work. I would like to get it soon, preferably before year's end, but could wait as long as March 2013 if there is a reason to wait. I consider myself a passionate hobbyist, I do not make any money or plan to from photog. I’m interested in the CR community’s thoughts and suggestions.

Current Gear
- 7D (with low shutter count)
- 16-35 II (less than a year old)
- 24-105
- 70-200 F4 IS (may sell for 70-200 2.8 II)
- 100L
- 1.4 II
- 600EX-RT, ST-E3-RT (plan to add a couple of 440EX-RTs)
- Plan to get a 35L or 50L (waiting to see if a 35L II is going to be announced)

I plan to buy new. I may consider a refurb from Canon but not likely since after shipping and taxes I’m not saving much.


Option 1:
- Buy a 5D3 (got the money but really don’t feel good about spending that kind of money on a body. Besides that would delay some of my other intended purchases. Could wait for a price drop but really don't see it dropping below 3k, don't expect anymore $2750 deals--I'm still suspicious about that.)

Option 2:
- Buy a 5D3 – and sell some gear to help offset the cost.
- Sell 7D – Hate to give up reach. I like to shoot MLB games and have wildlife option.
- Sell 16-35 II and buy a 17-40 (plan to use this lens for landscape at small apertures so soft edges on 17-40 shouldn’t be a problem. BTW, how is the distortion on the 17-40 compared to the 16-35II?)

Option 3:
- Buy a 5D2 now (had ruled this out but now reconsidering). If my crystal ball showed that Canon would release firmware for better RT flash support, this would make this option easier but we all know that’s not going to happen.

Option 4:
- Nothing at this time. Wait and see if Canon decides to build a FF camera between the 5D3 and 6D that their customers actually want as opposed to reacting to Nikon's D600.

Option 5:
- Your suggestion

Right now I’m slightly leaning towards option 3. Thanks as always.

you can buy a 5Dc for like 500$ on Evil bay or craigslist. Its cheap as chips as still is a great camera and you wouldn't have to sell anything.

 

[RC]

Get a 6D?

Love to know why you recommend a 6D?

 

[bdunbar79]

For stills and landscapes go for a used 1Ds Mark III or new 5D Mark II.

I sold my 5D Mark III because the camera can´t reach the image quality of the 1Ds Mark III and 5D Mark II (from ISO 50 to ISO 800). Speed and AF-System is not all and for landscapes and portraits you don´t need a very high ISO setting. The 1Ds Mark III is the best Canon camera for shooting landscapes and portraits.

Re to: 70-200 F4 IS (may sell for 70-200 2.8 II) => Good choice.

If you have a lot of expensive CF-cards, forget the 6D. It´s a shame that Canon don´t put a CF- and a SD slot in it. It´s also a shame that Canon don´t put 2 CF card slots in the 5D Mark III.

Remember that cameras and lenses are only tools. If you have the skills you only need a perfect composition and the best light you can get. Don´t waste a lot of time with thinking about the gear and do some shots.

I agree with the 1Ds3 being better at low ISO than the 5D3. But the 5D2? That's really weird.

 

[crasher8]

I am so happy to give up my 7D for the 5D3. After all, now I can crop instead of having the .6 extra reach. The high ISO IQ and other benefits outweigh reach any day for me. Sell it. I got what I paid for for mine.

 

[dexstrose]

If you are willing to wait that long, you might as well see what the 6d has in store. Afterwards, you can make a better decision on what Canon full frame camera suits your needs.

We all know what is written on paper, but we do not know how well it will perform in our world. But if you wait too long, you will never get the photo you are looking for with a full frame.

For me, the 6d: Full frame, metering, smaller and a bit lighter for field work, ISO settings, and newer processor appeal to me. Its like a mini 5dIII, or crippled 5dIII.

 

[Gothmoth]

Option 4:
- Nothing at this time. Wait and see if Canon decides to build a FF camera between the 5D3 and 6D that their customers actually want as opposed to reacting to Nikon's D600.

i guess your screwed for at least 2 years if you do so.

the next FF will be a high MP DSLR and that´s it for some time.

i don´t think canon will release another 2000-3000 euro FF DSLR soon.

 

[Gothmoth]

Re to: 70-200 F4 IS (may sell for 70-200 2.8 II) => Good choice.

for portraits sure..

but for landscape i prefer the 70-200mm f4 IS all day.

it´s lighter, much better for hiking etc.
and when do you use such wide apertures ( wider then f4) in landscape photography?

 

[Kmccarthy]

Coming from a 7d, you will only be happy with a 5d III. The 5DII and 6D offer better IQ, but you will miss the advanced AF and handling of the 7d. The 5d III is the best of both worlds. The extra megapixels of the 5dIII will let you crop a bit more so you won't miss the reach of the 7d as much as you think.

 

[TriGGy]

Coming from a 7d, you will only be happy with a 5d III. The 5DII and 6D offer better IQ, but you will miss the advanced AF and handling of the 7d. The 5d III is the best of both worlds. The extra megapixels of the 5dIII will let you crop a bit more so you won't miss the reach of the 7d as much as you think.

I agree - I came from a 7D and more than likely you will be happy with the 5D3. I usually have buyer's remorse when purchasing an expensive item, but that didn't happen with the 5D3 (but that's just me). Once spoiled by the 7D, the harder it is to look for one like it within the Canon range. Transitioning to the 5D3 was not difficult because it is more like using the 7D (except for the 8 fps - but hey, that's why I still hold on to my 7D).

 

[Kernuak]

For stills and landscapes go for a used 1Ds Mark III or new 5D Mark II.

I sold my 5D Mark III because the camera can´t reach the image quality of the 1Ds Mark III and 5D Mark II (from ISO 50 to ISO 800). Speed and AF-System is not all and for landscapes and portraits you don´t need a very high ISO setting. The 1Ds Mark III is the best Canon camera for shooting landscapes and portraits.

Re to: 70-200 F4 IS (may sell for 70-200 2.8 II) => Good choice.

If you have a lot of expensive CF-cards, forget the 6D. It´s a shame that Canon don´t put a CF- and a SD slot in it. It´s also a shame that Canon don´t put 2 CF card slots in the 5D Mark III.

Remember that cameras and lenses are only tools. If you have the skills you only need a perfect composition and the best light you can get. Don´t waste a lot of time with thinking about the gear and do some shots.

I agree with the 1Ds3 being better at low ISO than the 5D3. But the 5D2? That's really weird.

I agree, having replaced my 5D MkII with the MkIII, the MkIII IQ is a match for the MkII at low ISOs and better at high ISOs. The colour rendition is different and for me I prefer it. Purely for landscapes though, the MkIII doesn't offer enough benefits to offset the additional cost over the MkII.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

For MLB games, another option is a used 1D Mark IV. Supurb camera with a 1.3 crop factor. It will blow away your 7D, and can be found in the $3200-$3600 range.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

For MLB games, another option is a used 1D Mark IV. Supurb camera with a 1.3 crop factor. It will blow away your 7D, and can be found in the $3200-$3600 range.
You mentioned FF, but a APS-H is a larger sensor and will go well with your lenses.
Otherwise, just watch for a deal on the 5D Mark III. It will happen within 3 or less weeks.

 

[drmikeinpdx]

I'd say keep your 7D for sports. Since you have that genre covered already, then a 5D II or even a 5D classic would be fine for landscapes and portraits, as long as you don't ask them to focus perfectly at large apertures.

I understand from reviews that the amazing autofocus on the 5D III will allow you to do portraiture at large apertures, but I don't have mine yet to confirm.

Another question is which lenses are required to take advantage of this new autofocus system? If you believe Roger Cicala, only Canon lenses made in the last two years are designed to take advantage of the new system. You may be looking at over $5,500 for a Mark III and one of the new 24-70 II lenses to get true large aperture focus accuracy.

But as others have said, the equipment does not make the photo, you do.

Mike

 

[Jotho]

Get a 6D?

Love to know why you recommend a 6D?

I didn't recommend it, but what would be wrong with it? It's a nicely priced camera with a lot of cool features. At this stage it would be futile to say anything about IQ etc, wait until reviews come out before ruling it out.

 

[Canon-F1]

Get a 6D?

Love to know why you recommend a 6D?

I didn't recommend it, but what would be wrong with it? It's a nicely priced camera with a lot of cool features. At this stage it would be futile to say anything about IQ etc, wait until reviews come out before ruling it out.

please what is nicely priced?

it´s a AF crippled 60D with a FF sensor for twice as much money.

 

[Jotho]

Get a 6D?

Love to know why you recommend a 6D?

I didn't recommend it, but what would be wrong with it? It's a nicely priced camera with a lot of cool features. At this stage it would be futile to say anything about IQ etc, wait until reviews come out before ruling it out.

please what is nicely priced?

it´s a AF crippled 60D with a FF sensor for twice as much money.

Really? And in what way is the AF crippled? I try to see it for what it is as I explained above. I think this camera will sell really well, especially with wifi adding extra functionality. I am certain it will provide great IQ, AF in line with its price range and adding to that Canon's fine lens line up. Neither of us have seen the camera yet so it's quite childish to bash it for qualities or lack of qualities that you don't have any idea of.