BUY 5d MkII now or WAIT for 5d MkIII????

[steven63]

If they sit on a 5DIII and continue producing the 5DII, then:


•people considering buying a 5DII would buy a 5DII

Exactly. Canon will also consider the ramifications of sitting on technology that Nikon would release. Certainly, Canon photographers who have tons of cash invested in lenses wouldn't switch BUT...potentially NEW photographers coming onto the scene would look at who offers the best products...and if all Canon offers up is a camera with 4-5 year old technology while Nikon just released something far better by not playing the game Canon was playing....

If Nikon were to jump way out in front because Canon sat back on 5dMii sales the results of that decision could be potentially devistating simply because they would likely miss out on the bulk of those new photographers. Remember, Canon can't ignore the new photographers and assume that recycling their current customer base will sustain them.

It really isn't a game Canon wants to play. They'll release their best stuff when their best stuff is ready to be released and not a minute later.

 

[chuckjr]

WAIT for 5d MkIII

My vote is to wait for the mark III.

I sold my Mark II last week because after a few months of using my 7D I became increasingly frustrated with the mark II for stills (I don't shoot video).
The focus points on the 5D are a joke compared to the 7D and I tended to waste a lot of frame real estate out of fear of using the waker focus points. This was my biggest grip with the mark I too.

My goal is to buy a second 7D (I need a backup as this is what I do for work) and sell it when the mark III comes out. I know the 7D will hold it's value compared to a Mark II once the new version comes out.

I really miss the full frame but if I need full frame for a job I'll suck it up and rent a mark II. My fingers are crossed that we get an announcement in the next couple months.

 

[UncleFester]

Sure, if you can get closer to the subject or use a longer lens, instead of having to crop, the 5DII will produce better IQ. But that's from a reductionist standpoint - the IQ will be better assuming the 5DII can accurately focus and track the subject if motion is involved, and that the frame rate is adequate to capture 'the moment'. Here's a shot with my 7D that would have been a real challenge for a 5DII, perhaps too much of a challenge:

That's just it. I've had to learn the art of sneaking up on wildlife this past year and praying they hold still. But,for me, it's been more to do with how to make the most out of a full-frame (scene) rather than just chopping out what looks good.

 

[aldvan]

Re: WAIT for 5d MkIII

I sold my Mark II last week because after a few months of using my 7D I became increasingly frustrated with the mark II for stills (I don't shoot video).
The focus points on the 5D are a joke compared to the 7D and I tended to waste a lot of frame real estate out of fear of using the waker focus points. This was my biggest grip with the mark I too.

My goal is to buy a second 7D (I need a backup as this is what I do for work) and sell it when the mark III comes out. I know the 7D will hold it's value compared to a Mark II once the new version comes out.

what a pity! we could exchange our cameras! I'm quite disappointed by the fact that my 5D MkII is incomparably better than my 7D and if a MkIII wasn't on the final approach, I will trade my 7D for a seconfd 5D MkII body!

 

[Loswr]

Re: WAIT for 5d MkIII

I'm quite disappointed by the fact that my 5D MkII is incomparably better than my 7D

"Incomparably better?" Ever tried to shoot a bird in flight or a toddler running towards you with AI Servo on your 5DII? Tried shooting small birds from a substantial distance, without the benefit of a 600mm lens? Tried capturing 'the moment' in a quick action series with less than 4 fps? I have, and I've been disappointed with the 5DII in those situations. Yes, from a pure IQ standpoint the 5DII's sensor is better - but that's only true if the rest of the system allows you to get the shot, and there are situations where the 5DII just doesn't make that easy. IMO, it's about using the right tool for the job - I suspect Canon feels that way, too, and that's why even at the top end they offer two flavors of the 1-series, geared toward different primary applications.

 

[meinthai]

I've been waiting for 6 months to upgrade my (antique) 350D to a full frame sensor. I've got a trip to Mongolia coming up and desperately wanted a better camera. I just brought a 5D Mk1 on eBay to see me through. So happy with the improved IQ over the 350D, and the full size sensor .

Got it in USA for $1,000 + postage, but I live in Thailand where they're going for $1,350 2nd hand. So I think that when the Mkiii comes out the price in Thailand will drop to what I paid in the USA and I should make my money back, or at least come close

Got a good deal on 16-35 Mk2 also

 

[aldvan]

Re: WAIT for 5d MkIII

I'm quite disappointed by the fact that my 5D MkII is incomparably better than my 7D

"Incomparably better?" Ever tried to shoot a bird in flight or a toddler running towards you with AI Servo on your 5DII? Tried shooting small birds from a substantial distance, without the benefit of a 600mm lens? Tried capturing 'the moment' in a quick action series with less than 4 fps? I have, and I've been disappointed with the 5DII in those situations. Yes, from a pure IQ standpoint the 5DII's sensor is better - but that's only true if the rest of the system allows you to get the shot, and there are situations where the 5DII just doesn't make that easy. IMO, it's about using the right tool for the job - I suspect Canon feels that way, too, and that's why even at the top end they offer two flavors of the 1-series, geared toward different primary applications.

neuroanatomist, you are right and I'm sorry... Whenever I posted my disappointment about 7D vs 5DMkII, I always wrote 'in MY range', and this time I forgot to do so... The situations you presented are not my situations, at least not my usual situations. As I reported many times, for my typical situations (architecture, landscape and macros), I focus with just the central point, to be able to choose the exact point to be sharp. I'm not saying, for that reason, that the 7D is not a beautiful and better camera, in its range, but that in a lot of situations the quality of 5DMkII overperforms the 7D's...

 

[Loswr]

Re: WAIT for 5d MkIII

for my typical situations (architecture, landscape and macros), I focus with just the central point, to be able to choose the exact point to be sharp. I'm not saying, for that reason, that the 7D is not a beautiful and better camera, in its range, but that in a lot of situations the quality of 5DMkII overperforms the 7D's...

Absolutely - and that's why I use my 5DII for portraits, landscapes, architecture, and macro work.

 

[docrender]

I think Canon somehow decide to completely move to mass-product market instead of PRO. Basically it means they will shrink down most of the innovation in PRO area. Models we have now could be most advanced DSLR - cameras they ever made. We definitely wont see anything significantly new from Canon this year related to High End products.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

I think Canon somehow decide to completely move to mass-product market instead of PRO. Basically it means they will shrink down most of the innovation in PRO area. Models we have now could be most advanced DSLR - cameras they ever made. We definitely wont see anything significantly new from Canon this year related to High End products.

Lots of people complain that Canon is ignoring the consumer lenses and concentrating on the high end pro lenses. The new 300mm f/2.8, 400mm f/2.8, 500mm f/4, 600mm f/4, 70-300mm L, and the 8mm-15mm L are all PRO lenses and recently released or announced. There is allso a 200-400mmL zoom in development.

While all this happened, Canon changed the paint job on the 18-55mm IS and the 55-250mm IS consumer lenses.


As far as new bodies, lots of people have spotted test models of new high end cameras being tested in the field. I do not think that all of this means they are abandoning the PRO market, just the opposite.

 

[docrender]

Well, they definitely NOT abandoning PRO market They just don't care much about it!

Where is my damn 5D mark III or NEX FS - 100 competitor !?
No matter what it will be released next day after I buy 5D mark II ha - ha - ha!

 

[chuckjr]

Re: WAIT for 5d MkIII

I wouldn't call them (5DMII and 7D) equals. plus I'll have $500 in my pocket after buying a 7D.

don't get me wrong there are a lot of features the 5D is better than the 7D - for me the color and ISO isn't on the same level as the 7D. But the focusing issues on the 5D are what prompted the sale of the 7D.

I sold my Mark II last week because after a few months of using my 7D I became increasingly frustrated with the mark II for stills (I don't shoot video).
The focus points on the 5D are a joke compared to the 7D and I tended to waste a lot of frame real estate out of fear of using the waker focus points. This was my biggest grip with the mark I too.

My goal is to buy a second 7D (I need a backup as this is what I do for work) and sell it when the mark III comes out. I know the 7D will hold it's value compared to a Mark II once the new version comes out.

what a pity! we could exchange our cameras! I'm quite disappointed by the fact that my 5D MkII is incomparably better than my 7D and if a MkIII wasn't on the final approach, I will trade my 7D for a seconfd 5D MkII body!

 

[chuckjr]

Re: WAIT for 5d MkIII

Before i bought the 5DMII my previous bodies were a 30D and 5DMI, so up until i used the 7D and it opened up my eyes to what focusing should be like i didn't know better. I was beginning to think i needed a 1D series body but it looks like canon finally listened to all of us that don't need a 1D series camera. Fingers crossed for the 5DMIII.

color and clarity wise (not too mention the loss of frame "real estate") the 5dMII produced a better quality photo. But for me when i miss a shot because of focus, none of that matters.

for my typical situations (architecture, landscape and macros), I focus with just the central point, to be able to choose the exact point to be sharp. I'm not saying, for that reason, that the 7D is not a beautiful and better camera, in its range, but that in a lot of situations the quality of 5DMkII overperforms the 7D's...

Absolutely - and that's why I use my 5DII for portraits, landscapes, architecture, and macro work.

 

[IllegalFun]

I am sitting here waiting...
I could buy a 5dMk2 but I need to sell my 17-55 f/2.8 IS, as it is an EF-S lens...

my problem is that I can't afford to actually replace that lens!
I am now stuck, as I have started reading rumours.... uh-oh the slippery slope is waiting!
my problem is that my head is telling me, wait until you can afford a complete replacement
(5DMk2 + 17-40L + 50 f/1.4)
but... my head then tells me you know a 5DMk3 could be announced tomorrow and you could end up kicking yourself!

I am now tempted to switch my 17-55 for a 17-40L in preparation and swap my 50 f/1.8 for the f/1.4 USM
but again my head tells me... they might release a lens with the 5D3

Arrrgh, this is killing me! I am turning schizophrenic, next I will be hopping around and talking about "My Preciousssss!"

 

[dstppy]

I am sitting here waiting...
I could buy a 5dMk2 but I need to sell my 17-55 f/2.8 IS, as it is an EF-S lens...

my problem is that I can't afford to actually replace that lens!
I am now stuck, as I have started reading rumours.... uh-oh the slippery slope is waiting!
my problem is that my head is telling me, wait until you can afford a complete replacement
(5DMk2 + 17-40L + 50 f/1.4)
but... my head then tells me you know a 5DMk3 could be announced tomorrow and you could end up kicking yourself!

I am now tempted to switch my 17-55 for a 17-40L in preparation and swap my 50 f/1.8 for the f/1.4 USM
but again my head tells me... they might release a lens with the 5D3

Arrrgh, this is killing me! I am turning schizophrenic, next I will be hopping around and talking about "My Preciousssss!"

Like everyone says: buy it if you need it. Money-wise unless something crazy happens that causes tings to skyrocket, the more mileage you can get out of an existing body, the better off you are.

Right now does happen to be a good time to sell the 50mm f1.8; if you were careful about catching a deal/watching the price, you could probably pick up the f1.4 ~$375 -- watch Amazon/Newegg for promos etc.

The only thing you can really do wrong at this point (since you're determined to go FF) is to buy any more EF-S lenses . . .

 

[-zero-]

I am sitting here waiting...
I could buy a 5dMk2 but I need to sell my 17-55 f/2.8 IS, as it is an EF-S lens...

my problem is that I can't afford to actually replace that lens!
I am now stuck, as I have started reading rumours.... uh-oh the slippery slope is waiting!
my problem is that my head is telling me, wait until you can afford a complete replacement
(5DMk2 + 17-40L + 50 f/1.4)
but... my head then tells me you know a 5DMk3 could be announced tomorrow and you could end up kicking yourself!

I am now tempted to switch my 17-55 for a 17-40L in preparation and swap my 50 f/1.8 for the f/1.4 USM
but again my head tells me... they might release a lens with the 5D3

Arrrgh, this is killing me! I am turning schizophrenic, next I will be hopping around and talking about "My Preciousssss!"

Hi,

I might not entirely understand your situation but the 17-40L on a FF will be a poor substitute for your 17-55 (unless of course you shoot landscapes)

the 5DII can be sold with a 24-105L that will replace your 17-55 more adequately (17-55 on APS-C is equivalent to 27.5-88 on FF)

The 17-40 is an amazing lense but its going to be much wider and have a lot less reach than your 17-55 on aps-c (10.6-25mm)

I hope this helps

 

[Loswr]

The 17-40 is an amazing lense but its going to be much wider and have a lot less reach than your 17-55 on aps-c (10.6-25mm)

That's not the way it works. You're saying the 17-40mm on APS-C is equivalent to 10.6-25mm (i.e. 17-40 / 1.6)?!? No. Focal length is a property of a lens, independent of the camera, and the numbers printed on the lens are the focal length(s). So a 17-40mm overlaps the 17-55mm for the entire range up to 40mm, i.e. on APS-C the 17-55mm delivers a FoV comparable to 27-88mm on FF, and the 17-40mm delivers a FoV comparable to 27-64mm.

Personally, I wouldn't call the 17-40mm an amazing lens on FF. It's a landscape lens...decent when stopped down to f/8 - f/11 or so, but wide open it's pretty mushy. I would not recommend the 17-40mm for a crop body.

 

[IllegalFun]

My thinking was that I could get a wide-angle zoom for landscapes, a 50mm prime for low light and wider apertures (f/1.4-f/4) and keep the 70-200 f/4 IS for portraits and longer landscapes...

I am still tempted to get the 24-105 kit though, as it would save me money in the long run...
I am going to have to check out the serious reviews regarding the 17-40L and the 24-105...

does 17-40, 50, 70-200 sound crazy? to me it sounds like it pretty much covers the focal length range for landscapes and architecture...

 

[Loswr]

My thinking was that I could get a wide-angle zoom for landscapes, a 50mm prime for low light and wider apertures (f/1.4-f/4) and keep the 70-200 f/4 IS for portraits and longer landscapes...

I am still tempted to get the 24-105 kit though, as it would save me money in the long run...
I am going to have to check out the serious reviews regarding the 17-40L and the 24-105...

does 17-40, 50, 70-200 sound crazy? to me it sounds like it pretty much covers the focal length range for landscapes and architecture...

17-40 + 50/1.4 + 70-200/4 IS is a great combination if you need the ultrawide angle of the 17-40mm. But the 24-105mm on FF is an excellent lens, and very versatile.

24mm on FF is wider than 17mm on APS-C, so unless you find yourself wanting to go a lot wider on your APS-C body (e.g. you have/want the EF-S 10-22mm), you might try the 24-105mm. Optically, it's better than the 17-40mm, and the IS is very helpful. Also, if you're buying a new 5DII (and presumably the MkIII as well), the 24-105mm as a kit lens is a great value - $800 for the lens as part of the kit, which is 30% less than the lens alone.

 

[IllegalFun]

Interesting...
I looked into the 17-40, and for landscapes and architecture it is ok (at f/8 to f/16) but for normal use it would be limiting...
and I think the difference between 24mm and 28mm(equiv) is big enough for me!
I am now going to save up for the 5DMk2 with 24-105...
if I sell my 17-55 + hood for about £600 then the 24-105 kit will be the same price as body only...
about £1750 which will take a month or two to organise... :'(

Thanks to those who helped, especially neuroanatomist