Just got a trade offer - is it worth it? (5D2+7D vs. 5D3)

[Ew]

I'd be giving up the following:

7D (approx 20k actuations)
5D mk II (approx 12k actuations)
10-22
580exII

In exchange for:
5D mark III
16-35 2.8L (original)

This would leave me with another 580.2, Yungou, and a non EF-S Lens park.

What I love about the 7D - AF, 50fps 720p, FPS, day time reach and IQ
What I love about the 5D2 - low light performance, DOF, ML

I'm not a pro shooter, but run 20-30k shots / year. Mostly people, kids, events, with minimal wildlife and sports.

I'm leaning to saying YES - is it worth it??
Anyone have experience with the original 16-35L ??

Thank you in advanced for your thoughts.

 

[olivander]

Do you use both bodies?! How often do you dump one on your back and have it mounted tele and the other wide so you don't miss a moment.

I think you should look at the utilisation of 2 bodies, and how much difference it makes to you. I used to really be in the state of mind 2 bodies or nothing, but these days, I'd rather just spend the 30 seconds changing a lens. But that's me, I like taking my time getting the shot now rather than rushing it with high FPS.

 

[Ew]

I usually try to carry one or the other, and grab an extra lens or two with me.

When doing some video work, then I've the 600D along as well as zoom, lavs, radio systems, lights, etc.. I've never been crazy about a two body approach (not pro! shooting for $) - so its, 1 body + 2-3 lenses or everythng.

 

[Drizzt321]

If you're not needing the 7d for the crop factor on telephoto lenses or needing 2 bodies to have 2 lenses available at the same time (doesn't sound like it to me), then seems decent. If you use MagicLantern on the 5d2 for video and do lots of video and rely on ML. Gives you a lot more capabilities in video than the 5d3 does, unless you can live without it for a while and find yourself a good condition used 5d2 and pick that up for cheap.

Otherwise, the 5d3 does everything the 7d does plus much better low light capabilities, FPS, IQ, 720p60, and even better AF even in low light. It also gives you a headphone jack if that's important to you for video, although ML isn't running on it. If you don't need ML video that badly, go for the 5d3, it's an amazing stills camera.

 

[Ew]

Does anyone have experience with the original 16-35L ? Is it worth it, or should I try to avoid it?

 

[Drizzt321]

Does anyone have experience with the original 16-35L ? Is it worth it, or should I try to avoid it?

I don't, but maybe you should check out some of the Fred Miranda reviews, or Ken Rockwell's reviews of it.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

I'd skip the deal. I did not see a whole lot of improvement from my MK II to my MK III, so I bought a used 1D MK IV for the same price as the MK III.

I will say that the MK III focused very well in ordinary light, but took its sweet time in low light. The 1D MK IV is not that good at AF in low light either.

I'm thinking of going back to a 5D MK II plus my 7D and wait until prices drop or refurbs come out.

 

[pwp]

I wouldn't go near it. I'd prefer to work with your current kit. The original 16-35 f/2.8 doesn't have a stellar reputation, that's why the MkII version of that lens was so enthusiastically received. You've got TWO excellent bodies there...stay with them. And this is coming from someone who has a 5D3.

BTW, the black focus points on the 5D3 lost shots for me at an important function last night. I love the files, but missed shots are killers. I'm very tempted to do a Mt Spokane, take a hit on the 5D3 and get another pre-owned Mk4. This issue is affecting my business.

I'd concur with Mt Spokane again on 5D3 AF. Stunning in good light, but experience is suggesting the 5D2 is quicker in very low light. I struggled last night in a dim room with the 5D3. The 5D2 would have cut it.

PW

 

[expatinasia]

I also would not take the deal. According to my calculations what you currently have is worth around: HK$ 39810 and what you would be getting is worth around HK$ 37620. But that is not all, you now have the advantage of two bodies, and a good flash.

I would be more tempted to sell one of your bodies and get some new glass.

 

[AAPhotog]

As far as the camera swap, the 7d can be had for 1,000, the 5d2 can be had for about 1800. So in retrospect, you're paying about 2800 for a 3500 dollar body.

 

[RichATL]

As far as the camera swap, the 7d can be had for 1,000, the 5d2 can be had for about 1800. So in retrospect, you're paying about 2800 for a 3500 dollar body.

^^^this

 

[Dylan777]

get the mrk iii with the latest Tech. You will loose some reach, but iq, fps, and 61pts af are great. One less body to carry around.

 

[Ricku]

get the mrk iii with the latest Tech. You will loose some reach, but iq, fps, and 61pts af are great. One less body to carry around.

Cortection. IQ (sharpness, DR, e.t.c) is exactly the same between the 5D2 and 5D3, unless you are into shooting above ISO 3500.

I say skip the 5D3. Improved AF and FPS alone is not worth it.

 

[Tcapp]

get the mrk iii with the latest Tech. You will loose some reach, but iq, fps, and 61pts af are great. One less body to carry around.

Cortection. IQ (sharpness, DR, e.t.c) is exactly the same between the 5D2 and 5D3, unless you are into shooting above ISO 3500.

I say skip the 5D3. Improved AF and FPS alone is not worth it.

Improved AF is not worth it... until you use it.

In other words, yes, it is well worth it!

 

[Dylan777]

get the mrk iii with the latest Tech. You will loose some reach, but iq, fps, and 61pts af are great. One less body to carry around.

Cortection. IQ (sharpness, DR, e.t.c) is exactly the same between the 5D2 and 5D3, unless you are into shooting above ISO 3500.I say skip the 5D3. Improved AF and FPS alone is not worth it.

"Cortection. IQ (sharpness, DR, e.t.c) is exactly the same between the 5D2 and 5D3" ==> Base on what? Let me guess....DP told you ;D

"unless you are into shooting above ISO 3500" ===> So why do you want mrk II AGAIN???

Have you try mrk III yet? Better AF, faster frame rate, and better ISO(low light)...pls don't tell me these features are NOT worth it.

 

[RunAndGun]

I have two MKII's and a MKIII. I love my new MKIII, but I would not take that deal. I've never been a big fan of the 7D(IQ wise), but I think you should hang onto what you have. I also do not have the original version of the 16-35(I have the v2), but most things I have read about it versus the v2 do not cast a favorable light on the original.

So to sum it up, do I think the 5DMKIII is worth acquiring? Yes. Do I think it's worth trading a 5DMKII AND a 7D for. No.

 

[AAPhotog]

get the mrk iii with the latest Tech. You will loose some reach, but iq, fps, and 61pts af are great. One less body to carry around.

Cortection. IQ (sharpness, DR, e.t.c) is exactly the same between the 5D2 and 5D3, unless you are into shooting above ISO 3500.I say skip the 5D3. Improved AF and FPS alone is not worth it.

"Cortection. IQ (sharpness, DR, e.t.c) is exactly the same between the 5D2 and 5D3" ==> Base on what? Let me guess....DP told you ;D

"unless you are into shooting above ISO 3500" ===> So why do you want mrk II AGAIN???

"Cortection. IQ (sharpness, DR, e.t.c) is exactly the same between the 5D2 and 5D3" ==> Base on what? Let me guess....DP told you ;D

"unless you are into shooting above ISO 3500" ===> So why do you want mrk II AGAIN???

Have you try mrk III yet? Better AF, faster frame rate, and better ISO(low light)...pls don't tell me these features are NOT worth it.

Not to mention that it would be an investment(dictated by current market rates). I'd say, make the trade... If you don't like it. Sell it to purchase your old gear again(while gaining a 500 dollar profit)

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

"unless you are into shooting above ISO 3500" ===> So why do you want mrk II AGAIN???

Have you try mrk III yet? Better AF, faster frame rate, and better ISO(low light)...pls don't tell me these features are NOT worth it.

I sold my 3.5 year old MK II and bought a MK III, and do mostly low light shooting. The MK III was not worth it to me. I use center point, and its about the same accuracy as the MK II. IQ is the same up to ISO 6400, and AF on the MK III is slower at higher ISO's, often 3 seconds to turn on the focus light at ISO 6400.

I also have bought a D800 along with some high end lenses which I am trying out. At high ISO's in low light, its worse than both the MK II and MK III, so its going on the block. It is great in good light, nothing can touch it in the price range, but only if you have the best glass, can you get the extra resolution, and just a tiny bit of error in AF, and you lose the advantage. I've had to take a dozen shots to get one that was perfectly focused when using a "D" lens, the gold ring "G" lenses are better. Nikon lenses seem to have the same or even more variability in AF than Canon, and the D800 lets you see that in spades.

I tend to think that 22mp is a pretty good match for most of the current lenses, however there are some that are better, particularly in the Canon lineup. Unfortunately, Canon is also charging a big premium for those. The Canon 100-400mm L is a good reason to use Canon all by itself, there is nothing to touch it in the price range in the Nikon lineup, or third party either.

 

[jhpeterson]

Does anyone have experience with the original 16-35L ? Is it worth it, or should I try to avoid it?

I had the original 16-35 L several years ago. Though it would be the perfect wide lens for travels. Turned out it wasn't nearly as good as the 17-35 and 20-35 L lenses I'd had before, particularly in the corners. Even greatly stopped down, it never really looked sharp. Glad to get the II version, which appears to be a much better performer.
Perhaps I just had a bad copy, but I've heard much the same from several others. I'd definitely recommend you test the lens for yourself and see if you can live with the results before make the trade.
Have both a 7D and 5D2 and found they each have their strong points, as well as weaknesses. I haven't used the 5D3 yet, but I imagine it to be the best of both worlds, so a pretty even or slight plus for a trade, that is unless your preference is for having one more body.

 

[Ew]

Thank you all for your input.

Understanding I would lickely not be happy with the 16-35Lv1, I countered with omitting the lens trade part (10-22 vs 16-35v1) - while I was waiting for a reply, someone picked up the 5d3+16-35v1 for cash. So, did I loose out? No!

And good for me! My current kit suits me well, and I can move forward with a fisheye (which I've been wanting for a long time).

Again, thank you all.