sanj said:
Yeah, I thought the same thing...
1. Get a 6D!
2. Ooops, the EF-S lenses won't work...
3. Get a 70D!!
4. OK, that works.
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Lens as a gift. Non Photographer buying... :)
- Thread starter seanter
- Start date
Yeah, I thought the same thing...
1. Get a 6D!
2. Ooops, the EF-S lenses won't work...
3. Get a 70D!!
4. OK, that works.
The Canon 60D refurbished is selling for $406.99 at Canon Direct. It would be a step up from the older Rebel she is using. It has a better view finder than the Rebels and has the articulating screen. It is a larger body that supports the larger lenses very well. At the current price you can also get a refurbished lens of your choice like a fast prime or the 100mm "L" Macro. The 100mm Macro "L" is selling for $709.99 refurbished. A refurbished Canon and lens combined would be $1100. That is money well spent. Both are fantastic products. I have both and they are a great combo for macro shots in the garden as well as portraits.
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No offense to other posters but if you get a camera, avoid the 60D, get the 70D. I own the 60D, 70D and 7D2 and the 60D sensor wasn't that great. (Same sensor as the 7D.) 70D sensor is much better. In fact, the entire camera works better including the handy touch screen, faster fps, better AF, etc.
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RustyTheGeek said:
The 60d sensor is a bit better than the 7d1 (less banding), but for the ergonomics alone it would be a great step up from an older Rebel if the budget is tight. But of course the 70d is a very good all-around choice as it's basically a downgraded 7d1. So when in doubt I'd rather go 60d+new lens like the bare 70d if the budget is maxed out for a while.
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No offense to the above poster. Using that logic if price isn't a consideration why not get her the 5D3 and a 70-200mm f2.8 L version 2 to go with it. The 5D3 has a better sensor, better AF, higher resolution, less noise and it's full frame. It is all depending upon how much bang you want for your buck or in this case buck$. You can get two 60D's for the price of one 70D. Saying the 60D sensor "wasn't that great" is to say anything "better" makes everything else "Not that Great." Hasselblad has a fix for that comparison for around $25k. It makes every canon sensor "Not that Great."RustyTheGeek said:
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How often does someone give a technical/gear related gift to a person in a field they know little about and that giving experience turns out well?
I would much rather be given a hand written note and a gift card expressing the sentiment and let me do the choosing.
I would much rather be given a hand written note and a gift card expressing the sentiment and let me do the choosing.
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Unless you know exactly what she's looking for, I'd say a BIG -1 on buying a new body.
If she's currently using a Rebel from several years ago, there are just too many options to just make a wild guess about what she would want.
I would offer my +1 to the B&H gift card idea. Even though gift cards tend to be considered impersonal, the specificity of a gift card from a camera store makes it more personal and also keeps her from feeling she has to pretend she really likes something that wasn't the best fit for her.
If she's currently using a Rebel from several years ago, there are just too many options to just make a wild guess about what she would want.
I would offer my +1 to the B&H gift card idea. Even though gift cards tend to be considered impersonal, the specificity of a gift card from a camera store makes it more personal and also keeps her from feeling she has to pretend she really likes something that wasn't the best fit for her.
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When I do a gift like this -- I usually put a photo of one or two items in the an envelope or a box, along with a Gift Card, or a 'promise to pay" note, and then get feedback from the person directly.
Personally, some family have given me items "They thought were GREAT' for me. But unfortunately, the ME side knew it was not the right fit or the right use. The sentiment is great, and the thought is great, but the best way on something this expensive is "gift image of it" or ASK ... For example: The best EF-s lens in the Canon collection has no value for a Full Frame camera...
Personally, some family have given me items "They thought were GREAT' for me. But unfortunately, the ME side knew it was not the right fit or the right use. The sentiment is great, and the thought is great, but the best way on something this expensive is "gift image of it" or ASK ... For example: The best EF-s lens in the Canon collection has no value for a Full Frame camera...
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Twostones said:
Twostones. Dude. Chill. The 70D is $300 more than the 60D and it's the current model. Black Friday sales will likely produce a better price on both models. I simply gave my opinion based on my actual use. It's up to the OP to decide what's best. I'm not sure why you mention $5000+ (or $25K) worth of extreme out of range stuff on my choice of 3 words to describe a sensor. My point is simply that if one is going to spend $700, why not spend $300 more and get a more up to date camera that works better? And BTW, the 70D was also suggested by many others. No need to freak out, it's not that big of a deal.
70D = $999 http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Digital-Camera-Body-Only/dp/B00DMS0GTC
60D = $699 http://tinyurl.com/m8fj9zb
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RustyTheGeek said:
Chill Rusty. I'm not freaking out. The 60d can be had refurbished for $406 from Canon direct. It is a step up from a rebel. The 70D refurbished is $909 from Canon direct. I am talking bang for buck here. The 70D is twice the cost plus $100 more than one 60D with the, as you describe, "wasn't that great" sensor. I prefer to use my math when making comparisons. Why spend full retail when you can get the same as new 60D with warranty for much less. I just went further using your logic and your comparison. You should reread my first sentence that says, "No offense to the above poster." After all what you and I are doing here is making a recommendation to another person. In addition I would ask her what she would like as a gift. By letting her choose you can determine her needs and give her time to do research. We all know making “Her” happy is the goal here. Now go have a Snickers.
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Hi Sean,
I'd recommend either the canon 85 1.8 or a canon/sigma 50 1.4. You said she works at a school and likes shooting indoor candids. To me on a crop sensor bodie with either of those lenses would be perfect for that. The 85mm would give you about 136mm and the 50mm would give you 80mm. Both of those are great focal lengths and are perfect for portriats IMO. I really wish I'd got those lenes earlier on. You could go with a 24mm or 35mm but for feeling the frame of a person with a candid I like more focal length so I can stay back and hopefully they don't realize the camera is pointing at them. That's just what I like though. I like feeling the frame with there facial expression and emotion.Of course if she wants a wider perspective a 24mm or 35mm are great. I'd go for the 85 1.8 first. Second choice would be the 50mm. The 85mm is also decent for a hobbyist shooting indoor sports like a school basketball or volleyball game since it focuses very fast. That fast focus comes in very handy for candids of kids too. As for the 100mm macros I have the L and its a great lens for macro or portriats but a little slow indoors if it's fairly dark.
As for camera bodies I think she'd be blown away with the 70d coming from a 6 year old Rebel. It's a wonderful camera. If you can swing it with the 18-135 is stm that'd be a great all around lens for her and pretty good for video!
I'm sure she'll be happy with whatever you get her and the effort you've put in!
Ryan
I'd recommend either the canon 85 1.8 or a canon/sigma 50 1.4. You said she works at a school and likes shooting indoor candids. To me on a crop sensor bodie with either of those lenses would be perfect for that. The 85mm would give you about 136mm and the 50mm would give you 80mm. Both of those are great focal lengths and are perfect for portriats IMO. I really wish I'd got those lenes earlier on. You could go with a 24mm or 35mm but for feeling the frame of a person with a candid I like more focal length so I can stay back and hopefully they don't realize the camera is pointing at them. That's just what I like though. I like feeling the frame with there facial expression and emotion.Of course if she wants a wider perspective a 24mm or 35mm are great. I'd go for the 85 1.8 first. Second choice would be the 50mm. The 85mm is also decent for a hobbyist shooting indoor sports like a school basketball or volleyball game since it focuses very fast. That fast focus comes in very handy for candids of kids too. As for the 100mm macros I have the L and its a great lens for macro or portriats but a little slow indoors if it's fairly dark.
As for camera bodies I think she'd be blown away with the 70d coming from a 6 year old Rebel. It's a wonderful camera. If you can swing it with the 18-135 is stm that'd be a great all around lens for her and pretty good for video!
I'm sure she'll be happy with whatever you get her and the effort you've put in!
Ryan
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slclick said:
I think this advice makes sense if the recipient has more knowledge on the topic, if not, maybe making the decision for her would be one of the nicer aspects of the gift.
I think you are on the right track with the Sigma 18-35 f/1.8. I have a Sigma 50MM 1.4 on a full frame camera, and the 35MM on your camera should give you a very similar feel, with the bonus of a fairly wide angle zoom. The shallow depth of field you get from such a lens really has a magical quality and can take one's photography to a new, more artistic level. If a future upgrade to a full-frame sensor like the 6D is a possibility, another option would be the Sigma 35MM f/1.4 Art, that is a glorious lens, and would do absolutely astonishing things with your wife's current Rebel.
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Twostones said:RustyTheGeek said:
Chill Rusty. I'm not freaking out. The 60d can be had refurbished for $406 from Canon direct. It is a step up from a rebel. The 70D refurbished is $909 from Canon direct. I am talking bang for buck here. The 70D is twice the cost plus $100 more than one 60D with the, as you describe, "wasn't that great" sensor. I prefer to use my math when making comparisons. Why spend full retail when you can get the same as new 60D with warranty for much less. I just went further using your logic and your comparison. You should reread my first sentence that says, "No offense to the above poster." After all what you and I are doing here is making a recommendation to another person. In addition I would ask her what she would like as a gift. By letting her choose you can determine her needs and give her time to do research. We all know making “Her” happy is the goal here. Now go have a Snickers.
No sweat Twostones. I understand what you're saying. I just put the retail prices out for comparison. I buy refurb stuff all the time. But when it comes to giving a gift, I figure gifts to wives are usually better new so I linked to new items. In fact, the prices are irrelevant since upcoming sales will undoubtedly cause those prices to change drastically.
I also agree with other posters that it's also a good idea to do the gift card romantic offer to buy a gift after the fact to be sure the perfect gift is arrived at with input from the wife.
Having owned and used both cameras, if the OP wants a good camera before or after the fact, I think the 70D would be the best camera choice to give as a gift. I agree that the 60D might be a good deal but I wouldn't give a four year old discontinued camera as a gift to my wife, refurbished or otherwise. Perhaps as a compromise, with the wife's input, buy the refurbished 70D (like I did for about $815 in August) when it goes on sale at Canon or other authorized refurbished outlets. I'm sure there will be some great holiday deals in the next couple weeks on both new and refurb 70D cameras. (I doubt the deals will be as good for the 60D.)
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Wow, lot's of advice for the OP to ponder.
This gear is expensive, if you aren't sure, then some kind of creative way to give her a "coupon" for a lens and/or shopping spree makes a lot of sense.
I'll offer one more caveat. I'm guessing that the 6 year-old Rebel predates the 18 MP sensor of the T2i/T3i/60D/7D bodies. If true, then a new body will be a huge improvement. But, if the OP's wife hasn't been keeping up with EOS body lineup (and doesn't follow CR), she may not realize the benefit until she tries a new one out.
Speaking from experience, I came from the world of film. My 8 MP Rebel XT was a huge improvement with it's "high" ISO of 1600. All I thought that I wanted was a new lens. With the film mindset, there's little difference in bodies. But, in the digital world, the body (or sensor) can make a big difference. It wasn't until I tried a friend's T2i with another friend's 70-200 f2.8 Mk I that I realized what I was missing. My camera bag hasn't been the same since.
When I ultimately upgraded to FF, I looked at lenses differently. Those "L" lenses that are good on crop, are fantastic on FF. So, if FF could be in the wife's future, make the leap now. Of course, I'm making some presumptions on budget.
I would advise the OP to look into the pricing of a 70D and the 6D to assess which one may be in the ballpark budget-wise. Then, however he presents the gift to his wife, make it clear that it's ok to spend the money for whatever body is in his budget.
Incidentally, I would also highly recommend Canon's refurbish store for refurbished bodies. I bought my 7D from them and have been very pleased with the purchase. I like knowing that the body was fully tested by Canon before being sold. They now offer a 12 month warranty.
This gear is expensive, if you aren't sure, then some kind of creative way to give her a "coupon" for a lens and/or shopping spree makes a lot of sense.
I'll offer one more caveat. I'm guessing that the 6 year-old Rebel predates the 18 MP sensor of the T2i/T3i/60D/7D bodies. If true, then a new body will be a huge improvement. But, if the OP's wife hasn't been keeping up with EOS body lineup (and doesn't follow CR), she may not realize the benefit until she tries a new one out.
Speaking from experience, I came from the world of film. My 8 MP Rebel XT was a huge improvement with it's "high" ISO of 1600. All I thought that I wanted was a new lens. With the film mindset, there's little difference in bodies. But, in the digital world, the body (or sensor) can make a big difference. It wasn't until I tried a friend's T2i with another friend's 70-200 f2.8 Mk I that I realized what I was missing. My camera bag hasn't been the same since.
When I ultimately upgraded to FF, I looked at lenses differently. Those "L" lenses that are good on crop, are fantastic on FF. So, if FF could be in the wife's future, make the leap now. Of course, I'm making some presumptions on budget.
I would advise the OP to look into the pricing of a 70D and the 6D to assess which one may be in the ballpark budget-wise. Then, however he presents the gift to his wife, make it clear that it's ok to spend the money for whatever body is in his budget.
Incidentally, I would also highly recommend Canon's refurbish store for refurbished bodies. I bought my 7D from them and have been very pleased with the purchase. I like knowing that the body was fully tested by Canon before being sold. They now offer a 12 month warranty.
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seanter said:
The two lenses you mention are not zoom lenses, so if you are looking for Mid Zoom, they are not. Perhaps she is looking for a prime lens with a fixed focal length. 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, or maybe 100mm? I've learned not to assume.
On a crop Camera, around 30-35mm is a normal range, so a mid zoom might run 28-75mm, and she has that. You need to get a better understanding of what she wants.
If there is a weakness in the lenses you listed, it is the 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS. A 70-300mm L would be a huge improvement, but its a longish zoom on a Rebel.
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Hi,
You're right - I meant Prime Tele. And I suppose I'm getting at a need for faster action at low light. Does that make sense?
I appreciate all the comments - and am leaning towards a new 70D at this point. I do understand that bodies are a personal choice, but knowing the wife as I do, she'll never buy one unless I force the issue. I'd rather do a return for something else than a gift cert. The real question then, at this point, is will a 70D be enough, or should I do the 70D and a lens.
Thanks
Sean
You're right - I meant Prime Tele. And I suppose I'm getting at a need for faster action at low light. Does that make sense?
I appreciate all the comments - and am leaning towards a new 70D at this point. I do understand that bodies are a personal choice, but knowing the wife as I do, she'll never buy one unless I force the issue. I'd rather do a return for something else than a gift cert. The real question then, at this point, is will a 70D be enough, or should I do the 70D and a lens.
Thanks
Sean
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The increase in technology with a 70D will be significant. Everything will improve in a very noticeable way. AF, Low Light Performance, Feature Set and even something as simple as turn-on time. This means that the lenses she already has will likely be able to work better and produce better images. I would probably wait until the 70D has seen some time with all the lenses before another lens purchase is considered. At that point you'll have a better idea which lenses are winners and which ones might be able to be sold to help fund another lens.
You will probably be able to find some great deals this week on the camera, SD cards, etc.
If you decide to get her a 70D, I would highly suggest at least a couple new SD cards that are larger and faster. The file sizes produced will be larger and the faster fps will also mean more shots are likely to be taken during a given shoot. Avoid eBay deals and be careful on Amazon as well. (I buy most of my cards and stuff on Amazon or NewEgg, just read the reviews.) UHS-1/600X should be fast enough. Get at least 32GB and maybe even 64GB if video will be a common use. There are many good brands but I've had good luck with Transcend, PixelFast, WinTec, etc. Sandisk and Lexar are the flagship brands and the prices reflect that. Since I'm an IT guy, I look at this stuff a little differently than most others. Regardless of brand or seller, I simply test all my cards after I get them to make sure there are no bad sectors.
http://sosfakeflash.wordpress.com/2008/09/02/h2testw-14-gold-standard-in-detecting-usb-counterfeit-drives/
Extra batteries are also a good idea. There are two sides to the battery debate on this forum, OEM and Aftermarket. I'm afraid I fall on the aftermarket side. I've never had a problem other than Canon's recent firmware follies where the camera can sometimes nag you if you aren't using a genuine Canon OEM battery. Personally, I've used the Wasabi batteries (link below) and they've worked fine the hundreds of times I've relied on them so far.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0049XGNKK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Keep us posted on how things turn out! It's always fun to get a new camera and even more fun to give one!
You will probably be able to find some great deals this week on the camera, SD cards, etc.
If you decide to get her a 70D, I would highly suggest at least a couple new SD cards that are larger and faster. The file sizes produced will be larger and the faster fps will also mean more shots are likely to be taken during a given shoot. Avoid eBay deals and be careful on Amazon as well. (I buy most of my cards and stuff on Amazon or NewEgg, just read the reviews.) UHS-1/600X should be fast enough. Get at least 32GB and maybe even 64GB if video will be a common use. There are many good brands but I've had good luck with Transcend, PixelFast, WinTec, etc. Sandisk and Lexar are the flagship brands and the prices reflect that. Since I'm an IT guy, I look at this stuff a little differently than most others. Regardless of brand or seller, I simply test all my cards after I get them to make sure there are no bad sectors.
http://sosfakeflash.wordpress.com/2008/09/02/h2testw-14-gold-standard-in-detecting-usb-counterfeit-drives/
Extra batteries are also a good idea. There are two sides to the battery debate on this forum, OEM and Aftermarket. I'm afraid I fall on the aftermarket side. I've never had a problem other than Canon's recent firmware follies where the camera can sometimes nag you if you aren't using a genuine Canon OEM battery. Personally, I've used the Wasabi batteries (link below) and they've worked fine the hundreds of times I've relied on them so far.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0049XGNKK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Keep us posted on how things turn out! It's always fun to get a new camera and even more fun to give one!
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Seanter
I didn't read everyone's advice.
I didn't need to to throw my vote in.
I would upgrade the body before anymore lenses.
Just the t5i would be a good leap. The new 7D II would be an ever bigger leap.
Like the jeweler we husbands go visit this time of year, they indirectly ask you to put a value on your love. Maybe it's time she had a 5D III and a nice 24-70mm f/2.8 II. She will be set and so will you (for a while)
I didn't read everyone's advice.
I didn't need to to throw my vote in.
I would upgrade the body before anymore lenses.
Just the t5i would be a good leap. The new 7D II would be an ever bigger leap.
Like the jeweler we husbands go visit this time of year, they indirectly ask you to put a value on your love. Maybe it's time she had a 5D III and a nice 24-70mm f/2.8 II. She will be set and so will you (for a while)
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