lens vs. body

[sdsr]

I would be inclined to suggest a third option: unless you do a lot of fast action photography, instead of deciding between 5DIII and 70-200 2.8 II, why not split the difference and get a 6D + 70-200 f/4 IS or 70-300L? Or, as a fourth option, what about renting for your trip? I wouldn't worry too much about learning a new camera on your trip - it's not as though you're considering switching from Canon to Nikon....

 

[cid]

In the overlapping range (112-200), the 70-200/4 IS which you own already would perform better on FF, than the 70-200 II on the 60D, see for example this: http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=404&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=4&API=1&LensComp=687&CameraComp=736&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=2&APIComp=0

You lose the reach but gain the "wide end" plus noticeably better IQ and you gain even about 1/3 stop more light.

I do not own 70-200 f/4 IS, in fact my longest glass is my 100mm L IS macro

I would be inclined to suggest a third option: unless you do a lot of fast action photography, instead of deciding between 5DIII and 70-200 2.8 II, why not split the difference and get a 6D + 70-200 f/4 IS or 70-300L? Or, as a fourth option, what about renting for your trip? I wouldn't worry too much about learning a new camera on your trip - it's not as though you're considering switching from Canon to Nikon....

I'm bit worried about only one cross type AF point in 6D, but yes 70-200 f/4 IS is still a valid option
about renting, well I'm not planning to buy lens for trip, but I'm planning to buy lens because of trip there (lower prices) and I would like to keep it after

... in a few weeks I'll be travelling to US, we are planning to have a road trip starting in NY. And I'm thinking about upgrading my gear (since EU lens prices are insane)...

HA! me too

cool, I hope to see some nice photos after the trip!

 

[Pi]

I do not own 70-200 f/4 IS, in fact my longest glass is my 100mm L IS macro

Sorry, I confused you with another poster.

I'm bit worried about only one cross type AF point in 6D, but yes 70-200 f/4 IS is still a valid option
about renting, well I'm not planning to buy lens for trip, but I'm planning to buy lens because of trip there (lower prices) and I would like to keep it after

That one cross type is much better than the center on the 60D, not to mention MFA. The off-center ones might not be worse, despite the specs (format differences matter). But for tracking, the 60D would be much better.

 

[Vivid Color]

cid, you asked where to buy in the DC area. There are two places I can recommend: Calumet with 3 stores in the area and Ace Photo. Calumet has a store in downtown DC within a few blocks of the Gallery Place exit on the DC Metro's (what they call our subway here) Red Line. Calumet also has stores in Tysons Corner, Virginia and Rockville, Maryland. Ace Photo is located in Ashburn, Virginia, which is about 30 miles from downtown DC. I've bought from both stores, although more from Calumet. Both have knowledgable staff. And, for the most part, their prices are about the same. With one big exception: at least some of the San Disk SD cards sold at Ace are much higher in price than the same ones sold at Calumet. I would call or email either store first to make sure they have what you want in stock or so they can get it in stock before you arrive. And, +1 regarding the suggestion by others for considering the 6D.

 

[michael6liu]

From my personal experience, I would say go for the lens. The leap in photography I got from using 100-400L instead of 55-250 far exceeds that of T1i to 7D.
6D is also a very valid option IMHO. The center AF is really not bad. I say this after shooting an IndyCar event with a 6D and 70-200 f2.8 II.

 

[fatshark]

In DC, the Calumet that is downtown (near Gallery Place metro stop) also rents gear. Consider picking up the 70-200 on rental for a day and try it out. Or rent both the 5D3 and the 70-200 and mix-match for a day before buying. You can reserve ahead of time to ensure they have the gear you want when you want it.

In NYC, B&H Photo has been an outstanding source of information and service is excellent.