Sony A65 to Canon Move - What do you suggest/ recommend?

[KDdof]

To save you some reading I put the full back story after my question.

I am interested in purchasing the 6D for it's low light dominance but I currently don't have the budget for one and still get a quality lens, Canon 24-70 L or Canon 24-105 L. I am currently working with $600 and would like to be comfortable with the new system by mid March.

-I can sell my Sony set up for close to $600-$700 to give me a total of $1200/$1300.
-Or I could keep the Sony gear since I am familiar with it (back up camera) and do more photography and web development between now an march to save up the money for one of these systems.

What do you suggest/ recommend?

I do not have a FF or Crop preference right now, funding limit, but I do know in the long run I want to shoot FF for the “genre’s” I mentioned above.

Canon EOS-1D $430 (used) - Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Lens - $760 (used) - total $1,190 plus tax

5D Mk 2 $1,590 (used) - Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Lens - $760 (used) – total $2,350 plus tax

6D $1,400 (new) - Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Lens - $760 (used) (Add $200 for kit) – total $2,160 plus tax

60D $540(used/new add $100) – Canon 17-55mm f2.8 IS - $879.00 – total $1,419 plus tax

_________________

I currently shoot with a Sony A65 camera and want to make the move to Canon. I am still developing my craft as a photographer and have not selected a specific “genre” but I do know I would like to stay close to business portraits, fashion, products, and maybe some weddings (low-light ability for not being able to use flash is key) areas of photography. I like shooting with natural light but I do have a Canon EX550 (I know I have Sony but it was free so I use it manually with a converter). I also have a set of flashpoint studio strobes.

I’ve been asked today to be a second shooter for a wedding in March of this year, and I also have an upcoming wedding in August of this year. Again, I do not want to be a “wedding photographer” but I am willing to shoot it with art/ creativity, and making the bride and groom happy, in mind.

note – Again, I am a user and would like to get familiar with the new camera system as soon as possible but do not want to waste money so if saving up is your suggestion, I’ll rent a better lens for the Sony for the wedding in March and make the money before August to get the 6D for it’s low light capabilities and a quality L lens.

 

[KDdof]

I forgot to add one thing. I am also considering real estate/ architectural photography.

 

[preppyak]

I do know I would like to stay close to business portraits, fashion, products, and maybe some weddings (low-light ability for not being able to use flash is key) areas of photography. I like shooting with natural light but I do have a Canon EX550 (I know I have Sony but it was free so I use it manually with a converter). I also have a set of flashpoint studio strobes.

Based on those, I'd say your best bet is getting into the flash/strobe game more. Business, fashion, and product photography get infinitely harder if you are relying on natural light; I can't even imagine business and product photography without controlling your light.

In fact, with flash and strobes, you could get by with a 60D for quite some time (I shot an entire wedding with one and never felt lacking with flash). And then when your jobs pay you enough, you can get the 6D and have the 60D as a backup. It makes your intitial lens selection tough though; buying the EF-S lens limits you when you get the 60D. Might be wiser to get a Tamron 17-50 non-VC for cheap ($300ish), get a prime or two, and have those options for full-frame. Focal lengths will depend on what you usually shoot, but the 85mm f/1.8 or 100mm f/2 are good longer primes. They'd work even better with the 6D.

Another camera you missed would be a 5D classic. Probably get it for about the same price as the 60D, and you'd gain a bit of low-light coverage.


But, it is probably smarter, right now, to keep your Sony gear, rent a lens for the wedding, and just be able to jumpy fully into the 6D. Going APS-C before full-frame when you know you want full-frame will end with you wasting money. And it's not like the A65 is incapable of taking good pictures

 

[KDdof]

Thanks for the knowledge Preppyak. I agree with what you suggested.

I do have a 550EX Speedlight (Canon on Sony ) and a set of Flashpoint strobes with a 32" Glow Octobox. For the flashpoints I have one 620M and one 320M. I plan to add another set of strobes or just invest in two additional speedlights in the near future but lens and camera system are my priority.

If I don't have a new system by March I am going to rent some glass.

In the grand scheme how does the 5D classic compare to list? Obviously the 6D is going to be better and the 5DM2 will have an advantage but like you said it would cost about the same as the 60D.

In addition, for the type of photography I have in mind, the A65 can not tether.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

Your budget is pretty low to get good glass and a good body as well.
Is something wrong with the A65? Its fairly modern, and should work fine.

If you want to step up to a low light body, save for a FF body and appropriate lens. Meanwhile, rent a lens for the Sony, or buy a used one that is reasonable enough that you can resell it for a little more than you paid.

 

[KDdof]

There are a few limitations of the A65. One major is the ability to tether. I bought the A65 as an entry level into photography. Since I know I want to switch to a canon system I don't want to invest too much on Sony glass. I received a lot of good information. I know I'm going to want a crop camera in the future as a second camera to the full frame so I'm going to purchase a 60D (used) and either the 24-105 f/4L used, so I can use it on the FF, or the EF-S 10-22. Most likely the 24/105 will be the smarter move and a used 10-22 for wider shots on the crop.

Thanks for your response.

 

[Mr_Canuck]

It sounds like you are rushing to get new gear too soon based on your budget vs goals. I'd stick with what you have a for a while, and I second the idea of renting something for the wedding. Personally, I'd go for a fast 50 if you are the secondary photographer, or maybe even an 85/1.4 (or 16-50/2.8 zoom). You can focus on a certain type of shot, get some beautiful "moments" in addition to the primary standard stuff the other photog will get.

Sounds like you should wait till you have budget for a 6D (good for the shooting you intend) and then get some fast glass (thus more dollars). Stay away from f/4 lenses if you can afford, I think. The strobe gear also sounds like a must (nothing I know much about).

 

[ajfotofilmagem]

Considering that you are dissatisfied with your Sony, and already have a 550EX flash, it seems logical to switch to Canon. In fact, for photos in low light 6D seems a good option, but she asks good lenses like 24-105 or more expensive lenses. I see two paths for you. Or you saves more money for 6D + 24-105mm, or purchase now 60D + 17-55mm. However, if the budget allows, the 70D + 17-55mm set is even cheaper than the set 6D.