Thinking of downgrading my 5d3 system

[madmailman]

My old kit was the 7D with 17-55 and then my wife got me the 5D3 with the 24-105. I also have a G12 as my "point & shoot" for things like dinner parties and other times I don't want to lug the SLR. Well since getting the 5D3 I never want to go back to the 7D af again. I also don't know exactly where my G12 is anymore. The 5D3 with either the 40mm pancake or my nifty fifty is my new point and shoot.

Don't get rid of the 5D3 you will always regret this. Take some of the other advice here, especially with regards to the telephoto end. Get yourself one of the smaller primes, they are not expensive and more versatile than you think.

 

[markhbfindlay]

I have just upgraded to a 5diii (I already had the 24-105) from 7d, which I sold, but kept my 550d (t2i) + 15-85 as it's good for going away with, also 60 2.8 macro and 55-250 zoom as these are light and good quality. I also have (boo hiss) a panasonic g3 which great when cycling. All my L lenses where bought used (and the pany with 14-140 lens). So I have 3 kits. I think you're better off getting a cheaper lightweight kit rather than selling your fabulous 5d3 and lenses, which are unequaled in quality. Any of the lightweight option suggested by others could be good. Have a great time whatever you decide...

 

[smithy]

I think what you haven't mentioned, which has a lot of implications, is when you bought all that kit, what did you intend to do with it? What style of photography and where? And why do you feel you are not able to do it? Is it solely the weight?

+1. This is what I'd like to know too. Was it just a situation where the OP had a lot of money and just wanted to own a pro camera, or was there a creative objective and the 5D3 was the best tool for the job?

 

[christianronnel]

Classic case of buyer's remorse. You've already spent the money, just try to be happy with the decision. I don't wait for something t go on sale nor I'm a professional and can claim all my purchase as business expense. So I can empathize with you, but what's done is done. Depending on when you purchased each of the items, you may just end up getting the same amount of money to buy the said "downgrade" gear.

IMO, all the advice here regarding selling the 70-200 and the flash makes sense and you'll be able to get almost the same amount you paid for them. I agree with you about the 70-200 not being travel friendly. It's not a lens I would use unless I'm getting paid to get the shots. I don't feel very creative with it. After you sold the 70-200, try sitting on your hand before pulling the trigger on 70-300L. See if you need anything else other than your 24-70.

Buy one or a couple of $50 Yongnuo 560 to replae the 600RT. They are manual only but the challenge to think about adding speedlights as your key lights would get you back on the creative process.

I added the EF85mm lens to my system so I don't have to lug the 70-200 around for portrait shoots but I still kept it for the occasional event jobs. I'm thinking about selling it to get a couple if tele primes like the 135L or the 85L.

 

[AJ]

Don't even think about a 6D. It's just as heavy.

Sell all your stuff. Get a T4i, 15-85 IS and 100/2 or 100/2.8 IS.

Simplify. Enjoy the lightweight and great IQ.

 

[nismohks]

keep the 5d3 and keep the 24-70II

however, downgrade the 70-200 2.8 IS II to the 70-200 4IS to save a significant amount of weight and the 1 stop difference is often easily afforded by the 5d3 with an ISO bump and/or noise reduction in post. this is precisely why i havent gotten the 70-200 2.8 IS II as i go overseas a bit and dont want to lug heavy gear around. my 70-200 4IS does the job perfectly whilst remaining relatively discrete and in a very manageable packaging and is still weather proof

600 you can also change for a used 430 if you dont need the power, or a yongnuo ttl flash if you wanna save on cash but dont mind the size.

40 pancake with the 5d3 is actually a pretty powerful combo for street shooting and are really quite cheap now. if you can find a used one, then even better and if you dont like it, you can sell it for as much as you paid used for it too

 

[East Wind Photography]

Keep it all. In my opinion, photography is purpose built. Meaning I use the gear I need to for the shots I'm taking. For example, if I'm shooting wildlife, I prefer the long lens and the 5DIII. For skiing, I use a pocket camera, mainly a panasonic. Sometimes my macro gear sits in the bag for a year but I'm glad I have it when spring comes around.

So my point is, as soon as you unload your gear, you will certainly find yourself missing that equipment. I wouldnt sell, trade in, just because you find yourself too busy at this time to make good use of it.

 

[FunPhotons]

I've thought the same as you periodically*. Usually it's a sign that I haven't been shooting. I mean, what happens is I take the gear out and shoot, have a wonderful time, then forget about it until the next time I neglect the photography.

Something I've done to alleviate the problem is to have a couple of side setups, so I have a S100 and a Fuji X100. I don't like having this much gear, I'd much prefer having one setup, but this way I've got a setup for every circumstance, with the benefit that while the big DSLR doesn't get out all the time, at least I'm cycling through my gear and keeping it going.

* Ironically enough I consider going on this board and asking the same question!

 

[RLPhoto]

The mk3 is not the problem, the problem is those heavy 2.8 zooms which the 70-200L weights about 4LBs.

That's one reason I've come to love small, light primes. 24L + 50 1.4 + 135L are fantastic to carry. If you want mobility and lens speed, try some small primes.

 

[EvilTed]

The 24L II is almost as heavy as the 24-70 II
I have sold all my primes because most of them are not as sharp or focus as accurately as either the 24-70II or the 70-200II (I have both).
As I recommended, keep everything and maybe invest in a good tripod system and use the MK3 primarily with this.

As FunPhotons said (and I'll reiterate), maybe it's just the big DSLR thing that bugs you (I know it bugs me).
I have a 40mm pancake, but I still don't think that a DSLR is much fun to lug around the streets.

A Fuji will slow you down, change the way you take photographs and inspire creativity in ways only old film cameras and Leica's can.
You can get the XE-1 with the 28-85mm IS lens for $1400, which is about the price of a prime lens.
FWIW, they are also due to announce the successor to the X100 on Monday and it's supposed to include Focus Peaking.

I know I reach for one of my Fuji's 99% of the time and considered selling all my Canon gear, but the money is spent and you will just lose it if you downgrade or add new stuff to it. That will just lead to a cycle of more remorse.
A 6D is not going to be any better than the 5D MK3 in this respect.

Also, the 5D MK3 is good for tracking fast moving subjects and the combination of 24-70II and 70-200II is probably all you need for capturing your growing family.

This is something the Fuji isn't good at.
I have a 19 month old daughter, so I kept my Canon setup for her.

I also think you'll be pleasantly surprised when you get images as good (or better) than your 5D MK3 from such a small, cheap package.

Anyway, I've been there recently and my advice is don't sell it and don't add to it.
Just try a different approach to your photography and see what happens.

ET

 

[RLPhoto]

86 oz for 24-70 2.8 + 70-200 2.8 zooms vs 56 oz for 24L + 50mm 1.4 + 135L

The speed gain vs weight & versatility. That almost two pounds shed in weight.

 

[Marsu42]

Just try a different approach to your photography and see what happens.

The op has stated this different approach: Carry less weight & size and have more fun, it seems to me that would also exclude juggling multiple primes even if that'd cut some weight, too.

Selling the gear of course comes at a loss of functionality and money, but if the result is more fun with photography it should be worth it - the op should have bought mid-range gear in the first place, see how his usage patterns and skills develop and then step up instead of being talked into buying "the best" (= most expensive & heavy) pro-oriented gear right away.

 

[ishdakuteb]

my suggestion for you is not to downgrade since you will lose decent amount of money when downgrading. if you really need cash, then sell your 24-70mm II to get 24-105mm...

 

[alan e]

Hi
I understand the weight issue !! (as i'm 60 and have been reducing the weight of my gear !)
firstly if you don't need 2.8 then.....
70-300L IS is an excellent lens i own it !! (just about every owner raves on it)
24-70 F4 L IS is obviously going to be a good lens
24-105L IS is a cheaper alternative its a good lens with extra reach over the 24.70 BUT..
beware of the barrel distortion at 24mm (i own it !!) but lightroom takes care of that
Optically and sharpness you will be giving up very very little by changing lenses ..go for it !!

5d3-60D don't know that i'd do that yet ..(wait for 6D +24.70 F4 IS IF !! ones comes out ??)....you do save 200g on weight tho by going to 6D ...your call !!

 

[mb66energy]

I have been considering selling my setup

5d3
24-70 2.8 mkii
70-200 2.8 is mkii
Cf cards
600 exrt speedlite

To get a 6d
24-70 f4 is
70-300l
Newer speedlite 430ex ii replacement

I just spent thousands of dollars this year and have hardly used the gear. When I do its for candids or vacations. I wonder if I am wasting the money and should sell it to downgrade to something more enthusiast level and cheaper. Also it's just so much to lug around. Just not sure and wanted some opinions.

I have a simple procedure:
I bought the 5.6 400mm lens for 1200 EUR.
Estimated time of usage: 20 Years.
Price per year: 60 Euro,
price per day: 16 ct.

Compare it to other expenditures (my data as example):
electricity: 1 Euro per day
natural gas: 2,50 Euro per day
Gasoline: 2,50 Euro per day
Health Care: 12 Euro per day
Food and Drinking: 5-10 Euro per day (some sort of health care

Use good gear as long as possible and enjoy it ... and do a little bit math!

Best Michael

PS(edit): Others proposed it to: convert the 70-200 2.8 into a 70-200 4.0 IS or non-IS - I have the non-IS, it is lightweight, compact and most importantly makes great photos and combine it with the 40/2.8 which has great image quality but transforms my 40D into a fat but compact camera!

 

[picturesbyme]

Just try a different approach to your photography and see what happens.

The op has stated this different approach: Carry less weight & size and have more fun, it seems to me that would also exclude juggling multiple primes even if that'd cut some weight, too.

Selling the gear of course comes at a loss of functionality and money, but if the result is more fun with photography it should be worth it - the op should have bought mid-range gear in the first place, see how his usage patterns and skills develop and then step up instead of being talked into buying "the best" (= most expensive & heavy) pro-oriented gear right away.

This.

and...

1. what do I shoot?
2. what's the minimum gear I need for that?
.
.
3. if I'm awesome at it and my skill hits the ceiling I UPgrade...

 

[jp121]

The weight is a huge factor. I have tried many straps to help me carry the 5D3 around. I finally got around to buying the BlackRapid Curve. AND WOW! what a difference.

The 5D3 plus 70-200 2.8 II was finally easy to carry. Plus it hangs around hip level, so it becomes discreet. When it's around my neck everyone comments about the size of the lens. But around the hip, no one noticed.

I recommend you try the BlackRapid Curve with a small lens. Go 'classic', ie photograph with a normal prime. The normal prime will force you to be more creative and think it terms of framing to get the shot.

Then decide whether to jump ship.

 

[crasher8]

I sold my 24-70 for a 24-105 and I use it a TON more. No More Bricks

 

[KKCFamilyman]

Just try a different approach to your photography and see what happens.

The op has stated this different approach: Carry less weight & size and have more fun, it seems to me that would also exclude juggling multiple primes even if that'd cut some weight, too.

Selling the gear of course comes at a loss of functionality and money, but if the result is more fun with photography it should be worth it - the op should have bought mid-range gear in the first place, see how his usage patterns and skills develop and then step up instead of being talked into buying "the best" (= most expensive & heavy) pro-oriented gear right away.

Just to clarify

I had a t2i then 60d then 5d3 24-105 combo then same body and 2 2.8 zooms.

I simply love the camera just maybe since its winter I just don't find myself using it as much maybe I will strap a 35mm prime and see how the weight fairs out then also I think I will see what gets annnounced this month. It is not like I cannot use the features I love the 2.8 dof isolation my zooms bring. Especially when your grabbing your kids in a crowd or low light.

 

[bdunbar79]

The problem with selling current gear always, is that you will have a net loss in money because you won't ever sell it all back at or more than what you purchased. You probably could, but with what you have, it's not likely.

You already bought the stuff. Whether you need it or not, it's not entirely relavent, because you already have it. The gear is great so my personal opinion is that you should just keep it and use it when you can. If you sell and purchase other gear, you can only lose money from where you are now.