Thinking of downgrading my 5d3 system

[rj79in]

Considering you are into candids, you can also sell the 70-200 2.8 II and buy the 135L which is a very good portrait lens (I'm planning on getting one myself having used it in the past few days).

If you really need the zoom, I suggest you sell the f/2.8 and get a f/4 (IS or without IS) and comfortably shave off the extra 800 gms or so.

 

[5D2-shooter]

I’ve owned various EOS models for years and have been using a 5D2 for a while so I can sympathise about weight and bulk.

For me the obvious recommendation is to get rid of the 70-200L f2.8. These lenses may be great optically but they are ridiculously heavy and bulky. Who wants to walk around on a family holiday, for example, looking like a paparazzi ? Keep the 5D3 and the other zoom for now. You'll lose too much money if you sell them and the difference compared to a 6D is not worth the trouble. Maybe buy one of the cheaper primes. Buy a Micro 4/3 camera. With CES here and various new models coming out, the old ones will be discontinued and go on sale. Wait for a bargain opportunity and splash out. Last year I bought a new Panasonic GF3 with kit lens for the equivalent of US $300 during a closeout and love it. The image quality is not the same as the 5D3 but it’s almost as good as a 5D. What are you going to do with your images anyway ? M4/3 cameras will produce great 12 by 8 inch prints. If you really need a 36 by 24 inch print get the 5D3 out and buy the 40mm f2.8 or the 100mm f2. The important thing is that because something like the GF3 is so small and light you can have it with you most of the time and you don’t look like a completely twit when you’re walking round a tourist location.

 

[fugu82]

Consider keeping what you have, and getting a travel camera for casual use and unexpected opportunities. I carry a Fuji X10 in my purse, and it is awesome - small, discrete, cool/retro, and very versatile. For serious photo trips, I drag out the 5D3 with all its inevitable baggage.

 

[criza]

Mmm,…this is a great thread that most likely many of us can relate. I myself have purchased professional level gear over the past year,….makes me sit back and think if this is practical….but we all enjoy our profession/hobby. Just my 2 cents,…my opinion,….sell everything except the 5D III. Keep the 5D III, it’s a great camera and will serve you well for many years. Next, save the cash and get a 50 f 1.4 and use this exclusively for maybe 6-12 months just as a photography exercise. Re-evaluate in year and see what direction to go….

+1
I like this as well. Instead of the 50 f/1.4 you could also try the new Sigma 35mm 1.4, if you like it a bit wider!

 

[2trout]

as has been said before, keep the gear, unless you really need the money, and buy a small point and shoot, there are so many really good models out there now.
We all go through phases with our hobbies, one day we're right into it, the next we don't care either way. Chances are, once you've sold all your gear, there'll come a day when you may really regret that!

 

[RustyTheGeek]

Keep it up guys, then we'll have another one of those cool geometric quote posts that looks like Bingham Copper mine.

LOL!! I was thinking the same thing! Love it! ;D

 

[RustyTheGeek]

FWIW, I think all of us question our own sanity from time to time after we think about our photography addiction and expenditures. As for me, if I didn't shoot tons of stuff for scouts, school and church, I would probably shed a lot of gear. For me, I feel relevant and necessary when I shoot to benefit others. If it is just for me, that's fine for a while but I'm not a pro and if I don't have steady "jobs" to help me justify all the expenditures and equipment, I'll start to feel a little silly having all this stuff and just shooting family candids and other stuff for myself.

So I suggest the OP first consider how he can put everything to use and in perspective before he sells. Can he become more motivated and inspired by shooting for friends, charity, volunteer, etc. It will be challenging and rewarding. It will add another layer of purpose to your hobby and you'll be appreciated.

Just a thought...

 

[StepBack]

KCCFamilyMan I'd sleep on it. Before u return anything of the quality u bgt consider what u'd get in return. The AF sys on the 5D3 is worth the dough. The 6D has been reviewed and the best idea I read was for a studio shooter to use it as a backup or a photojournalist to use it as a less expensive backup. The AF tracking if it's as good as advertised is awesome if u have the need. I don't think family shoots require tracking but if they're teens involved who play sports it would be good. A one cross type focus pt system to me for a full frame is really cheap. I can't use any other word. Not the two grand. But for Canon to try and bait people with that is beyond me. But that's business. Anyway all the good ideas have been mentioned so I'll add something about competitor systems which might allow u to compare what u have already and than rethink what u think u'll get with a trade. In any event don't act impulsively unless u really hate the dang. And believe me there are a lot of amateurs who would pry it out of your hands but unfortunately for a lot less than u paid. Best of luck


First I'd look at the mirrorless for lighter and still functional sets.
Assuming u don't want a film Rangefinder of which there are some Voigts which cost considerably less than your Canon think about an ILC with some small primes. And finally I think a worthy idea is a fixed focal length DSLR. So look at the Olympus, Sony and Fuji sites to start. And than go to the store. Feel the things around. Read about them. Think it over. do your due diligence. And in the end pick something u want not what the rest of us dream about. Good shooting.

 

[KKCFamilyman]

KCCFamilyMan I'd sleep on it. Before u return anything of the quality u bgt consider what u'd get in return. The AF sys on the 5D3 is worth the dough. The 6D has been reviewed and the best idea I read was for a studio shooter to use it as a backup or a photojournalist to use it as a less expensive backup. The AF tracking if it's as good as advertised is awesome if u have the need. I don't think family shoots require tracking but if they're teens involved who play sports it would be good. A one cross type focus pt system to me for a full frame is really cheap. I can't use any other word. Not the two grand. But for Canon to try and bait people with that is beyond me. But that's business. Anyway all the good ideas have been mentioned so I'll add something about competitor systems which might allow u to compare what u have already and than rethink what u think u'll get with a trade. In any event don't act impulsively unless u really hate the dang. And believe me there are a lot of amateurs who would pry it out of your hands but unfortunately for a lot less than u paid. Best of luck




First I'd look at the mirrorless for lighter and still functional sets.
Assuming u don't want a film Rangefinder of which there are some Voigts which cost considerably less than your Canon think about an ILC with some small primes. And finally I think a worthy idea is a fixed focal length DSLR. So look at the Olympus, Sony and Fuji sites to start. And than go to the store. Feel the things around. Read about them. Think it over. do your due diligence. And in the end pick something u want not what the rest of us dream about. Good shooting.

Thanks

Thats what I plan on doing waiting a few months getting an ilc and deciding which way to go. Really I was planning on adding a 35mm prime then I said do I need all this money sitting here? I decided in about two months it will start to get warmer and I am sure I will get that itch.

 

[K3nt]

Dude! That is one sweet setup you got there. I wouldn't sell at all. You're covered. But I like the idea someone already posted that you should get, maybe an EOS M, or the Fuji or Sony mini's for that easy to carry with you bits, but then you'd have that good kit to fall back on once it is appealing again, because it will be.
Downgrading to a 6D and selling your lenses will, in the long run, most likely only do you a loss.

 

[KKCFamilyman]

Dude! That is one sweet setup you got there. I wouldn't sell at all. You're covered. But I like the idea someone already posted that you should get, maybe an EOS M, or the Fuji or Sony mini's for that easy to carry with you bits, but then you'd have that good kit to fall back on once it is appealing again, because it will be.
Downgrading to a 6D and selling your lenses will, in the long run, most likely only do you a loss.

Yeah I was playing with some pics around the house and just love the quality. What was I thinking? I am either going for another lens or a smaller sony nex 6 or rx100 for times when its not around. Also think I may get a 35mm f2 and a small bag for a more portable setup.

 

[robbymack]

Fuji x100s? I'm toying with the idea myself. My current pocketable iPhone is great for what it is but it leaves something to be desired when compared to my 5diii. I'm thinking a x100s could satisfy the walk around itch I get mid lunch break every few weeks and wouldnt take up too much space in my gym bag.

 

[EvilTed]

You might just find that this pocketable Fuji is way superior to your 5D MK3 in most respects except fast tracking AF

I know I prefer my Fuji X cameras (X-Pro1 and XE-1) to my 5D MK3 with any L or Zeiss lens you care to nominate.
I've owned or tried most of them and they are soft and lackluster in comparison...

ET

 

[smithy]

You might just find that this pocketable Fuji is way superior to your 5D MK3 in most respects except fast tracking AF

I know I prefer my Fuji X cameras (X-Pro1 and XE-1) to my 5D MK3 with any L or Zeiss lens you care to nominate.
I've owned or tried most of them and they are soft and lackluster in comparison...

ET

Fuji cameras are pretty - I have an X10 because it has decent image quality, is reasonably small, has a manual zoom, and looks cool. Some of my friends have bought X10s too - simply because it looks stylish (they're not interested in taking photos with it - they have iPhones for that). I've tried getting to the point where I can go out on a serious photo mission with nothing but my Fuji, but I always find myself wishing I had my 5D3 or 1V with me. I'm just an SLR person really. I like the responsiveness and the no-nonsense layout of the controls (especially on the 1V). I've handled the XE-1 at my local camera shop and felt that it was still quite a large camera and I couldn't really see the point in buying one when I already have SLRs. The XE-1 is well known for its sharpness though - it lacks an AA filter which contributes to this. (I'm not sure how this affects its moiré aliasing though - probably badly).

Today I had a play with an EOS 6D with the new Sigma 35mm f/1.4 lens attached. The lens was gorgeous. The 6D just felt like a x00 series EOS, but full-frame... Sturdy and trustworthy, no doubt, but overpriced for what it is.

 

[KKCFamilyman]

I have been reviewing some of my recent pics and wonder if I downgrade body, f4 lenses, smaller flash will it net me the same results. I will try to post some examples. This was handheld 1/60 and with Is would have been sharper.

 

[Robert Welch]

The only Canon camera you can downgrade to that wouldn't result in lower IQ would be a 6D. You would be giving up a few very nice features, gain a couple (GPS & WiFi), and reduce size.

As for lenses, the photo you just posted I assume was at f/2.8. If you get a 24-70/f4.0 you'll probably give up just a little bit of IQ (from the test I've seen so far, the 24-70/2.8II is the sharpest in it's class), but will get the ability to handhold in a couple of stops lower light with reasonable results.

All in all, stirckly speaking I don't think you can get better results over all by downgrading your equipment, but you can reduce the weight of the equipment you are carrying around and may be able to increase your handholding capabilities by up to 2-stops perhaps, but otherwise you'll be downgrading for the most part.

 

[KKCFamilyman]

The only Canon camera you can downgrade to that wouldn't result in lower IQ would be a 6D. You would be giving up a few very nice features, gain a couple (GPS & WiFi), and reduce size.

As for lenses, the photo you just posted I assume was at f/2.8. If you get a 24-70/f4.0 you'll probably give up just a little bit of IQ (from the test I've seen so far, the 24-70/2.8II is the sharpest in it's class), but will get the ability to handhold in a couple of stops lower light with reasonable results.

All in all, stirckly speaking I don't think you can get better results over all by downgrading your equipment, but you can reduce the weight of the equipment you are carrying around and may be able to increase your handholding capabilities by up to 2-stops perhaps, but otherwise you'll be downgrading for the most part.

Yeah just the weight and bulk of all the gear seems a bit much sometimes. Also i cannot stand the lack of IS. I will get another up that concerns the noise my camera produces at iso 5000. I thought this camera was supposed to be great at higher iso but anything above 3200 seems to loose to many fine details and has too much luminance noise for my tastes.

 

[KKCFamilyman]

See this is the noise I am talking about. Iso 5000 1/125 f4

 

[wickidwombat]

See this is the noise I am talking about. Iso 5000 1/125 f4

he's playing the drums you can hardly expect it to not be noisy....

but seriously Lightroom really works a treat on 5Dmk3 noise it can clean up iso 5000 so that the noise will be un-noticable in print

 

[KKCFamilyman]

See this is the noise I am talking about. Iso 5000 1/125 f4

he's playing the drums you can hardly expect it to not be noisy....

but seriously Lightroom really works a treat on 5Dmk3 noise it can clean up iso 5000 so that the noise will be un-noticable in print

Yeah but maybe I am doing something wrong because as I slide over the luminance nr the pic loosesall its details. I know this is a wierd side step but would the 1d x be that much cleaner?