I currently have a 5D Mark III. I shoot mostly kids activities/sports and landscapes. For those of you who shoot with two bodies, do you see significant advantages to having a crop sensor camera like the 7D Mark II as a second camera? I miss the focal length difference but are there any additional benefits?
Two cameras??
- Thread starter neurorx
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Unless you are a pro photographer who needs a backup camera for various assignments (in which case you might want two of the same camera) then I would get a crop body for your second. I use a FF for landscapes and a Crop for most everything else. It depends on what you shoot, of course. I do a lot of flower pics where the reach and especially the greater DOF makes the crop camera a much better choice for me.
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There is little advantage to having a crop camera as a 2nd camera, at least for me.
I would put my 24-70mm f/2.8L II on one FF Body and my 70-20070mm f/2.8L II on another FF body.
Putting one or the other on a crop camera messes up your coverage, if you put the 24-70 on crop, you lose wide, and if you put the 70-200 on the crop, you lost the very useful 71-111 mm range. Having both crop and FF lenses makes even less sense, since you cannot put the crop lens on your FF if the crop camera dies.
One other consideration is CF versus SD cards. CF cards are superior in terms of speed, and most crop bodies want SD. If you want to share a pool of CF cards, get cameras that both use CF cards, and the same batteries as well.
The one advantage may be the cost, and some perceive the cropping the center of a image as a benefit where you are focal length limited.
I would put my 24-70mm f/2.8L II on one FF Body and my 70-20070mm f/2.8L II on another FF body.
Putting one or the other on a crop camera messes up your coverage, if you put the 24-70 on crop, you lose wide, and if you put the 70-200 on the crop, you lost the very useful 71-111 mm range. Having both crop and FF lenses makes even less sense, since you cannot put the crop lens on your FF if the crop camera dies.
One other consideration is CF versus SD cards. CF cards are superior in terms of speed, and most crop bodies want SD. If you want to share a pool of CF cards, get cameras that both use CF cards, and the same batteries as well.
The one advantage may be the cost, and some perceive the cropping the center of a image as a benefit where you are focal length limited.
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Mt Spokane Photography said:
I should point out that the 60D, 70D, 80D, 7D, 7D2, 6D, 5D2, 5D3, and the 5DS versions all use the same LP-E6 battery. Canon should be congratulated on keeping the same battery in every enthusiast (or higher) crop camera and in every FF camera (except the 1D series).....
Also note that in the crop cameras, the 7D2 does have a CF slot and an SD slot.
and though we talk a lot about card speed.... it only matters when you do long bursts of images... But that said, when I shot with a 60D, several times I had filled the buffer with "single clicks" in rapid succession.... it really was that slow
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D
Deleted member 91053
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I am not a pro (or anything like one!) but I do prefer to have two camera bodies.
My main camera is quite large and heavy so it's nice to have a smaller body for travel etc. Also when hide shooting it is handy to have my second body on my 300 F2.8 in case anything larger/closer than expected shows up! I would have preferred to have 2 full frame bodies but a second FF body that was reasonably fast with good AF (5D3) was just too expensive so my second body is a 7D2.
Whilst having 2 sensor sizes to deal with takes a little getting used to it can be quite handy at times, for example if I only take one lens I have two framing options.
My main camera is quite large and heavy so it's nice to have a smaller body for travel etc. Also when hide shooting it is handy to have my second body on my 300 F2.8 in case anything larger/closer than expected shows up! I would have preferred to have 2 full frame bodies but a second FF body that was reasonably fast with good AF (5D3) was just too expensive so my second body is a 7D2.
Whilst having 2 sensor sizes to deal with takes a little getting used to it can be quite handy at times, for example if I only take one lens I have two framing options.
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I am a semi-pro shooting sports and stock photography. I love the versatility of owning a FF body and crop body. A few quality lenses and you have a very versatile kit.
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unfocused
Photos/Photo Book Reviews: www.thecuriouseye.com
I have a 5DIII and a 7DII. I bought the 7DII because I found I needed to shoot a lot of sports for one client. The additional frames per second and better focus tracking have been invaluable. In some cases, having the 7DII with the 70-200mm and the 5D III with the 24-105mm lens can be handy for sports like basketball, where I can shoot players moving the ball with the 70-200 and then get a few shots "under" the basket when a player shoots.
I'm not sure the average person needs that kind of versatility, especially if you aren't shooting courtside.
If the 5DIV comes out with better autofocus and 8 fps then I'm not sure the 7DII would be needed.
I also like to shoot birds in flight for my own entertainment. Having the 7DII with its more accurate autofocus, faster frame rate and crop "reach" is important. It really depends on what you need to shoot and how critical it is that you bring back the pictures. Since I'm getting paid to produce sports photos for a small college, it's important to me. If I were just shooting for myself, I'm not sure it would matter that much.
Generally, I'd say most people are better off really learning to use the camera they have and then, only if they find themselves limited by its performance should they consider another body.
I'm not sure the average person needs that kind of versatility, especially if you aren't shooting courtside.
If the 5DIV comes out with better autofocus and 8 fps then I'm not sure the 7DII would be needed.
I also like to shoot birds in flight for my own entertainment. Having the 7DII with its more accurate autofocus, faster frame rate and crop "reach" is important. It really depends on what you need to shoot and how critical it is that you bring back the pictures. Since I'm getting paid to produce sports photos for a small college, it's important to me. If I were just shooting for myself, I'm not sure it would matter that much.
Generally, I'd say most people are better off really learning to use the camera they have and then, only if they find themselves limited by its performance should they consider another body.
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I recently picked up another 5D2.
I shoot a little landscape for fun and I hate changing lenses in a dusty, blowing wind.
Professionally I shoot headshots and stage. Having two FF cameras that can handle low light, use the same cards and batteries is really great. A little more range from a cropped sensor would be nice sometimes, but I feel it is easier for me to be able to have all the buttons and dials in exactly the same place when I'm switching quickly from one to the other. Even in a studio shoot it is very useful being able to quickly change lenses and not interupt the creative thinking.
I'm getting a lot more use out of all of my lenses now.
I deliberated over it for a year or so, I only wish I'd done it earlier.
I shoot a little landscape for fun and I hate changing lenses in a dusty, blowing wind.
Professionally I shoot headshots and stage. Having two FF cameras that can handle low light, use the same cards and batteries is really great. A little more range from a cropped sensor would be nice sometimes, but I feel it is easier for me to be able to have all the buttons and dials in exactly the same place when I'm switching quickly from one to the other. Even in a studio shoot it is very useful being able to quickly change lenses and not interupt the creative thinking.
I'm getting a lot more use out of all of my lenses now.
I deliberated over it for a year or so, I only wish I'd done it earlier.
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JonAustin
Telecom / IT consultant and semi-pro photographer
It all depends on what you want or need.
I have a 5DIII, and a 5D (a.k.a. "Classic") that I use for backup. I also hike with both bodies, with a wide-angle zoom mounted on the 5D, and a telephoto zoom on the 5DIII, to minimize lens changes.
I'm still holding onto my 20D crop body, although I rarely use it. I calculated that I get more pixels by cropping a 5DIII image down to APS-C size than from the 20D's maximum resolution. Most of the time I shoot the 20D with a relatively inexpensive, mid-range 35- or 50mm prime, in situations where the worst thing that would happen if it got lost, damaged or stolen is that I would might lose the images on the CF card.
Of course, it would be a different story entirely, with a more modern, higher-resolution crop-body model.
I have a 5DIII, and a 5D (a.k.a. "Classic") that I use for backup. I also hike with both bodies, with a wide-angle zoom mounted on the 5D, and a telephoto zoom on the 5DIII, to minimize lens changes.
I'm still holding onto my 20D crop body, although I rarely use it. I calculated that I get more pixels by cropping a 5DIII image down to APS-C size than from the 20D's maximum resolution. Most of the time I shoot the 20D with a relatively inexpensive, mid-range 35- or 50mm prime, in situations where the worst thing that would happen if it got lost, damaged or stolen is that I would might lose the images on the CF card.
Of course, it would be a different story entirely, with a more modern, higher-resolution crop-body model.
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Depends a lot on what you want.
- I have a 5D2 and a 5DsR for flowers, nature macro, landscapes [no kids or sports]. The former has become my backup/microscope camera since I have the new one. If that is the purpose, then wait till you want something better than your 5D3, then your old one becomes the backup.
- If you want to quickly change from a WA to a tele without actually dismounting and mounting two lenses, then I would get two identical bodies.
- If weight/size is an issue, then having a FF and a crop may be your answer.
- I have a 5D2 and a 5DsR for flowers, nature macro, landscapes [no kids or sports]. The former has become my backup/microscope camera since I have the new one. If that is the purpose, then wait till you want something better than your 5D3, then your old one becomes the backup.
- If you want to quickly change from a WA to a tele without actually dismounting and mounting two lenses, then I would get two identical bodies.
- If weight/size is an issue, then having a FF and a crop may be your answer.
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The main advantage that the 7DII has for me over the 5DIII is frame rate, which comes in handy for sports. For occasions when I want to maximize reach, then I'll opt for the 7D II if it means not having to use an extender to push the maximum aperture to f/8 or smaller, which maintains better AF functionality.
For everything else, I prefer the 5DIII, so I end up using the 5DIII more often.
For everything else, I prefer the 5DIII, so I end up using the 5DIII more often.
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neurorx said:
Only benefits of a crop sensor as I see it, is reach. If you want more reach, what lenses do you currently have? I had the original 7D, then bought the 5DIII, then after a year or so decided the reach was not a big deal for me of the 7D, maybe If I had shot more wildlife I might wanted to keep it. Other reasons to have a 7D2 would be features it has over the 5D3, if you feel you really need them.
I shoot lots of landscape, night time lapse, and plenty of sports events (paid), always preferred the IQ of the 5D3 over the 7D any day.....or night. Maybe not a fair apples to apples comparison, but it is what it is. I also like the bokeh I get from FF. The 5D3 has been through hell and back in the dirty outdoors, on trails, driven into the ground on a fall, rock climbing, mountain biking, day hiking, multi week backpacking, snowboarding, skiing, traveling abroad and keeps on going at 90,000 shutter cycles, dents, scratches, etc......That in mind, I just bought the 6D but not as a back up or replacement to the 5D3. The 6D will get used 90+% of the time for night photography to finish a film, bought for a specific use. If the 5D3 broke, the 6D could substitute in a pinch, images would all look the same. I prefer keeping the IQ as consistent as possible.
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Hi neurorx!
I have a 5D3 and a 100D/SL1. I never use the two bodies at the same time, because I don't need it.
Two times I had my wife using the 100D in parallel to me using the other.
I use the 5D3 as primary body and the 100D as a lightweight travel body.
So I'd say...
I'd always prefer the better possibilities to control DOF over the longer reach. (zoom by feet, if possible)
I have a 5D3 and a 100D/SL1. I never use the two bodies at the same time, because I don't need it.
Two times I had my wife using the 100D in parallel to me using the other.
I use the 5D3 as primary body and the 100D as a lightweight travel body.
So I'd say...
Nope! Except if you want two use to different lenses at the same time and don't want/have the possibility to swap.neurorx said:
I can understand that argument but it all depends on your shooting style.
I'd always prefer the better possibilities to control DOF over the longer reach. (zoom by feet, if possible)
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As a "primarily prime user" and "lens swapping hater" I am used to use two bodies.
But in the last months I have used one 5D and the EOS M together and I think this is a very good combination
IF you need a faster camera (in terms of AF, better high ISO) with a great viewfinder PLUS a camera for some wide angle coverage of not/slow moving objects.
5D is paired with 2.8 100 Macro or 70-200 4.0
EOS M is paired with 2.0 22 or EF-S 10-22 (alternatively: 2nd 5D with 2.8 24 or 2.8 40)
You asked for 7D ii -- shurely a good body but it would be to large and heavy for the "effect" for MY USAGE.
For wildlive shooters it is maybe THE option (as others have said).
But in the last months I have used one 5D and the EOS M together and I think this is a very good combination
IF you need a faster camera (in terms of AF, better high ISO) with a great viewfinder PLUS a camera for some wide angle coverage of not/slow moving objects.
5D is paired with 2.8 100 Macro or 70-200 4.0
EOS M is paired with 2.0 22 or EF-S 10-22 (alternatively: 2nd 5D with 2.8 24 or 2.8 40)
You asked for 7D ii -- shurely a good body but it would be to large and heavy for the "effect" for MY USAGE.
For wildlive shooters it is maybe THE option (as others have said).
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i do a lot of bird/wildlife shooting and usually have 2 bodies when doing so. i have a telephoto lens on a crop body for the birds and another camera along to take photos of the scenery along the way.
in my case its generally a 7dii with a 6d or a7rii combo
in my case its generally a 7dii with a 6d or a7rii combo
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I own 2 bodies, 6D and 7Dii
Had the 7Dii first and bought the 6D for 'scapes, lowlight environs and people photography.
The more my experiences build with the 6D, the more I find specific uses for each camera.
I much prefer bug macro and general wildlife with the 7Dii, crop seems a better tool for it. But I no longer pull the 7Dii for landscapes, I simply adore the rendering of the 6D for landscapes.
Each shoot since owning both cameras teaches me each is better for a specific use and also that certain lenses work better on a specific body.
My 24-70 and 24mm TS-E are simply beautiful on the 6D
Had the 7Dii first and bought the 6D for 'scapes, lowlight environs and people photography.
The more my experiences build with the 6D, the more I find specific uses for each camera.
I much prefer bug macro and general wildlife with the 7Dii, crop seems a better tool for it. But I no longer pull the 7Dii for landscapes, I simply adore the rendering of the 6D for landscapes.
Each shoot since owning both cameras teaches me each is better for a specific use and also that certain lenses work better on a specific body.
My 24-70 and 24mm TS-E are simply beautiful on the 6D
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Now, if you are primarily or solely a primes user then two different bodies can be a fantastic combo. Zooms are better off used on the body they are designed for and while this can apply to primes as well, there is less of an issue with distortion and odd focal lengths.
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I often use two bodies for sports and events. For a time, I shot with a 7D and a 5D3 and didn't like it. I ended up replacing the 7D with another 5D3 ... and a year later I added a 1Dx to the kit.
What I didn't like is that I found myself switching lenses more often when I had the 7D and the 5D3. The 5D3 offered better IQ and low light performance, so I often want the "primary" lens at the moment on the 5D3. If I was shooting a lot in close quarters, I'd put a short zoom on the 5D3 and the long zoom on the 7D. When switching gears to need the long zoom for an extended time, I'd move the 70-200 from the 7D to the 5D3.
I often shoot at ISO 3200 and up, so the longer reach of the 7D didn't compare to the better high ISO IQ of the 5D3. The FF sensor tends to be sharper than crop, so cropping 5D3 images in post compared very nicely with full size images from the crop body.
With two 5D3's, I can put a 24-70 on one and a 70-200 on the other and never need to switch. But, now I often use the 1Dx and a 5D3. The 1Dx offers a one stop advantage in high ISO plus 12 FPS. So, I'm sometimes back to swapping lenses again. When shooting basketball from under the hoop, I want the 24-70 on the 1Dx. When I move to the sidelines, I prefer the 70-200 on the 1Dx. There is a distinct advantage to having two of the same body.
What I didn't like is that I found myself switching lenses more often when I had the 7D and the 5D3. The 5D3 offered better IQ and low light performance, so I often want the "primary" lens at the moment on the 5D3. If I was shooting a lot in close quarters, I'd put a short zoom on the 5D3 and the long zoom on the 7D. When switching gears to need the long zoom for an extended time, I'd move the 70-200 from the 7D to the 5D3.
I often shoot at ISO 3200 and up, so the longer reach of the 7D didn't compare to the better high ISO IQ of the 5D3. The FF sensor tends to be sharper than crop, so cropping 5D3 images in post compared very nicely with full size images from the crop body.
With two 5D3's, I can put a 24-70 on one and a 70-200 on the other and never need to switch. But, now I often use the 1Dx and a 5D3. The 1Dx offers a one stop advantage in high ISO plus 12 FPS. So, I'm sometimes back to swapping lenses again. When shooting basketball from under the hoop, I want the 24-70 on the 1Dx. When I move to the sidelines, I prefer the 70-200 on the 1Dx. There is a distinct advantage to having two of the same body.
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I am a photojournalist that shoots a variety of events, including sports, with two bodies. For non-sports assignments my main workhorse is a 5D3 with a 16-36 f/2.8 II lens, while the other is a 1Dx with a 70-200 f/2.8 II. For sports I use the 1DX and a 7D2. Depending on the sport I use different lenses. Basketball, with poor lighting usually, the 7D2 has a 50 f/1.2 and the 1DX has a 135 f/2.0, sometimes the 70-200. Football I use a 300 f/2.8 on the 1DX. Baseball the 300 with a 1.4X extender or a 100-400 f/3.5-5.6 II. It all depends on the venue and how the lighting is, and time of day if outside.
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