p.2 #1 · Should I buy a 5DMkII??? Need opinions....
arbitrage wrote:
I have no idea what to do, any new gear will appease me for a time, photography is just a hobby, my money comes from another profession and is not a real issue but I like to fully consider the value of what I'm going to purchase.
One word: focus. Not the camera's AF, but focus on YOUR needs:
I shoot wildlife and landscapes mostly and dabble with macro. I like my 7D and have amazing photos from it and I will keep it as my wildlife body and the 100-400. However, I am often bothered by the noise that the 7D creates even at low iso. I just don't like to have to process my files so much to get the stunning images and I don't like to have to expose so far to the right just to have workable images.
So, if you think you have done all you can (regarding to shooting habbits and PP workflow) to get the most out of your 7D files, you might as well sell it / swap it for another camera. But what to get in return?
The current $1999CDN price on the 5DmkII is seriously tempting me to pick one up. The only reason I'm hesitant is that I hate buying soon to be replaced electronics and keep going back to the strong possibility of the MkIII sometime in 2012.
This is the gear head in you speaking. But even if Canon released a 5D3 in 2012, that doesn't mean the 5D2 will stop taking pictures. One concern will be the slower responsiveness of the 5D2 for wildlife. Of course you can use the 5D2 for wildlife, but there are other more suitable options with higher FPS and faster AF/shutter lag and VF black out times. The 5D2 is much slower than the 7D.
I have even considered options like selling the 7D and moving to a 1DMkIV or even the 1D-X as a more "all-in-one" solution. The MKIV is tempting because it has a bigger sensor but still is fast for birding and has some built-in reach with the 1.3crop. The 1D-X is tempting as it could be the best of everything but I think I would miss the reach that I have now with 400mm on a high-density, 1.6crop sensor in the 7D.
Now I think you are on to something good. I think it makes the most sense to replace your 7D with either the mk4 or 1D-X
p.2 #2 · Should I buy a 5DMkII??? Need opinions....
It sounds like your "hobby" has turned into a serious addiction and you are thrilled with the whole process. If you can afford it then why keep denying yourself? Just go for the 5DII. Some people complain about the outer point focus issues but overall I would say it is one of the highest rated cameras in the online forums. People just love it for various reasons. I have two of them and I love mine.
Life is short, buy a 5DII now and start your full frame experience. Besides, if you don't buy it now you won't be able to reminisce with the rest of us 5DII owners in 2014-15 just like 5Dc owners are doing now. If nothing else, don't you think you'll get at least $2,000 worth of joy and inspiration to participate in all the 5DII threads you're going to join in on. I mean you have over 200+ days on FM and only 9 posts, c'mon MAN!
p.2 #3 · Should I buy a 5DMkII??? Need opinions....
Well everybody, thanks again for all the comments/opinions. I enjoyed all the different views and of course this is to be expected. Last evening I clicked the buy button on a new 5DmKII at $1999CDN that came to $2099 with tax (as I live in the Yukon with no provincial tax or HST..ugghh!!) and free shipping (which is often hard to get up to here). I should have it by later next week.
In the end I felt that the 5DmkII would just compliment the 7D so well. They are from the same generation with same button layouts and very similar menus and options so easy to just jump in and shoot. I already have 3 batteries so will have a total of 4 to share between the two cameras. They are also essentially the same size and for now this is probably as large as I would want to travel with. My 24-105 is just itching to get on the type of camera it was designed for and my 100-400 can now be welded onto the 7D (however I am wanting to do some testing and see if the 7D really does give any meaningful reach advantage compared to cropping a 5DmkII image). I will sell my 10-22 and then decide if 24 on FF (equivilent to 15mm on the 7D) will be wide enough. I usually prefer to stitch than shoot super wide but I will keep my eye on the 17-40 F4 as a replacement for the wide end if I feel I need it.
I hope I will enjoy the new FF experience. As some of you mentioned, if I don't, then selling off this current gear is not a huge issue. I know one day I will purchase a 1 series but it will probably be before travelling to either Antartica or Africa (both are in the planning stages and will dedicated photography trips but will still be at least 2years away). For my next trip into SE Asia and my upcoming "escape the -40C" Mayan Riviera trip, I think the two smaller bodies paired with the 24-105, 100-400 and 100LMacro will do the trick.
A few mentioned that maybe getting some lenses instead of a new body would be more rewarding and I agree this may be the case. I've been eyeing some of the TS lenses, the fisheyes but these really needed the FF body anyways to make the best use of them. And eventually I am considering either a 500F4 Mk1 or 600F4 MKII but again those may wait till going on a major trip with photography as the main event.
Anyways thanks again, and as to Mark's comment above... I will try to post more instead of just lurking!! Off to track my package...
p.2 #4 · Should I buy a 5DMkII??? Need opinions....
I think you will enjoy your newly completed kit. My travel lens kit has evolved to the 24-105, 100L, and 100-400 like yours with the 100-400 usually on the 7D. But as Gyroscope mentioned above, if you are not reach limited, the 100-400 makes really beautiful images on the 5D. So much so that if weight is an issue, I just take the 5DII. Of course if there is any wildlife emphasis then its two bodies. Having 5D+24-105 and 7D+100-400 instantly available without lens changes is worth the weight in my opinion. Enjoy.
p.2 #5 · Should I buy a 5DMkII??? Need opinions....
arbitrage wrote:
Well everybody, thanks again for all the comments/opinions. I enjoyed all the different views and of course this is to be expected. Last evening I clicked the buy button on a new 5DmKII at $1999CDN that came to $2099 with tax (as I live in the Yukon with no provincial tax or HST..ugghh!!) and free shipping (which is often hard to get up to here). I should have it by later next week.
In the end I felt that the 5DmkII would just compliment the 7D so well. They are from the same generation with same button layouts and very similar menus and options so easy to just jump in and shoot. I already have 3 batteries so will have a total of 4 to share between the two cameras. They are also essentially the same size and for now this is probably as large as I would want to travel with. My 24-105 is just itching to get on the type of camera it was designed for and my 100-400 can now be welded onto the 7D (however I am wanting to do some testing and see if the 7D really does give any meaningful reach advantage compared to cropping a 5DmkII image). I will sell my 10-22 and then decide if 24 on FF (equivilent to 15mm on the 7D) will be wide enough. I usually prefer to stitch than shoot super wide but I will keep my eye on the 17-40 F4 as a replacement for the wide end if I feel I need it.
I hope I will enjoy the new FF experience. As some of you mentioned, if I don't, then selling off this current gear is not a huge issue. I know one day I will purchase a 1 series but it will probably be before travelling to either Antartica or Africa (both are in the planning stages and will dedicated photography trips but will still be at least 2years away). For my next trip into SE Asia and my upcoming "escape the -40C" Mayan Riviera trip, I think the two smaller bodies paired with the 24-105, 100-400 and 100LMacro will do the trick.
A few mentioned that maybe getting some lenses instead of a new body would be more rewarding and I agree this may be the case. I've been eyeing some of the TS lenses, the fisheyes but these really needed the FF body anyways to make the best use of them. And eventually I am considering either a 500F4 Mk1 or 600F4 MKII but again those may wait till going on a major trip with photography as the main event.
Anyways thanks again, and as to Mark's comment above... I will try to post more instead of just lurking!! Off to track my package......Show more →
You will love a 5D2 + 7D setup (what I currently have) They really are a great pair, both have their perks.
p.2 #6 · Should I buy a 5DMkII??? Need opinions....
When I travel I leave my awesome and favorite lens at home (70-200 2.8 II) for portability sake, take off my grip, and carry the 5D MKII with the 24-70L all day long and get everything I need from this ideal walk-around combo. You're gonna love that 5DII... Congrats on your purchase!
p.2 #8 · Should I buy a 5DMkII??? Need opinions....
How about a 1ds2? 1-series bodies are amazing and it would compliment your 7D nicely. You'd lose far less on resale when you jump for a 5d3 or 1dx too.
Dont jump to Nikon, you've got too much invested in canon glass.
p.2 #9 · Should I buy a 5DMkII??? Need opinions....
Good choice to buy 5D2 towards the end of its product life because you maximise your value for money. You've got world class IQ for a much cheaper price than the 5D3 will be, and that should compensate you for the emotional hit when the newer body is released.
5D2 and 7D are made to be complement each other, between them I can't think of many photographic situations they can't deal with.
Good luck with the 5D2, it takes wonderful pictures!
p.2 #10 · Should I buy a 5DMkII??? Need opinions....
Congrats. I'm in a similar boat with the 60D. I don't have the funds to buy a 5DII and some nice L lenses though so I'll probably wait for the 5DIII whenever it comes out.
As for lens for your 5DII, have you looked at the 16-35? It'll be like your 10-22.
p.2 #11 · Should I buy a 5DMkII??? Need opinions....
BigBadWolfie wrote:
Congrats. I'm in a similar boat with the 60D. I don't have the funds to buy a 5DII and some nice L lenses though so I'll probably wait for the 5DIII whenever it comes out.
As for lens for your 5DII, have you looked at the 16-35? It'll be like your 10-22.
I'm looking at both the 16-35 and 17-40. I don't see the need for 2.8 on a landscape lens if I usually manual focus with live-view on a tripod and I really don't photograph indoors. However, maybe the 16-35 has better IQ, I've yet to research this yet. I first want to try out the 24mm on FF that will be equivalent to 15mm on the 7D. I think that I will be happy with this width and may not miss the 16-24 (10-15 crop) range. If I do miss it then I will look more closely into the two aforementioned lenses. I am also considering picking up a 15-85 for the 7D, although this seems sort of counter intuitive as I want the 5D to be my landscape body, I will occasionally want to go out with the primary intention of birding and only want to carry a light kit. I would then take the 7D with 100-400 and the 15-85 in case some interesting landscape shots appear. I have been looking at the Buy/Sell boards and it looks like the 10-22 would be an equal trade for either the 15-85 or 17-40. So I will try to set up a trade for one of these (not sure if I will find a 17-40 wanting to trade to an EF-S but maybe a good chance with the 15-85). My 5DmkII hopefully will ship tomorrow. If I'm lucky it should make it from Calgary to Whitehorse by Friday. And since the temps have now risen from -40C yesterday up to what should be -7C on Wednesday, I will finally be able to go back outside and shoot!!
p.2 #12 · Should I buy a 5DMkII??? Need opinions....
Here is a comparison of the 17-40 to the 16-35 at 20 mm and f5.6. Both lenses need to be stopped down to become sharp at the edges and at f5.6 and the focal lengths that supplement the 24-105, the 17-40 seems sharper. I think the 24-105 is better by 35 mm and beyond. IMHO the 17-40 seems the better landscape supplement. The 16-35 is better at wider apertures but probably the 24L prime is better still.
I find your interest in the 15-85 more curious. I've tried my wife's 15-85 on the 7D and the 24-105 on the 5D is much better. The 17-40 would be the more generally useful lens as you can use it on both bodies. As just a landscape supplement to the 7D + 100-400 combination, and at about the same cost and weight as a 15-85 lens, I'd wait and look at the G1X when it comes out next month. I love my G for this purpose. And you just know that when you've got your 7D's lens switched to wide - that's when the hawk will soar by.
p.2 #13 · Should I buy a 5DMkII??? Need opinions....
Jeff Nolten wrote: Here is a comparison of the 17-40 to the 16-35 at 20 mm and f5.6. Both lenses need to be stopped down to become sharp at the edges and at f5.6 and the focal lengths that supplement the 24-105, the 17-40 seems sharper. I think the 24-105 is better by 35 mm and beyond. IMHO the 17-40 seems the better landscape supplement. The 16-35 is better at wider apertures but probably the 24L prime is better still.
I find your interest in the 15-85 more curious. I've tried my wife's 15-85 on the 7D and the 24-105 on the 5D is much better. The 17-40 would be the more generally useful lens as you can use it on both bodies. As just a landscape supplement to the 7D + 100-400 combination, and at about the same cost and weight as a 15-85 lens, I'd wait and look at the G1X when it comes out next month. I love my G for this purpose. And you just know that when you've got your 7D's lens switched to wide - that's when the hawk will soar by. ...Show more →
Yeah, actually you make a good point. I never really thought about the 17-40 serving both purposes because if I was out with the 7D and 100-400 I wouldn't need the 40-100 range at all. And 17 is still decently wide. I actually really like this idea but I also agree that switching lenses sucks and that is why I think most of the time I will be out with the 5D/24-105 and the 7D/100-400. But I am now seriously thinking the 17-40 is the way to go for both the superwide on the 5D and the wide if needed on the 7D if the 5D is not along for the ride. Thanks. Now who wants to straight up trade a 17-40 for a 10-22....??
p.2 #14 · Should I buy a 5DMkII??? Need opinions....
I used my 17-40 as the standard zoom on my 10D (no EFs) and those images still look great to me.
arbitrage wrote:
... if I was out with the 7D and 100-400 I wouldn't need the 40-100 range at all.
I'll complicate your life just a little further consider this walking around looking at nature kit:
7D, 17-40, 60 macro, 100-400. Oh and 24 mm of extension works wonders with the 100-400 for lizards, butterflies, and hermit crabs.
Glad its your money I'm spending and not mine Cheers!
p.2 #15 · Should I buy a 5DMkII??? Need opinions....
Hard to go wrong considering the current cost of $2,075 for this camera at B&H. It is the best value in a camera available today regardless of any real or perceived shortcomings. I would not buy one for action and sports photography but for almost anything else it is more than up to the task.
p.2 #17 · Should I buy a 5DMkII??? Need opinions....
Well, my brand new 5D Mark II arrived today and I spent the afternoon setting it up the way I like it, AF adjusting my 24-105 (needed about +3 where as on the 7D it needs none), did a series of macro test shots with the 100L and ran it through the ISO range from L to H2 to check out the noise. Wished I could have gone outside but it was dumping snow like crazy so will have to wait for a true test in real conditions. Higher ISO is phenomenal (what I was expecting), 3200 cleans up in both Aperture and LR very easily, 6400 cleans nicely in LR and not so much in Aperture. The two high settings cleaned up nicely in LR. Focusing with the 24-105 and 100L was very fast even in a fairly dark house with center point and didn't have any issues using the outer points either but will wait for more demanding subjects other than my furniture.
A few things threw me for a loop early on, I couldn't get EC to work by spinning the wheel so had to resort to the manual and figured out there were 3 positions for the on-off switch and I needed to go beyond "on" to have the wheel not locked!! Only other thing that is annoying compared to the 7D is that when I switch the * and Af-On functions and use back button to focus (this is how I like it) then it also switches the * and Af-ON functions during image review and I keep hitting the * to zoom out and it just goes back and meters/focuses. 7D doesn't switch these because you have the individual menu to assign whatever function to whatever button (I'm sure this new 5DIII will adopt that arrangement). Other than those few hiccups, the rest is all gravy so far!!
I'm glad I went for it as I will have lots of enjoyment out of it even before a 5DmkIII surfaces for sale and at $2099CDN (incl tax and shipping) its one hell of a deal!!
