I'm switching over to Canon in the near future. I currently shoot Sony a850 with the CZ85/1.4, CZ24-70 and Sony 70-200G.
I plan on ordering the 5DMkIII and the 24-105L/4.
I've been told I'll love the 24-105 and I hope I do. I shoot mostly studio settings and on location Seniors and family photos. I think I can live w/o the 24-70/2.8 for now as I really want to get the 70-200L/2.8 and most likely the 50/1.4 and the 85/1.8.
What do you Canon shooters think? Sound like a reasonable lineup or would you recommend something different?
I will eventually pick up a WA, but it would see seldom use so it can wait.
Personally I love the 70-200/2.8IS as a portrait lens. It can go from tight to full length relatively easily, and the IQ is great. The IS is good for events/windowlight, depending upon your needs. Frankly, I would start with 5d3, 24-105, and 70-200/2.8IS (version 1 can be had for $1300 - $1400).
Thanks for the suggestions. I will take a look at the version 1 of the 70-200IS. I didn't realize you can still buy it.
I will be traveling to Korea soon and Namdaemun market has many used camera stores and will also keep my eye out for a good deal there. I once bought a Minolta 300/4G HS for $700 and it was spotless. Came home used it for 1yr and sold it for $1500.
With the new sony A99, and the lenses u have, why do u want to switch to canon?
I don't see any canon only lens like a 17 TSE or the long tele's in your prefered lineup. So that can't be the reason. Do u really think the 5D3 is that much better than the sony A99?
Also, coming from a CZ 85/1.4 I think u would be kinda disappointed with the 50/1.4 and 85/1.8 from canon.
I have had both for some years and I found them to be quite flat in colors and contrast. Like the pictures always need an extra boost. With the zeisses I have never had this feeling at all. Great colors and contrast.
You are correct that I have some good glass and I do like the colors from the Sony sensors, they are richer than Canon. The Zeiss lenses have some of the best Micro Contrast available, that is no doubt.
I'm not concerned w/ the contrast as I only shoot RAW and can gain that back in post. The thing making me switch is the higher iso ability of canon (and Nikon). I will most likely end up w/ the 50/1.2L and 84/1.4L, but I'll find those used if possible or may try to keep it budget friendly for the time being.
The other thing is support on the Canon side. There is none on Sony's side. I've shot Minolta/Sony for 20 years now but with my studio partner shooting Canon as well it will make it nice to be able to trade gear back and forth.
The last reason is (and has little impact on me but is nice) is that Canon is a customer of mine that I support. They use our software to design everything they make. So it's nice when they ask what I shoot that I can smile and say Canon.
I love the 5d3 with the 24-105, but I'm not a pro; I use the 24-105 as my walking around lens.
If I made my living taking posed portraits, I might be more inclined to stretch and get either an appropriate, fast prime (e.g., 85 f/1.2L II), or a version of the 24-70 f/2.8. Also, if I made my living doing this, I'd have the 70-200 f/2.8 IS II, a fabulous lens. Come to think of it, I have that lens anyway.
As I said, I love my 24-105, but, when I am shooting from the car (space/bulk/weight isn't an issue), I prefer my old 28-70 f/2.8L, so I'm pretty sure the newer lenses (especially the new, expensive 24-70 II) would be sharper than the 24-105, and you might appreciate the ability to play a bit more with depth of field.
Thanks StarNut and I understand what you're saying and why.
I most likely will end up with a faster piece of glass but I also realize at 8x10 and 10x12 the relative sharpness isn't that much different and these are my two most popular sizes I sell. My photog business is my secondary job/hobby but have been doing it for 12 years now. I will definitely have a 85 and most likely a 135 in the bag before to long. Just need to sell of my other kit first.
A few days ago I watched two Canon portrait demonstrations with Hanson Wong and Clay Blackmore, both mentioned that their most used lenses are the 24-105 f4L and the 70-200 f2.8L II. Since I've watched several videos from both and both lenses were used during their efforts, HW mostly uses the 24-105, while CB mostly uses the 70-200, if you have both I don't think you could go wrong.
I have the lighter 70-200 f4L (the 24-105 one day) and although it's super sharp, from what I've seen the f2.8L II produces much better bokeh, I'd guess the new 24-70 f2.8L II is much the same, the two f2.8s would be a killer combo with the 5D3
