p.1 #1 · Possible Equipment Upgrade -- Requesting Feedback
I thought I’d throw out some thoughts to FM as a sounding board on a possible equipment upgrade.
I have some spare change that, if I want to splurge on myself, could be devoted to upgrading my equipment. I currently have a 7D and a 40D and the lenses I have are sufficient for these 1.6 crop bodies. I hardly ever use the 40D anymore; it’s been relegated to being a backup body when taking trips abroad and for having a second body/lens combination for certain situations (like a safari – where the conditions are not especially conducive to changing lenses). I’ve identified three (photographic) options for how I might relieve myself of this extra cash. First, I could just keep the 40D and use the money for another, non-photographic purpose. Second, I could get another 7D. Third, I could succumb to my lustful instincts and buy a 5D Mark II (there’s not enough spare change for a Mark III). Fourth, I could keep the 40D and buy the 5D.
Here’s the discussion inside my head: The 40D is a perfectly fine camera. I have no real need to upgrade. And yet. . . . Having two 7Ds, one of which would hardly ever be used, seems to be a bit of a waste. True, there’s the notion that the controls will be identical and, when toting two bodies (which I do not do very often), I’d have equivalency of features/quality regardless of which lens was being used. But would it be worth it for such minimal use? A 5D Mark II, however, could become my new walk-around body (mated to the 24-70 2.8L, with the 70-200 4L in reserve) and the 7D would then become the principal wildlife body mated to the 100-400L and general backup body. For wide angle shots, I’d continue to use the 7D and the 10-22 EF-S until I could swing the purchase of a 16-35L for use on the 5D. But I could buy the 5D and keep the 40D for situations where equipment would be subject to harsh conditions (like the dust of an east African safari). (Yes, I know that it may be counter-intuitive to choose a non-sealed body over a weather-sealed body for harsh conditions but that’s my current thinking.) Or hold fast to what I’ve got and get the overdrive repaired in the weekend driver – but, then, I’ll do that anyway.
So, those are what I think are my options and that’s the dialogue in my head. I’d appreciate hearing your thoughts. Thanks in advance.
p.1 #2 · Possible Equipment Upgrade -- Requesting Feedback
Why stop at 5D Mark II ? Seriously, bite the bullet and go for it. I know you mentioned that pricewise it is tough for your to pull it off. You can wait a while for the price to drop and jump in then. The user interface of the 7D and the Mark III is similar and being a 7D user, you will feel straight at home. The AF ability of the Mark III is significantly better than its predecessor. Having two crop factors is like expanding your lens selection by 2X, well, almost .
p.1 #3 · Possible Equipment Upgrade -- Requesting Feedback
Any thoughts in acquiring a 1d2n? It would fill your need for a wildlife body but wouldn't be a great walk around body. I guess it really comes down to why you want to upgrade. Is it for the full frame experience and getting out of the crop factor? The 5D is an excellent bargain and is compatible with the same accessories as your 40D
p.1 #4 · Possible Equipment Upgrade -- Requesting Feedback
AGeoJO wrote:
Why stop at 5D Mark II ? Seriously, bite the bullet and go for it. I know you mentioned that pricewise it is tough for your to pull it off. You can wait a while for the price to drop and jump in then. The user interface of the 7D and the Mark III is similar and being a 7D user, you will feel straight at home. The AF ability of the Mark III is significantly better than its predecessor. Having two crop factors is like expanding your lens selection by 2X, well, almost .
It's a tempting thought, the Mark III. But if I went that route, she'd get it in the divorce settlement.
p.1 #5 · Possible Equipment Upgrade -- Requesting Feedback
paradigmguy wrote:
Any thoughts in acquiring a 1d2n? It would fill your need for a wildlife body but wouldn't be a great walk around body. I guess it really comes down to why you want to upgrade. Is it for the full frame experience and getting out of the crop factor? The 5D is an excellent bargain and is compatible with the same accessories as your 40D
Yes, I want the full frame experience (just like the big kids). But is that a sufficient reason? I dunno. Will the 5D help me improve to the point where I achieve mediocrity? As for the 1D2n, an intriguing thought, but . . . see my reply to the post immediately preceding yours.
p.1 #7 · Possible Equipment Upgrade -- Requesting Feedback
i would switch it up and get a body that does not do what you're doing today. to me that means getting rid of the 40d and replacing with a full frame (5D or 5D2) or a 1Dxx, the price on the 1D bodies have been dropping a lot, a 1DN is around the price of a 5Dc now and a 1D3 is around the price of a 5D2 so they are legitimate comparisons. the driving decision would be do you need the great auto-focus of the 1D bodies or the low-light/full-frame of the 5D? They are different things, full-frame scratches a different creative area, but it can also serve as a decent second camera with a 7D and the appropriate glass.
p.1 #8 · Possible Equipment Upgrade -- Requesting Feedback
Thanks to you both, form & minh giang. Good food for thought. I'm cogitating. Will check out the market on the items you cite. One thing that gives me pause is the greater size of the 1Dses as opposed to the 5Ds. I find myself already packed to the gills with the kit have I now. So the greater size and weight of the 1-series would be a concern. Nevertheless, I'll be thinking hard on your ideas and doing some further research. Thanks much for your feedback!!
p.1 #9 · Possible Equipment Upgrade -- Requesting Feedback
Thanks to all who contributed to the discussion. I thought you might want to get some feedback on what I've decided to do based on your replies. It's to trade in the 40D and go for the 5D Mark III. But I'll wait until the first wave of buyers has identified any bugs that might be present. I'm not terribly concerned about the alleged light leak but, still, I've gotten to the point of avoiding the bleeding edge of any new technology. I appreciate each of you taking the time to advise me. Thanks again.
? Seriously, bite the bullet and go for it. I know you mentioned that pricewise it is tough for your to pull it off. You can wait a while for the price to drop and jump in then. The user interface of the 7D and the Mark III is similar and being a 7D user, you will feel straight at home. The AF ability of the Mark III is significantly better than its predecessor. Having two crop factors is like expanding your lens selection by 2X, well, almost