Canon Full Frame Options

Mahoneyd187

Mahoneyd187

Suspended / Banned
Messages
2,604
Name
Danny
Edit My Images
No
Hi all,

I've clung onto my Nikon D200 for as long as I can...but I have upgrade-itus.

My preference would be a DX Pro body Nikon but it's not going to happen and I realise this now finally I've come to terms with it lol

Reasons for possibly wanting to go over to Canon are, lenses and for high resolution full frame. I regularly print at 30x20" plus so the megapixel count, although far from a necessity, is a positive, as it will allow more cropping space than the Nikons, bar the D3X but that's outta my league gentlemen. And there seems to be a few more primes in the canon range, and they're cheaper...and boy I love my primes :geek:

I have little loyalty to Nikon equipment wise, my most expensive lens is DX, the 17-55mm 2.8 Nikon. I have a couple of Nikon SBs but will keep them as I very rarely use on camera flash anyway...

Current line up;

Nikon D200
Nikon 17-55mm 2.8 DX
Nikon 85mm 1.8
Nikon 35mm 1.8 DX

What I shoot - Portraits (all kinds), Beauty, some Fashion, some Commercial.

The AF needs to be good enough to catch lively kids in portrait sessions, but doesn't need to be motorsport quick. Would the 5D MKII surfice for this?

I'm contemplating the 5D, 5D MKII, and the 1DS MKII. If I do go this way...I'll probably just pick up a couple of used primes to start off the lens line up. Probably 35/50/85 for now.

Any and all advice appreciated. I thoroughly expect a ripping, but try and keep it light hearted ;)

Thanks alot all :thumbs:

Regards

Danny
 
I've been using a 5D mk II on my kids, and if they're moving around quite quickly inside, it struggles a bit. The 1Ds mk II would likely do better. Totally different camera though, and I do appreciate many of the more modern features of the 5D mk II, such as video for kids plays etc, and excellent high ISO performance, great screen etc. These alone, imo, make up for an antiquated AF system. In most situations it works fine, used it the other day for cricket outdoors and the hit rate was fine.
Cheers
Jonathan
 
Danny, I swapped my D200/D70 for a 5D about 4 weeks before the D700 was announced if I had known I would probably have stuck with Nikon as I had a large amount of lenses (mainly manual from my film days).

Since then I have had a full range of Canon bodies since including, 1DMk2, 1DMk3, 1DsMk3, 30D, 40D, 7D, 5DMk2 (x2) not in that order though.

And although I had an early 5DMk2 (bought by using my 50th Birthday money and selling my 5D) I was seduced by the Canon Pro range and got rid of my 5DMk2, after going through the most of the range and wasting a lot of money, I recently returned to the 5DMk2 and do not regret it at all.

Have I missed a shot with the 5DMk2 that I would have got with the 1DsMk3 (not that I can think of) but I tend to only to use the centre AF point and don't (and never have) machine gunned my images.

The 5DMk2 is a great bang for buck camera with lots of MPs and good high ISO capabilities. With a lens of sufficient quality to make use of the sensor, there is little to better it at the moment.
 
Well, I've owned a 5D, 5D mk2 and currently have the 1Ds mk2.

I like all 3 cameras but would not swap the 1Ds mk2 for a 5D mk2, the reason being IQ up to 1600 is almost identical and the build, handling and AF of the 1 series just inspires confidence. It's far easier to get sharp, wide open shots because of the AF point spread, the shutter feels smoother and it feels like the camera resists shake more. In fact I prefer the IQ of the 1 series, it looks less digital and the smaller file size is helpful ( my computer almost died when I first loaded a RAW file from the 5D mk2!). Downsides to the 1 series are LCD size, 2 button menu system and the extra weight of the NiMh batteries.

You said you wanted a pro body, well the 5D's feel like prosumer after using the 1 series, I picked one up for £1150 with less than 3k on the shutter, boxed and mint, which is about halfway between secondhand 5d and new 5d mk2.

Hope this helps,

Des
 
I wouldn't move just yet. The D400 cannot be too long and the D800 should be arriving soonish as well.

If the D7000 is anything to go by high ISO and DR on the D400 would be excellent touching FF levels, you can keep your lenses and add primes (35mm and 50 1.4 AF-S are both brilliant and reasonably priced) and you do away with very expensive and fairly heavy FF lenses.

Having said that the 5D MK2 is very tempting.
 
I've got little experience of the 5D but have used both the 5DmkII and the 1DsmkII a fair bit. In my opinion both are good cameras, both with pros and cons. The 1DsmkII has a much better AF system (I agree with the comment about the spread of AF points being a big plus) and the image quality at lower ISOs is second to none. The overall build quality is also superb, it just feels right in the hand. However the quality of images out of the 5DmkII is also superb and the way it performs at higher ISOs is amazing (anything upto ISO3200 can be used without any NR). The menu system is nicer on the 5DmkII and the big screen is great for chimping.
 
In your position, I would get a Nikon D700 without a moment's hesitation. Fantastic camera. It's not all about pixels.

Get to try one, and make a 20x30 print. If you're used to a D200, it'll knock yer eye out.
 
Lol. Thanks all so much for your input

I'm still undecided.

It's probably best at this point in time for me to wait I think and see what this years generation of Bodies brings as a few bodies are due an update or replacement.

God knows...I wind myself up with this stuff, lol
 
i sold my d700 last week to swap over to a canon 5dmkii and its the worst decision ive ever made, the files the 5d produces are awesome but then so are the d700, i could get on with the AF system, the controls and i ended up selling it after 2days and now on the look out for a d3 instead
 
i have been owning a 5D mark II for about 2 years (sold on this forum and going to be posted lunch time today actually!)
the colors are amazing and full frame + ISO performance is great and for this range of price. i don't see other body that can outperform it for this price.
D700 is the equivalent on the yellow side :) that would be my choice unless you find an excellent reason to switch to canon.
to me the D700 has a much better autofocus, functionalities are more accessible with buttons (which i prefer) and built quality is to me superior to the 5D (memory card slot, etc..).
However i prefer the colors rendering of the 5D and if you wanna jump into filming the 5D is going to be the right choice.

hope it helps
 
Mahoneyd187 said:
Lol. Thanks all so much for your input

I'm still undecided.

It's probably best at this point in time for me to wait I think and see what this years generation of Bodies brings as a few bodies are due an update or replacement.

God knows...I wind myself up with this stuff, lol
Click to expand...

5D3 will be a lot more money. Even if it's announced today, you won't get one before the summer and will be paying top dollar until after Xmas. Might make the 5D2 cheaper as it runs out, might not if it is a big jump up.

How about get a used D700 now, see how you fare? I think you'll be very impressed. If not, sell it on and it won't have cost you a bean.
 
david1701 said:
I'd be leaning towards 5d2, 24-70L siggy 50mm canon 135L as a straight swap for what you have?
Click to expand...

Seriously?? Could I get all that against the value of my existing equipment?? :cool:

smalls said:
i sold my d700 last week to swap over to a canon 5dmkii and its the worst decision ive ever made, the files the 5d produces are awesome but then so are the d700, i could get on with the AF system, the controls and i ended up selling it after 2days and now on the look out for a d3 instead
Click to expand...

Do you mean to say you couldn't get on with the AF? I'm really torn here because I have no tangible experience with either the 5dmkii or the D700. Stop... :bonk: time


yannick_reveur said:
i have been owning a 5D mark II for about 2 years (sold on this forum and going to be posted lunch time today actually!)
the colors are amazing and full frame + ISO performance is great and for this range of price. i don't see other body that can outperform it for this price.
D700 is the equivalent on the yellow side :) that would be my choice unless you find an excellent reason to switch to canon.
to me the D700 has a much better autofocus, functionalities are more accessible with buttons (which i prefer) and built quality is to me superior to the 5D (memory card slot, etc..).
However i prefer the colors rendering of the 5D and if you wanna jump into filming the 5D is going to be the right choice.

hope it helps
Click to expand...

Do you now have a D700? I love the ergonmics of the Nikons, that's why I bought my first little D40 years ago lol, and I guess I may be underestimating the feel factor. Am I going to notice a clear improvement with the 5d over the D700 at 26x16/30x20" prints?

HoppyUK said:
5D3 will be a lot more money. Even if it's announced today, you won't get one before the summer and will be paying top dollar until after Xmas. Might make the 5D2 cheaper as it runs out, might not if it is a big jump up.

How about get a used D700 now, see how you fare? I think you'll be very impressed. If not, sell it on and it won't have cost you a bean.
Click to expand...

Sorry I should have elaborated somewhat on my thinking. I would only be interested in the newest crop bodies. The D7000 seems impressive in terms of resolution and dynamic range, if the D400 is even better than this...then in my opinion it could be a rightful alternative to a D700, and would allow me to keep my DX lenses without the fuss of changing. I wouldn't be looking for a 5dkmiii or D800, they will be too much money for me at the moment.

It won't be as easy as just getting a D700 and trying it...I'll have to buy lenses for it, as the only FX compatible lens I own is the 85mm. That's why I have no brand loyalty in this decision, because I don't have an investment in either system if I go full frame. I even use my SB speedlights solely with skyports so nothing to be lost there either.

All help and advice really appreciated guys! :thumbs:
 
If you love nikon's control system, that seems reason enough to go with the D700 or D7000 alone.
Add to the fact that you can keep your 85mm (and the DX lenses for use with crop mode, but at only 5mp, that isn't going to be as much use for large prints).

The 5DII's images will probably look a little bit sharper when you print really massive, but the D700 will do fine unless you stand 6 inches away from the print and squint at it. And if you're used to the control layout, then you're more likely to be able to get the shot perfect with a nikon than if you're having to think about the settings on a canon.
The 5DII would be more of an upgrade in image quality terms, but the D700 gives you an upgrade in AF performance and the control system you are used to.
 
Ok, lets say I go the D700 route.

I can't afford a D700 and Nikon 24-70, so maybe keep the 85mm and grab a used 35mm f2 and 50mm 1.8 to keep me going temporarily?

So selling my D200 with grip (approx £350?), 17-55mm Nikon (£550?) and 35mm 1.8 (approx £140?) will get me approx £1040, how far is that away from a used D700?
 
Mahoneyd187 said:
Ok, lets say I go the D700 route.

I can't afford a D700 and Nikon 24-70, so maybe keep the 85mm and grab a used 35mm f2 and 50mm 1.8 to keep me going temporarily?

So selling my D200 with grip (approx £350?), 17-55mm Nikon (£550?) and 35mm 1.8 (approx £140?) will get me approx £1040, how far is that away from a used D700?
Click to expand...

No idea, but even if you add the 85 in to sell, that's going to fall short of a 5DII plus lenses.
 
squishy said:
No idea, but even if you add the 85 in to sell, that's going to fall short of a 5DII plus lenses.
Click to expand...

As far as I can see, D700 and 5Dmkii are pretty much the same cost new and used. This is my point when I say I really don't have any commitment to staying with Nikon kit wise.

From what I guess my gear's worth, say £1240, I could probably get either a D700, or a 5D mkii...either way I'd be left with no lenses lol. If I keep my 85mm I'd just have to put £200 into the D700 purchase, swings and roundabouts really I guess. If I went FF I'd want a 135mm over the 85mm anyway.

Dammit I'm actually getting nowhere lol
 
Sell it all, buy a Hassy body and 150mm lens. :lol:
 
EdBray said:
Sell it all, buy a Hassy body and 150mm lens. :lol:
Click to expand...

Now we're talking Ed! lol!

If I didn't shoot kids, I'd give shooting 100% film a go...but I know to nail good child portraits some times admittedly I do gun it, it's a case of having to on occasion.

I should've listened when people told me, never work with kids or animals...lol
 
Used d700s are getting cheaper. I bought mine a few months back for £1400 which was about the going rate. I've seen them for as low as £1200 recently. I think the controls and menu would give you a shock on the canon, trust me, I've tried albeit with the mid range bodies. I tried to use a 50d but just couldn't get on with the layout and menu, so I came back to what I knew best in the d700.

I'd say try borrowing or renting both bodies for a week and see how you get on.
 
To be honest 1Ds 2 can get much more than a sharp 30x20" and produces particularly nice colours. I am sure 5DII would be just as good if weather seal is not so important, or if you use ISO1600+ more often. Even 5D classic should get it with the right lens and technique, but I can't promise you anything there. 1Ds2 would be my choice.

D700 might also work, with the lowest resolution of the 4. Super sharp lenses would be handy for enlargements.
 
I've printed 7 30x20s last week and a couple of 40x30 from the d700 without issue.
 
I like the 5D2 based on the fact that it has about the same equivalent resolution as a Kodachrome slide, i.e. around 20mp.

A.
 
I can endorse all the positives already stated about the 5D2 - especially the ISO performance - have shot loads of candid portraits indoors, at night, no flash - just high ISO and fast lens - works great.
 
Whu not rent a D700 to try on a shoot and see how it performs?

The 5DII is a fantastic camera but so is the Nikon! Both are capable cameras in the right hands.
 
No i have friends having the D700 and they are equivalent in term of ISO.
D700 beats canon in term of ergonomic to me, but this is because i'm now a more mature user of the camera and want to get rid of the menu as much as possible.
But you know, this not 'just' ergonomy in a way because of the price of the camera. I dont say the canon one as a bad ergonomy but designed for a wider range of users.
A nikon body, you must know what you are doing and the controls are placed a certain way.
on the other hand...well..this is 'just' ergonomy and only the result count...isnt it? so why should that be more important.
i prefer the colors rendering and capture of a 5D mark II and had incredible results for landscapes with it.
but i find the autofocus poor, not to say very poor.

Nikon was long time wasy behind Canon, they have been working on every single thing to build a better body and i think they succeed pretty well.
but still i prefer the color rendering of the Canon.

to be honest im hesitating to jump on the yellow side, because the lenses im looking for are really expensive on the Nikon side....
 
smalls trading my 5d MK II for your D700 was the BEST move I ever made :P
 
Mahoneyd187 said:
Ok, lets say I go the D700 route.

I can't afford a D700 and Nikon 24-70, so maybe keep the 85mm and grab a used 35mm f2 and 50mm 1.8 to keep me going temporarily?

So selling my D200 with grip (approx £350?), 17-55mm Nikon (£550?) and 35mm 1.8 (approx £140?) will get me approx £1040, how far is that away from a used D700?
Click to expand...


For a good one ... about £200/250

Mines is advertised in the forum :D only reason its for sale is a D3s is on the table next to it. I came from 5dmk2 and have never looked back, apart from some controls being reversed but i'm used to it now.
 
Anorakus said:
I like the 5D2 based on the fact that it has about the same equivalent resolution as a Kodachrome slide, i.e. around 20mp.

A.
Click to expand...

I've never heard that claim.

I have some pretty good Kodachrome prints and my 5D2 beats them very comfortably.
 
smalls said:
and the worst move i ever made :'( but i know have a d3 :D
Click to expand...

Thats gotta be the most a*se about face method of upgrading I've ever come across lol! At least you tried it though I guess.

I just bought a real "full frame" camera. Full frame medium format that is :thumbs:

200MB beauty headshots (and fried PC!) here we come :cool:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top