Full Frame advice please

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Richard
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Hi all, I'm relatively new here so please be patient with me.

i'm looking to change my current Canon set up (40D plus 17-40, 24-105, 70-200
f/2.8 IS and 50 f/1.2) to a full frame set up. I primarily shoot landscapes and portraits and occasionally the kids playing rugby.

I was just after a few opinions as to what people thought about the options of going full frame. Budget is about £2k.

My thoughts are, in no particular order
1. 5DMk2
2. Used 1DsMk2 plus 135 f/2
3. Used 5D plus 135 f/2 and 85 f/1.8 and upgrading the 17-40 to the 16-35 II

Does anybody have any thoughts

TIA

Eisbar
 
Given the lenses you already have, I'd go for the 5D Mk II.

The camera (so far) is astonishing. Beautiful tones/detail, exposure is pretty much spot on, as are colour rendition through L glass.

I'm truly envious at the glass you have :):p

I don't have and doubt whether I'll ever have a 1DS II, but the current technology really override the features of it, plus the 5D II has the resolution.

All of the magazines I had a quick read of today (thanks WH Smith :)) really rate the 5D Mk II and if you had one, it'd be easy to see why :) I'm really happy with mine, but very early days in my relationship with it :lol:
 
For mainly portrait and landscape, I go 5DII I reckon. It's the best sensor Canon have ever made and although it isn't as tough as a 1Ds and the AF isn't quite as good, I'd reckon it'd be better than the 40D you're used to.
 
Its all pretty much down to personal preferance and what you are wanting from the cam. I would go durability and strengh of the 1Ds and it will probably be around long after the 5D needs replacement, and the AF is quicker and better, but thats just my opinion. :thumbs:
 
To be honest the 5D is an extremely durable camera. The 1D may be 'more' durable but I've tested both of my 5D's by way of 2 and half years on the back of a motorbike, 36 heavy crashes in various deserts and 4 months in the Amazon.

I wouldn't worry too much unless you intend to put it under the wheels of a lorry.
 
IMHO, the AF on the 5D II is its major minus point, but even so, AF is still no slouch in poor light with decent glass. Was shooting at f/16 tonight in the dark, albeit on a tripod and had no problem with it picking up quick focus..

I guess build quality is a little better on the 1DS II and has a significantly more durable shutter. Technology, resolution and features are far greater on the 5D II though :)

Just my 2p worth and opinion ;)
 
markta said:
IMHO, the AF on the 5D II is its major minus point, but even so, AF is still no slouch in poor light with decent glass. Was shooting at f/16 tonight in the dark and had no problem with it picking up focus..

I guess build quality is a little better on the 1DS II and has a significantly more durable shutter. Technology, resolution and features are far greater on the 5D II though :)
Click to expand...

All depends what you require from your gear.. as said the 5D is without a doubt a great camera.
 
Absolutely :), well mine will be used for landscapes, night photography and weddings. As my 40D has faster AF, I'll continue to use it for wildlife with my 300 2.8 especially for BIF.
 
Is that right - the 40D has faster AF than the 5DII? I have no experience of the 5DII but my 5D had better AF than a 20D/30D. You live an learn.

I personally would not want to be without the 1D durability and weather sealing now, but for image quality alone, the 14bit conversion, 21 Mpx of the 5DII would be very attractive.
 
grumpybadger said:
Is that right - the 40D has faster AF than the 5DII? I have no experience of the 5DII but my 5D had better AF than a 20D/30D. You live an learn.

I personally would not want to be without the 1D durability and weather sealing now, but for image quality alone, the 14bit conversion, 21 Mpx of the 5DII would be very attractive.
Click to expand...

Well I've tried the 300 2.8 with the 40D and 5D and the 40D seems to lock on quicker, even when using the 1.4x. Not a huge difference but noticeable :)

I think when the 40D came out, this was one of the more prominent improvements over the 30D, so could explain the difference :)
 
Geez what a nice dilemma ! You have some great glass too.For me though it would have to be the 1Ds.The IQ on my mates one is astonishing.If its better on the new 5D then so be it---I doubt that my eyes would notice it.Either makes a great combo with the 40D.The 1D series are just the best pieces of kit.The only reason I sold my 1Dmk2n was that somebody made me a silly offer for it when it was becoming out dated and with kids at Uni-blah blah blah.
Yours in envy,
Pete.
 
I have a 1dsmk2 and I got it for landscapes and portraits
and used my 1dmk2 for sports and wildlife but I tried the 1ds for sports and was suprised how good the focus was for fast moving things. The only thing I like about the 5d range is the
fact you can shoot high iso's with it and thats about it.I now have a 1dmk3 to take care of the high iso's.
 
Thanks for all the replies.

I like the idea of the 1Ds body as I like to shoot seascapes in Cornwall and the weather-sealing is an attractive feature.

I'm planning on keeping the 40D as the 1.6 crop will be useful when shooting my kids playing sports.
However... the improved ISO performance of the 5D Mk2 is appealing. Can I up the ISO on a 5D Mk2 so that my 70-200 f/2.8 is useable with a 1.4x teleconverter for Winter rugby shooting? How does the ISO performance of the 5D vs 1Ds Mk2 vs 5D Mk 2 compare and should this be a consideration?

TIA

Eisbar
 
another factor not mentioned is size and weight, both are full frame bodies much bigger than a 40d, but isn't a 1d much larger still than 5d?
Just a thought, might be worth playing with the two in a shop
 
david1701 said:
another factor not mentioned is size and weight, both are full frame bodies much bigger than a 40d, but isn't a 1d much larger still than 5d?
Just a thought, might be worth playing with the two in a shop
Click to expand...
I dont think the 5d is any bigger than a 40d but yes the 1d is a lump.
 
But if you add a grip to the 5D Mk II then it's virtually the same size as the 1DS..about 1 or 2cm shorter IIRC.

Still can't fathom out whether the 5D Mk II BG-E6 grip is magnesium alloy or polycarbonate :thinking: :shrug: Definately feels cold to the touch, colder than polycarbonate but cannot say for definate what materials were used..
 
I've got a 1Ds MKII and a 5D and yes it's a very nice dilemma!

If you shoot very often in low light I'd be tempted to try a 5DMKII for high ISO performance.

The autofocus on the 1Ds is waaaayyyy better than the original 5D and I understand there is not a significant improvement on the newer MKII.

So that's where your choice will ultimately lie. Better autofocus vs Higher ISO. Only you can make that call.

I still love using my 5D and if you ever shoot one handed then the bulk of the 1Ds almost precludes it. (I've got small hands)

Good luck with your decision, not an easy call, try them both and do let us know what you go for.
 
30D 144 x 106 x 74 mm (5.6 x 4.2 x 2.9 in) weight • No battery: 706 g (1.6 lb)
• With battery: 785 g (1.7 lb

40D 146 x 108 x 74 mm(5.7 x 4.2 x 2.9 in) weight • No battery: 740 g (1.6 lb)
• With battery: 822 g (1.8 lb)

5D 152 x 113 x 75 mm (6.0 x 4.4 x 2.9 in) weight • No battery: 810 g (1.8 lb)
• With battery: 895 g (2.0 lb)

5D2 152 x 114 x 75 mm (6 x 4.5 x 3 in) Weight with battery: 900 g (2.0 lb)

1Ds2 156 x 158 x 80 mm (6.1 x 6.2 x 3.2 in) weight with battery: 1565 g (55.2 oz)
 
EdBray said:
30D 144 x 106 x 74 mm (5.6 x 4.2 x 2.9 in) weight • No battery: 706 g (1.6 lb)
• With battery: 785 g (1.7 lb

40D 146 x 108 x 74 mm(5.7 x 4.2 x 2.9 in) weight • No battery: 740 g (1.6 lb)
• With battery: 822 g (1.8 lb)

5D 152 x 113 x 75 mm (6.0 x 4.4 x 2.9 in) weight • No battery: 810 g (1.8 lb)
• With battery: 895 g (2.0 lb)

5D2 152 x 114 x 75 mm (6 x 4.5 x 3 in) Weight with battery: 900 g (2.0 lb)

1Ds2 156 x 158 x 80 mm (6.1 x 6.2 x 3.2 in) weight with battery: 1565 g (55.2 oz)
Click to expand...


Cheers for that. I presume that the size of the 5D and 5D Mk2 once a grip is installed are similar to a 1Ds Mk2. Do you know how the weight compares when the grip is attached

Eisbar
 
AliB said:
So that's where your choice will ultimately lie. Better autofocus vs Higher ISO. Only you can make that call.
Click to expand...

I agree, tough choice though. Ideally I'd like both:)

Eisbar
 
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