Suggestions for body

UKmitch86

UKmitch86

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Mitch
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Hi all - my new camera club has got me thinking about getting out more and ways to remain inconspicuous and get better candids.

I'm using a 1Ds3, and I do love it, but it's not inconspicuous and it's heavy. It's not for 1 handed use, and when I've got the dog pulling the other hand, I need to think about whether it's the right size body going forward.

I don't want to give up Canon, nor do I want to give up full frame. I've not got a huge amount of money knocking around at the moment, so would like to see what I might get from a direct swap, or a trade on the forum.

All I can see is the 6D or the 5D3. I think I'd prefer the 5D3, but it's not exciting to me if I'm honest. I can see a 5D2 perhaps leaving me with a few quid to invest in some new glass.

Any suggestions welcome.
 
Stop trying to hold the dog with one hand whilst taking candids with the other? You did say any suggestions ;)

Trying to achieve what you want with the self imposed restrictions of ff and Canon and little changeover cost stumps me tbh, why not go apsc or mirrorless to give yourself a wider range of options within budget? Add in that you want to be "excited" by the body as well....
 
B1ts said:
Stop trying to hold the dog with one hand whilst taking candids with the other? You did say any suggestions ;)

Trying to achieve what you want with the self imposed restrictions of ff and Canon and little changeover cost stumps me tbh, why not go apsc or mirrorless to give yourself a wider range of options within budget? Add in that you want to be "excited" by the body as well....
Click to expand...
What can I say, I'm demanding!

I used Fuji before, but missed the full frame and didn't enjoy grappling with new controls. Battery life was pants too.
 
Moon on a stick, what you want doesn't exist from Canon, Sony would be your best option for FF and size/weight reduction
 
tijuana taxi said:
Moon on a stick, what you want doesn't exist from Canon, Sony would be your best option for FF and size/weight reduction
Click to expand...

OK maybe you're right.

If I rephrase the original question - "what would you change about the setup I have to make it more inconspicuous and retain some shallow depth of field capability" ?
 
UKmitch86 said:
OK maybe you're right.

If I rephrase the original question - "what would you change about the setup I have to make it more inconspicuous and retain some shallow depth of field capability" ?
Click to expand...

Assuming by "retain some shallow depth of field capability" you mean "stick with wide aperture lenses on full frame", then you have a problem, as the lenses themselves tend to be conspicuous, as the Sony A7 series have shown.

Sony have done marvels in making a small FF camera, but stick an f/2,8 zoom on it and it is no longer inconspicuous.

One possible way forward (though it means moving away from Canon) would be to go for an aps-c mirrorless (EG Sony A6000 / 6300 / 6500) with a fast prime (f/1.8 or faster) - this would give you a reasonably shallow depth of field, but keep relatively small and light (There are various options in the 20-50mm focal length range, depending on price, and manual or AF).
 
As Jonathan said an apsc with a 35mm 1.4 and an 85mm 1.4 would give a similar look to your current 50mm and 135mm.

Though in reality, that 135mm is one of those lenses that you'll find impossible to 'match' because it's a bit special.
 
UKmitch86 said:
If I rephrase the original question - "what would you change about the setup I have to make it more inconspicuous and retain some shallow depth of field capability" ?
Click to expand...

Changing gear probably isn't the answer. Even with a clunking great camera you can photograph people without them realising (until it's too late). Although (physically) long lenses and longer lens hoods can attract attention - so ditch them.

More often it's the photographer that's conspicuous rather than the camera in a candid scenario. For example, moving even a small a camera from hip height to eye level is a dead give away to people that a photo is about to be taken, as is abruptly stopping walking when you spot something.

If you need two hands to operate the camera, tie the dog's lead to your belt!
 
Get your dog to walk to heel on a loose lead.
Cheaper then you don't need to buy any new gear [emoji6]
 
How about the 6D with a Canon 40mm f2.8 pancake? Possibly the smallest Canon full frame/lens combo.
The lens is small enough to be inconspicuous when you point it at someone.
Do you have a sling-strap, Blackrapid or similar? If you put that combo on a strap and let it hang down while you walk the dog, it'll be out of the way, not look too conspicious, and it'll be secure leaving hands free for dealing with dog stuff and be there ready to use when you want it.
I often walk around central London with my 6D hanging like this, it's much less in the way and conspicuous that on a traditional strap.

Alternatively, get a small Sony A7 and get the Sony FE35mm f2.8 ZA Sonnar which appears to be the smallest Sony full frame prime, it's not much bigger than a pancake lens.
 
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