The old kit dilemma again...

[kh_42]

Hey guys, I know there are lots of similar threads on here so my apologies for boring you all with this one, but I need help. I'm awful at decision making, invariably I usually make the wrong choice too, so I've decided to try adopting the popular opinion of you knowledgeable folk instead. Probably.

I currently have a 30D but I've been thinking about upgrading, primarily to a full-frame model. Now, to pre-empt some of the questions I expect:

1. I don't shoot anything in particular, I just love to get out and point my camera at whatever takes my fancy. If I were to pick topics of primary interest then it would probably be portraiture, still life and landscapes for the most part - I'd also like to get into using a studio set-up at some point.

2. There is nothing wrong with the 30D.

3. Currently I'm an amateur, but I'd love to think that I have the potential to possibly make money from my hobby one day. (I've already assisted at a couple of weddings and would like to do more, perhaps eventually on my own)

So, what have I been considering?

1. 5D mk II with 24-105 f/4 L

2. Nikon D700 - not sure what lens yet, considering the 24-70mm f/2.8 if the budget will stretch.

So, why the possible allegiance change? Well, I have no L series glass at the moment and nothing that I would be heartbroken to part with. I went to a local store and handled both the Canon and the Nikon, I preferred the way the Nikon felt but I like the Canon lens line up better. Also, I would consider keeping my 30D as a back up if I stay with Canon. (if the wife will let me anyway...)

Of course the alternative from left field is that I just stick with what I've got and buy some nice glass or upgrade to a 50D.

I really (really) don't want to start a debate about the merits of Canon vs Nikon etc, but for an upgrade of this cost, if I do it, I'd rather assess all options properly! I read Diego Garcia's postings on his experiences with great interest but have still been left undecided, hence this slightly rambling post.

I'll also accept any opinions suggesting I'm an idiot with kit envy who really has no need of buying anything based on my current photographic output. Just no harsh language please, I'm a sensitive soul...

Confused, Ottawa

 

[48thEagle]

You say you like the Nikon to hold, and the comfort will always be important, if you hadn't said that you like the lens line up from Canon, I would have said go for the Nikon, but as you mentioned the Canon lenses, I would suggest that you are looking to expand your kit at some point.

If you can go for the 5D and lens, and also keep the 30D as a backup, I personally would go for that one, if you go for a 50D now, as good as you will find it, you will always be left thinking "but what if I had gone for the 5D....?"

I would say go for whatever feels right, whatever you can afford, and 'grow' into the features the new camera can give you.

Oh, and if you go for a 5d Mk 2 and decide to eventually do weddings, don't forget it has an HD video option

 

[kh_42]

I would like to expand, but gradually - its more the choice of lenses that Canon has, but that's without considering other brands like Sigma, Tamron etc.

It also concerns me that there are fairly consistent complaints about the quality of the 5d's Af and I need all the help I can get!

 

[fletch5]

since you havent really got a complint against the 30d, i would prob stick some decent glass on it and reap the benefits of that. the 30d should be perfectly able to earn you some money and some good quality glass would prob offer more to you than a newer body.

however, you need to pick which you prefer, the canon or the nikon. no point staying with canon if all your going to think is i wish i had the nikon. and likewise no point switching if you going to think i wish i had the canon.

What sort of budget you got and what lenses do you currently own?

 

[kh_42]

Budget is tricky to convert - I'm living in Canada at the moment but lets call it around $4000 which is around 2300 pounds or so.

Current lenses are an old Tamron 70-300 (old, relatively poor quality lens, never use it), Sigma 70mm f/2.8 macro, Sigma 10-20mm and the 18-55 kit lens.

I might go and have another play this evening on the way home from work and see how I feel. I'll be honest another part of the reason I'm considering it now is that prices are going up and the exchange rate has been suffering a bit in the last couple of months - since I'm still paid in sterling I'm worried that by waiting I'll end up losing out even more.

 

[Hooky]

What lenses are there (that you would use consistantly ) in the Canon line up, that you couldn't get comparable quality on the Nikon / third party route?

Personally I shoot Nikon, as I prefer the ergonomics. Comfort and feel are sooo important if you are considering moving from a hobby to a career at some point in the future. Only you can decide ultimately what feels the right route for your photographic journey to take

Whatever you decide, keep us updated as you are looking at some quality kit there

Alan

 

[tikkathreebarrel]

Budget is tricky to convert - I'm living in Canada at the moment but lets call it around $4000 which is around 2300 pounds or so.

Probably at least as interesting is how prices compare with local taxes etc.

Current lenses are an old Tamron 70-300 (old, relatively poor quality lens, never use it), Sigma 70mm f/2.8 macro, Sigma 10-20mm and the 18-55 kit lens.

Right. I think you stand to gain loads with an investment in some better glass. You're clearly not happy with your 70-300 and the 18-55 has a low reputation.

This pushes you straight to the decision Canon or Nikon. From your posts so far I think only you can deal with the subjective "I like the way it handles" type of issue.

I'll be honest another part of the reason I'm considering it now is that prices are going up and the exchange rate has been suffering a bit in the last couple of months - since I'm still paid in sterling I'm worried that by waiting I'll end up losing out even more.

If you think that locally one brand has more competitive pricing than the other and that you're on the edge of a once in a lifetime transaction, I for one would be prepared to change brand. But if there was pricing parity? I'd stick with the make I know and invest in some upgrading.

 

[kh_42]

tikka - the prices are inclusive of local taxes - here in Ontario there is 5% Government Sales Tax and 7% Provincial sales tax - so 12% in all. The factors pushing me are two-fold, the impending price rises which (apparently) are hitting here too along with the possibility of 'quantative easing' by the bank of England which will most likely cause a dip in the exchange rate, or so I'm told.

Ok, onto the kit question! The Nikon is cheaper here, but not by huge amounts and the 5D is only just showing up in stock in some stores after the pre-order frenzy. This is definitely a one off investment too, which is why I'm making such a meal of it!

I guess based on what I've read that the Nikon is more versatile overall and the only real advantage of the Canon is the extra MP if you're going to print really big. Other than that they seem to be pretty similar in performance, with the odd-difference here and there.

Oh - Hooky - will keep you updated, assuming I ever make a decision of course. It would be easier if I didn't have to wait until the weekend - more time = more thinking!!

 

[percymon]

I did the 30d to 5d move over a year ago. Like you i'll shoot anything (and often badly !).

Your 30d might make £300 on here, which leaves a massive gap to a 5d MkII and lens.

From what you say your usage is, a swap to a good used 5d would cost about £500, and you could then add a nifity fifty lens for under £100 and a wider 24mm/35mm for around £300. All told you'll be under £1k to change, and still have to keep or sell off your existing lenses as a further upgrade path.

The cost of a 5d MkII and the 24-105mm looks silly to me at present - i paid around £1700 for that lens and the 5d MkI new, and selling it on now i'd still get £1200 or so back. I'm more than happy with 12.8Mp, and using faster lenses negates any need for high ISO ability IMO. The big Mp of the MkII is onl;y going to highlight any inadequate glass even more.