Between say 1980 and say 2003, I used a Canon A-1 for almost all my photographs.

Around 2000 I got my first digital camera. Used a floppy disc and would take 20 or so digital images on a floppy.

My latest Camera I purchsased several years ago now was a Canon T2i with kit lenses of 55mm and a 55-250.

Recently I've got the bug to upgrade,and after one of my lenses got smashed I've done so.

I've acquired both the EF 17-40 f/4 L and a EF 70-200 1:4 L IS lenses.

Thinking my next lens purchase will be the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS Macro

So, since I have "the bug", I'm considering upgrading from the cropped sensor T2i to the 5D Mark III.


Yes that will be more camera than I need at my current level of ability and knowledge in regard to photography.

However I can justify in my mind the expense, and if I sell a couple rifles I can do so.


Hence my question.

Any reason not to go with the 5D Mark III

Thanks in advance,

GWB

I have the 5D Mk III and the 7D.

The 5D is a Full Frame camera, while the 7D is not.

But, I prefer the 7D for my use.

The video is good on both cameras, as long as you bear in mind that it will never replace a video camera.

The quality is there, but practicality is not.

Unless you really want a FF camera, my suggestion is to wait for the 7D Mk II which is rumored to be out sometime this year.

Saeed,

thanks for the considered reply.


The T2i continues to function, and takes good pictures, especially with the upgraded lenses.

However I'm wanting to avail myself of a FF camera, hence my question in regards to the 5D.

Best,

GWB

Geedubya, I think you are on the right track in upgrading your lenses. Camera bodies become obsolescent a whole lot quicker than lenses these days.

Having both FF and crop camera bodies expands the utility of your lenses. For example to really get the best out of the fine 17-40L lens it should be used on a FF body. For wildlife/bird photos, a crop body works well with a telephoto lens.

I took Saeed's advice a few years ago and got a 7D which is just a wonderful camera. I use it mainly with a 70-200L and a 400 5.6L for wildlife and bird photos.

I bought a 5DMkII when they were being cleared out at discount prices just as the MkIII was being introduced. i use it mainly with the 17-40, and with a 24-105 for tabletop product photos and all-around use.

I don't have a MkIII but am very pleased with the images from the MkII, and I'm sure Canon didn't go backwards when introducing the MkIII.

A FF body should fit your needs very well, especially since you already have a decent crop body with your T2i.

Saeed has got me interested in the rumored 7DMkII, if it is significantly better than the 7D it will be some camera!

The camera used has far less impact on the photo than the lens and the user. The crop sensor cameras offer 90% of what the FF cameras do. Typically that 10% difference is only useable in special situations (studio work in my experience).

I suggest you take a good look at the new Canon 70D. The 7D mark 2 will very likely have the new 70D sensor with a more sophisticated autofocus system akin to the 5D mark 3. It will be built stouter, but would otherwise be very similar to the 70D.

My suggestion is to really consider the 70D or upcoming 7D mark 2 and spend the difference on accessories or lenses. Or maybe some photography instruction? I am not sure what your skill level is, or what you aspirations are, so please don't think that I am dogging you.

Just another opinion in a sea of them.

Jeremy

Jeremy,

I'm consider myself to be "in sandbox" when it comes to knowledge and skill in regards to cameras and the art of photography.


In no way do I take your response as negative or denigrating.

Rather, thanks for taking the time to respond. I appreciate the input. Both you and Saeed seem to be on the same page in regard to the new version of the 7D. It may be as much as a year before I purchase a new camera body, if I do so at all.

Best,

GWB

Canon really has some top of the line equipment right now . Much of the pro action shots are with Canon now which hasn't been that way in a long time.

We just got the new Canon 70D. Wow it is tops. Yes it is a crop camera but if you aren't a true make a living with a camera in your hands it is a top shelf unit . Or if you don't have a stack of lenses for a new style camera already around.

It has sped to burn at 7-8 fps and it has excellent image stabilized lenses that are not nearly up in the cost range that a full frame would be.

We got the full compliemnet of lenses for it including their excellent 50mm, the 28-135 which is the most used, and then the 300 mm zoom which would be for Africa and for taking horse riding pictures with no flash of our daughter,

The cost of that was about what the best Canon and Nikon full frames body only would be .

Did I say that the pictures are just beautiful from the 70D. One other thing is that it is fairly easy to learn the basics and operate too.

My wife has a EOS40D. What would be a good lens for rifle photography?

Cheers,

Chris

quote:

Originally posted by Rockdoc:
My wife has a EOS40D. What would be a good lens for rifle photography?

Cheers,

Chris

That might depend on what kind of rifle photos you want to take. If you want to take up-close shots of metalwork or checkering, then a macro lens will generally give better results. Here are two examples on one of my rifles:






Of course, showing this much detail does reveal even the smallest imperfections. If you look closely you can see almost every speck of dust, even the very slight dimpling in the metal under the blueing. In this case the lens was a Micro Nikkor 105mm/f2.8 G ED VR on a Nikon D700 body. But Canon as well as the Sigma's and the Tokina's of the world all make excellent macro lenses. They can also take "regular" pictures at normal distances so you don't limit yourself with a macro lens and they usually make for a very good portrait lens. A prime lens will always give better results in terms of sharpness when compared to a zoom.

I hadn't looked at these pictures in some time. Duane Wiebe checkers a stock about as good as a human being can.

Thanks Wink.

Camera show on here in Singapore this weekend. Will mozey along. There is a Canon EF 100mm macro lens have my eye on.

Great photos of a great rifle in a very good caliber. Like to see some more shots of that.

Cheers, Chris

Chris, The Canon EF 100 macro is a great lens, I use one on my 5D. You might also consider a Canon T/S 90mm for studio work. Both are tack sharp edge to edge. ...Dave Wesbrook...PS, You give good advise Wink

Thank you gentlemen.

I will report when i take some photos with it.

Best wishes,

Chris

quote:

Originally posted by dave wesbrook:
Chris, The Canon EF 100 macro is a great lens, I use one on my 5D. You might also consider a Canon T/S 90mm for studio work. Both are tack sharp edge to edge. ...Dave Wesbrook...PS, You give good advise Wink

Dave,

are you using the std. or IS version.

The 100 macro is on my my list. Which version, TBD

Best,

GWB

Look at the non-IS one. I've used both, the L series has better color and a little better contrast out of the camera, but that can be easily corrected in the computer.

Sharpness, I thought, was a toss up unless you were shooting at F2.8, then the L wins by a little. I don't think that this is worth the extra $400 though.

Having IS is usually not important for macro work since your subject is stationary and your camera is on a tripod or other support. At least this would be a common setup. Maybe other shoot macro shots hand held. IS would be nice in that scenario.

Jeremy

I use the standard (non IS) ef100

Thanks guys,

very much appreciate ya'll taking the time to respond and the advice given.

Best,

GWB

I have a question.

A gut I know wants a camera for wildlife photography. Does the Canon make a lens camera that you can use the back screen as a view finder? I can't do that with the model EOS Rebel that I have.

quote:

Originally posted by Rusty:
I have a question.

A gut I know wants a camera for wildlife photography. Does the Canon make a lens camera that you can use the back screen as a view finder? I can't do that with the model EOS Rebel that I have.

Most Canon cameras, just like Nikon and others, have what is called LiveView. With this feature you can use the back screen for video, macro photography, etc. But most photographers prefer to look at the subject through the viewfinder, since it provides your eye with a shaded area (like when you stand in your house looking out the window). Looking at a bright screen makes looking at the subject a little difficult.

quote:

Originally posted by Rusty:
I have a question.

A gut I know wants a camera for wildlife photography. Does the Canon make a lens camera that you can use the back screen as a view finder? I can't do that with the model EOS Rebel that I have.

Rusty, some of the most published professional wildlife photographers, like Andy Rouse, use Canon cameras. According to his web site Rouse uses a Canon 1DX with a 200-400mm for most of his wildlife work these days. But most wouldn't want to spend that much money on camera gear. The Canon EOS 5D Mark III is an excellent camera, as is the 6D.

My personal opinion is that the Canon cameras are good when you go to their high end, but Nikon cameras offer better bang for buck in middle price range (unless the video performance is your main concern), and not because I use Nikons, but because I look at the DxO marks given to the sensors. A Nikon D7000 can be had for not too much money (I don't think the D7100 would be better for a wildlife photographer), and if full frame is his goal than the Nikon D610 is one of the most affordable out there. If the money's not there to buy these new, then a used Nikon D700 or D600 that still has warranty left on it (in case sensor spots are a problem) are both good options. But the biggest challenge to anyone's wallet is good lenses for wildlife shooting, since what are frequently called the "exotic" telephotos lenses are beyond most people's reach. The Canon high end lenses are even more expensive than the Nikon exotics. Nikon has one of the best affordable telephoto lenses, the 300mm AFS f/4, which would be equivalent to a 450mm on the D7000. And for versatility the 18-200mm on the D7000 or the 28-300mm on the D610 would be good choices. But longer and faster lenses will cost several thousand dollars, each.

Unless the camera was on a tripod and I was sitting in a darkened blind, I don't think I would ever see any advantages to using the Live View screen rather than the viewfinder.