WHAT would you do....lens or camera?

[Permagrin]

....if you were me.

My query is this: I'm considering buying the 30D as a back-up cam (right now I've only got the S3-IS as a back-up and I'm not even sure if it works since we both fell in the lake). I'm not a pro, but I do know that sometimes cameras have to be worked on...and I don't want to be without. BUT I also want (don't need but do want) the 85 1.2 (don't have enought $ for that yet though)...and both are not an option. So, given the choice, what would you do? Save for the 85 OR buy the 30D?
My sig. has my current lenses.

[Billginthekeys]

if you are doing stuff where you would benifit from the second body, get it. but if you envision it sitting in the camera bag most of the time. id say consider saving up for the glass. cant blame you for 85 1.2 envy. id like the lens too, especially since i seem to be doing a lot more people photography lately. but wow is it expensive.

[Permagrin]

I'm not really. The only benefit to a second body would be to be sure and have one, if something happens to the other (during repair time)....or the speed of the 30D, when the 5D isn't fast enough....

[Bob_A]

How often do you envision sending your camera in for repair? Based on the above I'd save for the 85 f/1.2L and live with your slow 5D. :)

[condyk]

What Bob says, but get the 1.8 if you don't have it already. That 1.2 is a joke. A badge of honour rather than a practical day to day tool as far as I can tell.

[Belmondo]

What Bob says, but get the 1.8 if you don't have it already. That 1.2 is a joke. A badge of honour rather than a practical day to day tool as far as I can tell.

I disagree somewhat. The 1.2 has amazing depth of field and produces excellent images. Also, people who carry it tend to have very impressive biceps.

[Permagrin]

I disagree somewhat. The 1.2 has amazing depth of field and produces excellent images. Also, people who carry it tend to have very impressive biceps.

That's just what I NEED! :lol: (impressive biceps I mean....the lens is still just a want)

[peterdoomen]

What Bob says, but get the 1.8 if you don't have it already. That 1.2 is a joke. A badge of honour rather than a practical day to day tool as far as I can tell.

mmm... might be my most used lens when I take other photos than for stock reasons... It's really an impressive lens, but it delivers impressive pictures too.

P.

[Permagrin]

What lens would you compare it's weight to? I didn't realize it was large...

[Ronald S. Jr.]

It weighs just shy of 1/4 lb. more than a 24-70L.

[peterdoomen]

The 85 f/1.2 weighs about 1 kilo, that is a third less than your 100-400.

It is also quite big, it looks like a ball. Hence one of its nicknames: Canon Ball (or Cannon Ball, if your prefer).

P.

[condyk]

Well people always mention DOF but how many actually use it at 1.2? I fancy many shots are taken well stopped down unless people enjoy shooting small objects like coins standing on their sides in the dark ;-) I just can't think of a use for it unless stopped down. Nice portrait lens I reckon on a tripod tho'. But I'm still not sure if I have ever seen a shot that is any better than the 1.8. I know we have a little fan base for this lens here who reinforce each others shots ... most others don't ever seem that impressed.

I dunno ... maybe I need my eyes testing and I am open to that. I just put it in with the 24-70mm L and 18-55mm IS as overpriced at the moment, but it's everyone's right to buy and use what they want, just like it is my right to call these three joke lenses.

I really wish I could bring myself to buy a 18-55mm IS. So disappointed in that one.

[peterdoomen]

Here are two comparison shots with the nifty fifty next to the 85L:

109609

109610

P.

[SoaringUSAEagle]

Yeah, i would get the lens... But thats me lol

[peterdoomen]

Well people always mention DOF but how many actually use it at 1.2?

I regularly use f/1.2, especially when I try to avoid flash.

Besides that, the 85L is also very sharp (photodo MTF: 4.6, compare the 85 f/1.8: 4.1 and the sharpest lens around 200 f/1.8: 4.8).

P.

[rhys]

Reading your gear list I'd say get the lens and check to see whether your S3 still works. Personally, I used my S1 last time at Disneyworld rather than my XT. Having said that, there were occasions when the XT would have been a better choice.

[Permagrin]

Thanks guys for all the input...I'm definitely going to mull over what you've said...I thought I was totally swayed to buying a backup body until Peter posted those photos...after I stopped drooling :lol: I decided to rethink things...you've all made valid points and what I really thought was interesting was that no one thought a back-up body was necc. I always thought it was supposed to be a MUST! Anyway, thanks again!

Oh and CondyK, my husband has the 85 1.8 and loves it...I just thought I'd heard that the 85 1.2 was "to die for"...lens wise anyway...

[tim]

I'd suggest a lens, since you don't really need a backup body. Rent if you really need one for a short period.

The 85 F1.2L Mk1 didn't seem heavy to me at all, not compared with the 70-200 F2.8 IS, but the 1DsMk2 it was attached to had a bit of weight in it.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

Well the 70-200L IS is over a pound heavier. Understood. Yeah, if I were interested in it, I'd take the 85L over a whatever backup body. Lenses are more fun...especially with f/1.2. ;-)

[DocFrankenstein]

I am always getting lenses before the camera.

I'll buy a second body only when I NEED a backup because of contractual obligations.

[markubig]

I'll buy a second body only when I NEED a backup because of contractual obligations. my contractual obligation is laying down next to me and already said "NO" to anything photography-related.:p

[20DNewbie]

It is also quite big, it looks like a ball. Hence one of its nicknames: Canon Ball (or Cannon Ball, if your prefer).

P.
I actually think the Lord Malone version is heaps better.:lol::lol::lol:

If I was getting paid I'd go for a back up, I'm not though so I'd get more glass instead.

[Permagrin]

I actually think the Lord Malone version is heaps better.:lol::lol::lol:

If I was getting paid I'd go for a back up, I'm not though so I'd get more glass instead.

I'm almost afraid to ask what "Lord Malone's" version is...

[peterdoomen]

I'm almost afraid to ask what "Lord Malone's" version is...


Don't understand that either...

P.