Need Advice: FF camera or New lens

[gnnbtrn]

I currently have cropped 30D, 24-70 and 85mm I use for portraits. I realized that I need/want 50mm lens to work closer to model, and looked at sigma 50mm 1.4 for about $450. However, someone advised that if I get FF body like 5D or even 1Ds Mark II for about $2,500 I will not need 50mm. Of course the new body is much more expensive, but does it have that many advantages over crop? The lens I can buy today, but for the FF body I'll need to save more $$$ to buy it later.


What would you do?

Go from crop to FF
or just get another lens?

[JeffreyG]

Get a used 5D for about $1000.

[gnnbtrn]

Originally Posted by JeffreyG

Get a used 5D for about $1000.

I've thought about it, but i will need grip+batteries and it is going to be more than $1000...

[bsaber]

Originally Posted by gnnbtrn

I've thought about it, but i will need grip+batteries and it is going to be more than $1000...

You can save up for the 5DII or for much less you can get a 5D. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles but it's still a great camera.

[ebann]

Keep your crop camera and the two must-buy lens are 50/1.4 (or 1.8 ) and 85/1.8. They are perfect for portraits. For full-frame, you'd need 85/1.8 and 135/2 (which happens to be an L). If cost is not an issue, full-frame plus 135/2. If you want best bang for the buck, keep your crop camera and get the 50/1.4. Here's a good read:

http://www.shutterbug.net/techniques...e/0806prostwo/

[gnnbtrn]

Originally Posted by ebann

Keep your crop camera and the two must-buy lens are 50/1.4 (or 1.8 ) and 85/1.8. They are perfect for portraits. For full-frame, you'd need 85/1.8 and 135/2 (which happens to be an L). If cost is not an issue, full-frame plus 135/2. If you want best bang for the buck, keep your crop camera and get the 50/1.4. Here's a good read:

http://www.shutterbug.net/techniques...e/0806prostwo/

Thanks for the link! very interesting.

Unfortunately, the cost is an ISSUE.

I have tried 135/2, but it was too long for my 30D, that is why I got 85/1.8 first. Just shoot today this one, but I hate to step back toooo far for such portrait:



I almost bought the 50mm, but have a doubt if this lens will be used very often on ff....

I am trying to develop a strategy here:
Lens now, or FF camera, preferably 1 series later...

[ebann]

Originally Posted by gnnbtrn

I almost bought the 50mm, but have a doubt if this lens will be used very often on ff....

I am trying to develop a strategy here:
Lens now, or FF camera, preferably 1 series later...

A normal 50mm f/1.4 on a full-frame body? It's a no-brainer! I use it all the time on my 1V and 1Ds (MkI) in low-light conditions without flash. Add a few extension tubes and you also got yourself a nice basic macro lens. It's a very versatile lens, and one of the best non-L primes Canon makes.

[Derrel]

My advice: if you are interested in people photography, buy a FF body. The original 5D is selling for $1399 or thereabouts. I have seen private party used ones going for $900 now and again. Just an example, the 1.6x body means to get an 8.47 foot field of view to show a 6 foot person standing,with enough room for head space and foot space OR to crop to 8x10, you need to be 34 feet away with a 1.6x body and 85mm lens. With a FF Canon, the same field of view is available at 20 feet, and with much shallower depth of field.

A 135mm lens on 1.6x? You need to be 47 feet away for the same full-length person. Trust me....if you want more versatility and easier working, look into a FF body and leave the crop-frame stuff for where it's the better choice, like birding and long-range tele-work where you also want more depth of field,rather than less DOF.

FF bodies bring your 85,100,and 135mm lenses back into play for people work,where on 1.6x they are simply too narrow in angle of view to use in many locations,indoors or out.

[Brett]

Originally Posted by gnnbtrn

I've thought about it, but i will need grip+batteries and it is going to be more than $1000...

Why a grip for fashion work? Number of exposures?
5D batteries are cheap. Get a couple extras and you're fine.

[joe mama]

Originally Posted by gnnbtrn

I currently have cropped 30D, 24-70 and 85mm I use for portraits. I realized that I need/want 50mm lens to work closer to model, and looked at sigma 50mm 1.4 for about $450. However, someone advised that if I get FF body like 5D or even 1Ds Mark II for about $2,500 I will not need 50mm. Of course the new body is much more expensive, but does it have that many advantages over crop? The lens I can buy today, but for the FF body I'll need to save more $$$ to buy it later.


What would you do?

Go from crop to FF
or just get another lens?

FF has higher IQ than crop and offers a more shallow DOF. Do you need higher IQ or more shallow DOF? If so, go FF. If not, stay with crop. The Sigma 50 / 1.4 will deliver excellent IQ and DOF on both formats, just moreso on FF, albeit with wider framing. Wider framing on FF looks a bit better because it has the IQ to support it more comfortably.

[mattograph]

I looked at your flickr. Your images are great. Unless you want to collect some gear, you don't need anything else. Tuck the money under your mattress for a rainy photography day.

[johneo]

If the lack of money is a reason, go with the lens for now then start saving up for a FF camera. You'll still have the lens no matter how many times you upgrade the camera body.

[EcoRick]

Go FF. You won't regret it and I doubt you'll want a new body for quite some time. The modestly used 5D's are the best buy out there today. If you get a used 5D and somehow regret the decision, you'll be able to sell it for just about what you paid for it.

[bohdank]

I'm sort of going through the same thing right now. I don't rush into decisions (I hate having regrets) and I would suggest you don't, either.

I was looking at buying another lens. First it was thw 100 macro, then the 150 Sigma but the 135L caught my eye (I really like my 85/1.8) but I don't think I would use it very much on my 40D.

I mostly shoot people...portraits, candid portraits, street.

Eventually I will get a macro but it's not "pressing" right now. Mostly I would use it for those days I can't get out and am bored.

Now I am thinking of getting a used 5D and then the 135L. I would keep the 40D for the 10-22, 70-200 and when I need 6fps, which does come up a few times a year when I can't do without it. A 5D would give the 85 and 70-200 another life and, even the 28-75. It's excellent on my 40D but I don't know how it would do on a FF. Still, I would be able to use 2 bodies when I need to, which would save switching lenses when the shooting gets fast.

I have no interest or need for lenses that I haven't mentioned alreasdy so.... it looks like the most prudent thing to buy first would be the 5D.

Good luck in whatever you decide.

[gnnbtrn]

Originally Posted by mattograph

I looked at your flickr. Your images are great. Unless you want to collect some gear, you don't need anything else. Tuck the money under your mattress for a rainy photography day.

thanks! I really appreciate your kind words, sir!