What would you do for a 7D?

[namasste]

Sledhed got me thinking about this late last week and now I can't shake the thought. I ran through a few iterations of how I might pick one of these up without ending up in divorce court.

Anyway, getting right to the point...if you wanted to stay relatively cash neutral and get a 7D, would you:

a) sell the 1D MkII and 30D and then only have one body (the 7D)
b) trade the 300 f2.8 for the 300 f4 IS and buy a 7D keeping the 1D, selling the 30D

Since most of my field sports shooting is during decent light, the one stop won't be a very big deal (especially if I can make up for it w the 7D's higher ISO if needed. I do realize that I'd give up some of the beautiful bokeh of the 2.8 but for what I make shooting field sports, I'm not sure it really matters. I also do like the ability to handhold the f4 and even travel with it a bit (not something I really would do with the 2.8 for bulk reasons). The f4 gets great write-ups so that's good as well. I'd say I am leaning that way but thought I'd get some other opinions as well. I do think the 7D would make shooting hoops much better as well even in NCAA lighting. Soooo, whatcha all think?

[TheHoff]

I haven't shot sports since Uni but there is no way I would trade down to a 300/4 from a 300/2.8 just to get a newer body. Glass is forever and a 300/2.8 should be your workhorse.

What will the 7D do that your current ones don't? Higher ISO is pretty pointless really since you'll have to use darker lenses and you can probably get by without pixel peeping the noise on your current cameras.

How will the 7D be better at hoops than the 1D2? And maybe I'm out of the loop as I haven't followed the 7D hype up but this seems like a fool's errand just to get the latest and greatest when you already have killer bodies and lenses. Now if you were talking about the next 1D maybe...

[packpe89]

I'm actually considering the same thing (in my case a 40D, but otherwise the same options). I agree, glass is more important, howver, I find I often don't bring the 300/2.8 due to size and weight. The 300/4 is much smaller and lighter. I got the 300/3.8 for kids hs sports, but I make very little doing it (more of a hobby), so I've been thinking of going back to a f4 and utilizing the higher iso of a 7d over the 1d2. I waiting right now to see how the AF and ISO reports come back for the 7d. So far I am tempted to make the 2.8=>4 trade.

[namasste]

Originally Posted by TheHoff

I haven't shot sports since Uni but there is no way I would trade down to a 300/4 from a 300/2.8 just to get a newer body. Glass is forever and a 300/2.8 should be your workhorse.

What will the 7D do that your current ones don't? Higher ISO is pretty pointless really since you'll have to use darker lenses and you can probably get by without pixel peeping the noise on your current cameras.

How will the 7D be better at hoops than the 1D2? And maybe I'm out of the loop as I haven't followed the 7D hype up but this seems like a fool's errand just to get the latest and greatest when you already have killer bodies and lenses. Now if you were talking about the next 1D maybe...

Great points for sure. Its not all about ISO though. I do like the HD video function in the 7D and have been asked if I could provide some vid content as well. In addition, the 30D, while capable in decent light, falters in low light situations (relative to the 1D and I assume 7D as well). To shoot hoops at a clean 3200 w/f2 glass means shutter speeds over 1000 for me and that would be awesome. The 1DM2 is decent at 1600 and 1/500 but does require a steadier hand and noise reduction, the 30D would only be used for candids and such in that environment (and that's NCAA lighting, not HS which is far worse as Im sure you know). In the end, it your point about glass being forever is valid for sure but I don't think this is a chase after the latest and greatest. The 1DM2 is no great performer at high ISO and that's something I really do want. Ideally, I'd just get a MIII but that's even more money for used. Then again, I maybe I am being foolish.

[VinnyC01]

The advice I had from my mentor was keep the my 40D as a 2nd camera or a 70-200 and get a Mark III for the complete versatility to shoot all professional venues. (obviously the price difference is your main battle) ... do not trade the 2.8 for the 4.0. I had the 4.0 and used it for all outdoor sports, but strongly can tell you that you will be very upset you traded.

The more I look at the 7D, for the price, it seems like teh way to go.

[namasste]

Originally Posted by packpe89

I find I often don't bring the 300/2.8 due to size and weight. The 300/4 is much smaller and lighter. I got the 300/3.8 for kids hs sports, but I make very little doing it (more of a hobby), so I've been thinking of going back to a f4 and utilizing the higher iso of a 7d over the 1d2. I waiting right now to see how the AF and ISO reports come back for the 7d. So far I am tempted to make the 2.8=>4 trade.

I think we see it similarly. Sure, the f2.8 is the shiz, no doubt about that but the question becomes that of "do I really need it"? If I think I'd make the same $ with the f4 (and I do since most of my work is contract, not sepc and those are already lined up for next season), I just wonder. If I have to be REALLY transparent, I've thought about just using the 1.4 on the 70-200 and calling it a day. The IQ is great with the two copies I have and I'd pocket the difference. Now I really am talking crazy!

[VinnyC01]

Originally Posted by namasste

1.4 on the 70-200 and calling it a day. The IQ is great with the two copies I have and I'd pocket the difference. Now I really am talking crazy!

yes you are!

if you are going 1.4 on a gem like the 70-200, just go 100-400! In all seriousness, the 7D looks great, but do you need the video? I really like the ISO and fps. In all honesty, do not compromise your gear for a body.

There is a local guy here whose body is almost 7 years old. He's very happy and will still be using the same body in 3 years (as he says).


I just think if you bail on the 300 2.8 for the 300 4.0 (which is long anyway but not as heavy), you miss the big guy. Will it cost you money on your turnover and will you lose quality? you know it's much of a curve.

[clarence]

Originally Posted by namasste

if you wanted to stay relatively cash neutral and get a 7D, would you:

a) sell the 1D MkII and 30D and then only have one body (the 7D)
b) trade the 300 f2.8 for the 300 f4 IS and buy a 7D keeping the 1D, selling the 30D

Very similar to my situation... I also have a 1D Mark II and until recently had a 40D as a backup. But when I sent the 40D in for a shutter replacement, I bought the Rebel T1i/500D.

Don't laugh at the T1i... I preferred it to the 40D... mainly for the HD video and 3200/6400/12800 ISO. Plus extra megapixels to crop from and NR PP with. And a better display. Anyways, I consider it a "poor man's 7D".

So I offer option C... Sell the 30D and try the T1i. Save $1000 until you really want to make the jump for the 7D or 1D III or IV. But keep your 300/2.8 (or trade it to me for the T1i ).

Option D... instead of downgrading to the 300/4, did you consider the 200/2.8L and a TC?

[namasste]

Originally Posted by clarence

Very similar to my situation... I also have a 1D Mark II and until recently had a 40D as a backup. But when I sent the 40D in for a shutter replacement, I bought the Rebel T1i/500D.

Don't laugh at the T1i... I preferred it to the 40D... mainly for the HD video and 3200/6400/12800 ISO. Plus extra megapixels to crop from and NR PP with. And a better display. Anyways, I consider it a "poor man's 7D".

So I offer option C... Sell the 30D and try the T1i. Save $1000 until you really want to make the jump for the 7D or 1D III or IV. But keep your 300/2.8 (or trade it to me for the T1i ).

Option D... instead of downgrading to the 300/4, did you consider the 200/2.8L and a TC?

Im not laughing at all. Truth be told, I don't really bounce back and forth between bodies that often during an event anyway (at least I don't do it constantly). While I love the 1dM2, its just th e high ISO performance that gets me.

I do have a 70-200 and a tc already so the 200 is not nearly as useful to me (my 70-200 gets a workout...and to think I considered selling it a while back!).

I guess the real thing is that I could live with one body and I could live with the 300 f4 so I'm just not sure. Maybe I just stick with what I have and use Noise Ninja !

[liam5100]

I'm not sure Scott if your needing video capability. If it were me and video was NOT an option. I would sell or trade the 1dII and the 30d for a used MkIII.

I've talked to a few guys about the 7d and the images they've gotten from it and from what I've seen so far the ISO performance is a little lacking compared to the MkIII at 3200 and 6400. Not to mention the autofocus system.

The 7D is going for what $1700, plus I'm sure you'll need a grip so you can add $150.00 to that.. basically set up your going to be looking at 2k for the 7D. You can buy decent condition 1Dmk III's all day long for around 3k.

If it were me, I would go the one body route and just save up the extra for the 1 series camera. I think the pro features, ISO performance, speed, focus etc are worth the extra bills. Of course though, no video.

[liam5100]

Originally Posted by namasste

Sledhed got me thinking about this late last week

Hmmm... I find this very interesting.

Last week I was about to order a new 400 2.8, looking at the older II series to save some cash. After talking to my buddy Chris for awhile, then all of a sudden I'm ordering the full new IS version to the tune of several grand more than I was wanting to spend.

Then I see he's talking you into an upgrade....hmmm... I'm starting to think our buddy Chris might be getting some back end from Canon...

What was it Chris.. free CPS.. first dibs on new equipment??, free tshirt?

[namasste]

Originally Posted by liam5100

Hmmm... I find this very interesting.

Last week I was about to order a new 400 2.8, looking at the older II series to save some cash. After talking to my buddy Chris for awhile, then all of a sudden I'm ordering the full new IS version to the tune of several grand more than I was wanting to spend.

Then I see he's talking you into an upgrade....hmmm... I'm starting to think our buddy Chris might be getting some back end from Canon...

What was it Chris.. free CPS.. first dibs on new equipment??, free tshirt?

VERY interesting indeed! C'mon Proctor, we're onto you now so no more hiding. Hell, this might even get Munson off the hook!

[clarence]

Originally Posted by namasste

Im not laughing at all. Truth be told, I don't really bounce back and forth between bodies that often during an event anyway (at least I don't do it constantly). While I love the 1dM2, its just the high ISO performance that gets me.

Yep. I don't alternate bodies concurrently either, but once the light drops enough to where I have to use 1600 to maintain the SS I want on the 1D Mark II, then I put it in the bag and swap it for the T1i.

The 1600 and 3200 are much cleaner on the T1i than the 1D2. And 6400/12800 clean up fine with NR in PP. So I'm getting 2-4 extra stops once I put away the 1D2.

Especially when I swap the 1D2 in low-light, I'm also usually switching from the 100-400L to the 200/2.8L, so after struggling with fading shutter speeds, all of the sudden it seems like I have night vision goggles on.

Plus the 1D2 is 1.3X crop factor, but the T1i is 1.6X so I don't miss the reach of the 400mm as much as I thought I would when I drop down to the 200/2.8

Originally Posted by namasste

I do have a 70-200 and a tc already so the 200 is not nearly as useful to me (my 70-200 gets a workout...and to think I considered selling it a while back!)

Yeah, if you already have the 70-200/2.8 and a TC, then you're set. If you're trying to find places to hold off on spending, then I'd let the 70-200 w/TC cover the gap instead of buying a 300/4.

Originally Posted by namasste

I guess the real thing is that I could live with one body and I could live with the 300 f4 so I'm just not sure. Maybe I just stick with what I have and use Noise Ninja !

I learned the hard way not to live with one body. As Murphy's Law would have it, when I only had the 40D, the shutter failed during my oldest son's biggest event of the year. Unload a lens that you never use and buy a Rebel before you try to go without any backup body.

Anyways, I just though I'd ramble on some more with you since I've had "7D fever" for a couple of months and been considering dozens of low-ISO combo options to backup my beloved 1D2.

[Sauk]

I might be going back to the Mark III to be honest. I loved my 50D for the time I have had it and the Mark IIn, but the files from the Mark III at ISO 1600 to 3200 are so damn good it has been calling me for a while now.

[Sledhed]

Yeah, Canon is sending me a brand new 800 because of you two idiots.

You made that decision yourself Mr. Purnell don't blame me for that one. I just told you the differences in between the versions. Although you made the right decision.

Mr. Evans - I just asked if you had thought about a 7D, I didn't tell you to sell all of your gear to do it, although option B is not a bad idea because I know what you shoot and how you shoot it. The 300 f4 is a great piece of glass, I was actually thinking about buying another one.