1Ds Mark II for Weddings?

As some of you know I'm starting a photography business and things are going really well so far - I'm getting bookings, I'm getting great feedback, and best of all I have managed to secure funding to help get the business on its feet.

Until now I had no desire or requirement to get a FF body, but since having this extra money and also being commissioned to do fashion and product photography "on the side" next year, I need to think seriously about getting a professional camera (1D or 1Ds, no 5 or 7 series enthusiast toys like my 50Ds).

The 1Ds2 represents the best value for money at around £1,000, but I have no experience with it - what are your thoughts? I like the idea of having the best metering and AF performance for wedding work, and a great camera for studio work if I need it, but it's a lot of money that could instead be spent on a lens/lighting etc.

Thanks in advance.

The 1DsMkII is a no nonsense, built like a tank camera and so long as you can live without live view and the ability to shoot beyond ISO 3200, it can capture amazingly good images with good glass and most importantly , a shooter who knows what they're doing with a camera.

I've had mine for close to two years now and absolutely love it.

Cheers!

I would really recommend you consider getting a 5D Mark II if you can save up a bit more.

I've tried the 1Ds3 and prefer the 5DII. Sorry, no experience with the 1Ds2.

-David

Thanks for the responses guys. I am well aware that the 5D2 is favoured for wedding work but I would rather get a pro body as I will not just be doing weddings.

David - can you elaborate what it is about the 5D2 that you prefer to the 1Ds3? Surely the pro body has better metering and AF, and similar high ISO performance/IQ?

Hi Davie,
Sure. My opinion is based on my needs which may be different than yours.

Here is a summary of the debate in this thread: https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=909747

I'm a chimper and need to check the screen very often as I try different Off-camera flash settings. So the slow loading preview screen of the 1Ds3 is a major drawback for me. I also don't like the extra weight nor the lack of the high resolution LCD. What I love about the 1Ds3: AF is WAY better; but when I'm in low light (a lot of the time), I just use my flash IR assist beam and found my 5DII AF system to be very accurate.

-David

David, many thanks - this helps a lot. I wondered about the screen size and don't know if it would bother me as much, even though I also depend heavily on image review. I just need to consider what works best for me - if I make the move to FF at all, whether 1 series or 5D2, it will be an extra-expensive purchase because I'll need a couple of EF lenses to accompany it (70-200 f/2.8 IS is top priority as I already have a decent 50mm f/1.4).

I just shot a wedding with a 1ds original and I'm really pleased with the results. So I imagine a 1ds II would be more than capable. You just have to get to know your tool. I've not had mine long and I already know its strengths and weaknesses.

I actually looked at a lo of reviews of the 1ds before I bought it, and I bought it on the premise that there was no playback magnification. I thought, 'oh well, I never had that on the film camera, maybe it'll make me a better photographer'. Then the guy turned up and said he had the firmware loaded that meant I could see a magnified playback, so all's well that ends well.

It's easy to get hung up on 'it doesn't have this, it doesn't have that', but what really matters is the output - and the output of my 1ds is beautiful.

But one more thing, if you're serious about doing this as a business, then you'll have a second body, no doubt. If this body compensates for any weaknesses in your first body, then even better.

Thanks j4k - I already have two 50Ds so the 1Ds2 (if I get it) will become my primary body, probably with the 70-200 or 50 1.4 glued to it

if you understand what your getting then get the 1ds ii. It is seriously amazing.

In which case, I'd say go for it and use your 50d in situations where you think the 1ds II might struggle. And also, some people moan about noise on these cameras, but on a print it looks more like texture than noise. I don't think you'd regret buying one.

I have a 1DS3 and since you have the 50D's already use the FF body to take advantage of it when wider is required.

I only have a 24-70 and 70-200 2.8's on the 1DS all the time and just love it...your arm will get stronger with time and handle it no problem

Keep it cleen though as any kind of particle will show and annoy you big time.

A great tripod will also be required as the weight with the 70-200 and bigger might be a bit too much on a cheap one.

I'm not sure about the DS2 but get yourself good cards with lots of speed and space...once you have depleted all your fortune with those things you'll be a broke very happy photographer once your higher in the learning curve of that setup.

Give yourself enough time to know it good enough to take advantage of every possibilities and you'll love it no matter how broke you got buying it.


FG

Well if its tough enough for combat then its tough enough for weddings.

im a 1d fan through and through, but the small screen of the 1dmk2 S was REALLY small for me... often times I would shoot the same thing twice (with different lighting) JUST IN CASE...i think the AF on the 1d takes the cake, but the screen and IQ of the 5dmk2 makes it the winner in my book.

but if you get into a 1dmk3S then game over

The only camera(s) I would buy if I was to replace my 5DII would be the DsIII or the MkIV. All the others come up short, imho.

I'd get the 1Ds3 if I was a very rich and successful photographer, but not before. The 1Ds2 is definitely a compromise in certain areas but I feel that it'd be a great introduction to FF for me, and it leaves plenty money for good glass.