Sell all my gear for 5D Mark II and 24-105 ?

Sniper258 wrote in post #14275336
I Believe the person behind the camera can produce better photos with better equipment. As he mentioned, he is a casual photographer and 5d 2 with 24-105 will serve him very well.

It won't serve him well if he wants a shot that requires the longer reach of the 70-200 that he'd be giving up (320mm FF equivalent vs true 105mm on the 24-105). Now, if he could keep the 70-200 and the 50mm, and doesn't care about the 3.9 fps, than I agree, go for it. Photography is also about taking advantage of opportunities. A limited lens range limits those opportunities. Having a great camera doesn't mean squat if you can't get the shot.

jonneymendoza wrote in post #14273856
quality. thanks. how come DSLR's cant produce same viewfinders has old slr film? they both have same sensors i.e FF 35mm sensors?

DSLRs have autofocus systems, so the mirror is actually only partially silvered so as to allow some light through, which is then reflected by a submirror down to the autofocus sensor.

That means there isn't as much light making it into the viewfinder with a DSLR (or more recent film camera such as the EOS 1 series, the Elan series, or the EOS 3). So I imagine the viewfinder size is smaller in order for it to maintain the same brightness.

You also need to buy a CF Card so add another hundred.

facedodge wrote in post #14276307
You also need to buy a CF Card so add another hundred.

You can get one for $19 for an 8GB.

Sniper258 wrote in post #14275336
I Believe the person behind the camera can produce better photos with better equipment. As he mentioned, he is a casual photographer and 5d 2 with 24-105 will serve him very well.

The person behind the camera can indeed produce better photos with better equipment, but "better" has to include all attributes of the camera, not just the sensor size.

As I mentioned before, the primary difference between modern crop cameras and modern full frame cameras is depth of field control. Everything else is a function of ever-improving technology. The 7D's noise performance is now at least equal to that of the 5D classic (and even better at extreme ISOs, most especially because the 7D doesn't exhibit the horizontal banding that the 5D classic does under those circumstances) and is capable of outresolving the 5D classic (with sufficiently good lenses). It may even be equivalent in terms of low ISO creamy smooth tones with proper postprocessing and downsizing to match the 5D's resolution.

All of which is to say that technology has improved to the point where the gap between the 5D classic's full frame capabilities and modern crop capabilities has been essentially eliminated, except for one important thing: depth of field control.

Depth of field control is the only advantage that you'll permanently have by going full frame. Everything else is an advantage that disappears with time and technology.


When putting the 5D2 up against the 7D, it's important to note that the 7D wins in every department unrelated to the sensor. It is faster, has better autofocus, has 100% viewfinder coverage (the usefulness of that is not to be underestimated), and lots of other features that make getting the shot easier.

The 7D is, simply, a better camera. While the 5D2 and 24-105L will serve the OP very nicely, the 7D will serve him better unless he needs the depth of field control of full frame, or needs that extra, but marginal, improvement in image quality.

I did exactly that - sold all my old Canon DSLRs to get a 5D MkII and 24-105 L. Haven't looked back since, great combo.

lilchoi26 wrote in post #14270732
Hello all,

I have had the urge to go FF for quite some time now and I am seriously considering selling my entire lens line up and purchasing the Canon 5D Mark II with 24-105 combo from Amazon. FYI, I most likely will be using my camera strictly for vacation/traveling purposes and taking pictures of my family. I am assuming the 24-105 is versatile enough for these purposes.

Here is my current lineup and how much I can most likely sell my gear for

Canon t1i w/ grip (Sell for ~250)
Sigma 30 1.4 (~375)
Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS (~600)
Canon EF 70-200 F4 (~550)
Canon EF-S 60mm 2.8 Macro (~300)
Canon EF 50mm 1.8 (~100)

Speedlite 430 EX II (Keep)

If I were to sell my entire lineup, I figured I would have about 2175 plus another 450 of amazon gift card credit totaling to 2625

The Canon 5D Mark II w/ 24-105 combo sells for 2900.

Is this worth it? Would you do it? Or am I crazy? Is the jump to full frame as life changing as everyone makes it out to be?

Please help !!

kcbrown wrote in post #14276384
The person behind the camera can indeed produce better photos with better equipment, but "better" has to include all attributes of the camera, not just the sensor size.

As I mentioned before, the primary difference between modern crop cameras and modern full frame cameras is depth of field control. Everything else is a function of ever-improving technology. The 7D's noise performance is now at least equal to that of the 5D classic (and even better at extreme ISOs, most especially because the 7D doesn't exhibit the horizontal banding that the 5D classic does under those circumstances) and is capable of outresolving the 5D classic (with sufficiently good lenses). It may even be equivalent in terms of low ISO creamy smooth tones with proper postprocessing and downsizing to match the 5D's resolution.

All of which is to say that technology has improved to the point where the gap between the 5D classic's full frame capabilities and modern crop capabilities has been essentially eliminated, except for one important thing: depth of field control.

Depth of field control is the only advantage that you'll permanently have by going full frame. Everything else is an advantage that disappears with time and technology.


When putting the 5D2 up against the 7D, it's important to note that the 7D wins in every department unrelated to the sensor. It is faster, has better autofocus, has 100% viewfinder coverage (the usefulness of that is not to be underestimated), and lots of other features that make getting the shot easier.

The 7D is, simply, a better camera. While the 5D2 and 24-105L will serve the OP very nicely, the 7D will serve him better unless he needs the depth of field control of full frame, or needs that extra, but marginal, improvement in image quality.

To be honest, crop sensors should have been the format of choice for the digital age. It's the best balance of cost and quality. Nikon tried NOT to make a full-frame sensor, but ended up having to due to outcry from photographers that cut their teeth on 35mm film and competition from Canon.

35mm "full-frame" film was good for the days it was on top as IT was the best option for cost and quality at the time. Unfortunately, everything is measured for 35mm film.

Refurb 5d2 from Canon for $1400...

Sell the following:
Canon t1i w/ grip (Sell for ~250)
Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS (~600)
Canon EF-S 60mm 2.8 Macro (~300)

Yes do it for what you shoot that setup with flash should cover it well, individual to group with or without scenic backgrounds. You're more than covered and you'll get some really nice images for printing or just showing off online, that said your current invest is also good but if you need to fill that want for full frame by all means do so as you're not shooting for money but pleasure do it.

Demostene wrote in post #14277119
I would. The T1i feels like a toy.

Its a lower end DSLR, but if you think it feels like a toy than you haven't had a lot of experiences with toys.Try taking a look at the Fisher Price toy working camera for kids. If the T1i feels like a toy how would you describe something similar that is actually a toy? Unless you think the quality is the same of course. I respectfully suggest you rethink your definition of a toy. Perhaps too small, too light and a limited feature set with lless robust controls and switches than professional cameras would be a more accurate definition of the T1i.

aegid wrote in post #14271223
Check your local craigslist; on mine there is someone selling a 5D2 and 24-105 for $2500, less than 3000 shots

I will still buy brand new for $2900 over used one for $2500....but that is just me. ....though I have seen deals for the brand new kit going for $2499 or even less on eBay through Beach Camera in US.

mwsilver wrote in post #14275603
"I do not miss the wider at all. " You didn't miss the "wider" because 15mm on a 1.6 crop camera will give you the same angle of view as 24mm on a FF.

LOL --- no wonder

The 5D2 is a fine camera....Why do you feel the need to upgrade? IS their a need or just a want?