2000$ --- New lenses or switch to full frame?

Hi guys. A bit of a dilemma here induced by the new 6D.

I was planning to get a 135L and the 50mm f1.4 soon and maybe a 10-22mm UWA to complement my kit. However since they announced the 6D I've kinda stopped doing photography and hang on the web readings posts about it. Now I try to convince myself that, as a hobbyist, I dont need the best of the best and can survive on cropped sensor.

A bit more about my shooting style: What I like and do the most is Black and White low-light shooting with my 85mm f1.8. I go out by evening in urban area and hunt people in the dark street corners. I also do a lot of indoor places like shopping centers or conventions, always shooting people, not objects or architecture.

I mostly use my cam on M mode, 1/320 to 1/500, f1.8, ISO on automatic, limited to 3200. Sometimes I shoot from the hip with my 15-85 at 15-20mm.

The 6D look appealing because it would give me better ISO, focus better in darkness and give me the advantages of FF.

However going to f1.4 would also help my low light shooting...

One thing is sure, I've got to stop thinking about it and go out more.

You'd have to get some additional lenses along with the camera anyways I'd think...

So I'd strongly consider the Nikon D600. If you want to stay Canon, why not get a 5D Mark II right now as opposed to waiting for the 6D?

Because I believe the 6D to be more fit for my low-light needs than the 5DII. However I did thought about switching to Nikon before. They have a good set of cheap fast primes but over 85mm, it become quite expensive.

The 6d really look like the one for me as I dont need any of the pro features that it lack...

Also, I dont plan to sell my t3i. I'll keep the t3i in the bag with a zoom on it. Better that than switching lenses!

Earwax69 wrote in post #15037602
Because I believe the 6D to be more fit for my low-light needs than the 5DII. However I did thought about switching to Nikon before. They have a good set of cheap fast primes but over 85mm, it become quite expensive.

The 6d really look like the one for me as I dont need any of the pro features that it lack...

Also, I dont plan to sell my t3i. I'll keep the t3i in the bag with a zoom on it. Better that than switching lenses!

Well if you are going to stay in the Canon universe, and don't want the 5D Mark II now, I'm kind of partial to getting lenses. I think my opinion is a bit colored by the fact that I am a serial lurker of the posted pictures section here, and the 135L and 50 1.4 produce some amazing pictures from the stuff people are putting up.

I'm also not a huge fan of getting the newest electronic item when it comes out. You may feel differently, but I like to give a product at least 6 months to see if there are any glitches, recalls, etc. So for me at least, it would be at least 8 or so months before I'd even CONSIDER getting a 6D. That's a long time to go when I could get a lens or two and take some solid pictures now.

Plus the T3i is not exactly old tech and a very fine camera.

I myself would go for the glass myself.That is my way of thinking. I can work on my skills for now and see if i am still in love with what i am doing.From what i am learning glass gives you more creativity than a body.From what they gave out this year in body's i am guessing they will round out what they have now or update some of the others.Myself i don't think you can ever go wrong buying lens. Good luck

A new lens is guaranteed to make you go out and shoot

As for your particular issue, I can see why you're having a dilemma... So heres my thoughts

-Going to f/1.4 from f/1.8 isnt going to do too much in terms of low light ability, its only 1/3 of a stop after all, Going from crop to FF will probubly buy you more like 2 stops in high ISO ability on the other hand

-Going FF will however change how your lenses "feel".... You use your 85 a lot now, so you'll probubly want a 135 for a FF camera, Your 85 will "feel" like 50 does on your crop...you could get a 6D and want or need new lenses to go with it

-Getting a FF cam, I'd probubly get rid of the 15-85.. as much as i do like that lens Id probubly rather a 17-40 or a Sigma 12-24 in my lineup instead


But when it comes down to it, lenses will last longer than any body, and the 50mm f/1.4 and 135mm f/2 are great lenses, So if you're feeling hesitant going up to full frame I'd just spend my money on some great glass now.... Also if i can make a suggestion, I dunno why but I think you'd have a lot of fun with a lens like the 28mm f/1.8 Just throwin it out there

FF is where it's at if you're feeling dull. I went from 30D to 7D last year, and it was kind of lackluster due to my expectations.... went to the 5D2 and wow, stunned by how much better it was compared to the 7D. To some it's not much of a change, but to me, it was a much bigger change than going from old crop to new breed crop.

I too am a "wait 6 months after its out" before buying type so I would wait on a 6d and just keep shooting with what you have now. Don't put off experience shooting for experience shooting with a new body.
The initial hands on impressions are the 6d will be killer in low light AF and gets compared to the 7d in quickness impressions (actual user reports, not specs), where as the 5dii will likely frustrate you... And miss shots because of its AF.
An 85 1.8 will give you a good idea of what a 135 will look like FL wise on a FF. The 85 is pretty inexpensive and personally, I'd get an 85, and wait until the 6d had been out @6 months and deals started popping up for discounts on the body of a 6d.
If you can't wait, heck, I think you'll appreciate a new 6d over a 5dii anyway. Just my 2 cents.

Another reason it might be worth waiting a bit after the 6D comes out is this is the first time Nikon and Canon are releasing entry-level FF cameras priced similarly, going after similar audiences, in a very similar time frame. I personally think the Nikon specs are better, but who knows about the shooting experience. But the point actually is that with 2 direct competitors like this, there might be some quick and solid price movement to the downside if you are willing to wait a bit.

BrickR wrote in post #15037776
I too am a "wait 6 months after its out" before buying type so I would wait on a 6d and just keep shooting with what you have now. Don't put off experience shooting for experience shooting with a new body.
The initial hands on impressions are the 6d will be killer in low light AF and gets compared to the 7d in quickness impressions (actual user reports, not specs), where as the 5dii will likely frustrate you... And miss shots because of its AF.
An 85 1.8 will give you a good idea of what a 135 will look like FL wise on a FF. The 85 is pretty inexpensive and personally, I'd get an 85, and wait until the 6d had been out @6 months and deals started popping up for discounts on the body of a 6d.
If you can't wait, heck, I think you'll appreciate a new 6d over a 5dii anyway. Just my 2 cents.

the 5D2 is not far off from the 6D. it's center point is well regarded, and that's how the 6D will be known for anyhow, a recompose type camera. When in doubt, the 5d2's center point works very well, but only to -.5 ev, whatever that is.

I would like to get the 5D3 as prices are coming down FAST, due to having plenty of cross type outer points, since I do shoot outer points near exclusively with the 5D2. I know some people that shoot center point exclusively, even with better AF systems..... not my style.

BrickR: I have the 85mm already! it's my best and most fun lens. And it's another problem... the 135L on FF will be almost like the 85mm on crop. Larger Blur of course, maybe a tad more magic, but FL will be the same. If I get the 6D, I'll start modestly with a 50mm f1.4 I believe and keep the 85mm on the t3i for longer reach. At the next big contract I'll get the 135L.

It's a bit what I feel... I certainly want more wow from my photos. I know it have more to do with light and subject but if I cannot capture the moment because my cam cannot focus, or crazy ISO noise that blur the details..?!

2/3 I believe. Which make quite a difference in shutter speed (1/320 vs 1/500). However yes, a FF body would probably give 2 stops more. A lot more versatile.

Earwax69 wrote in post #15037557
Hi guys. A bit of a dilemma here induced by the new 6D.

I was planning to get a 135L and the 50mm f1.4 soon and maybe a 10-22mm UWA to complement my kit. However since they announced the 6D I've kinda stopped doing photography and hang on the web readings posts about it. Now I try to convince myself that, as a hobbyist, I dont need the best of the best and can survive on cropped sensor.

A bit more about my shooting style: What I like and do the most is Black and White low-light shooting with my 85mm f1.8. I go out by evening in urban area and hunt people in the dark street corners. I also do a lot of indoor places like shopping centers or conventions, always shooting people, not objects or architecture.

I mostly use my cam on M mode, 1/320 to 1/500, f1.8, ISO on automatic, limited to 3200. Sometimes I shoot from the hip with my 15-85 at 15-20mm.

The 6D look appealing because it would give me better ISO, focus better in darkness and give me the advantages of FF.

However going to f1.4 would also help my low light shooting...

One thing is sure, I've got to stop thinking about it and go out more.

6D is extremely overrated and expensive. $2,100 for a camera that have 11 AF points with 1 cross type. Unless you are planning on shooting flowers and grass, you are only going to get frustrated. Take that $2,000, and spend $4,100 instead and get the 5D Mark 3 with 24-105, trust me, once you look at the viewfinder and use the 61 AF points, you'll be pleased.

Mmm my t3i only have 9 points, 1 crossed in the middle. However I dont have any trouble focussing. It never hunt except in very low light. I would feel absolutly silly with a 5d Mark3 when I have absolutly no need of it. I dont shoot sports, running kids or models in a studio with flashes. It's kinda overkill. If the 6D is a glorified t3i, it's exactly what I need. Also the price is not 2100$ but 1780$ here and it will probably fall under 1600$ soon enough. I admit I would not pay 2000$ for it but 1600$ seems fair enough for a camera I will use 2-3 years.

Anyway I only use the center point except when shooting from the hip.

I think what I will do is get the 50mm f1.4 now, then wait for the 6D.

Get the glass, just build the stock of EF glass then after the hype is gone, and the prices even out re-evaluate with the glass to do going FF justice on hand.

If I spend the 2000$ on glass, I'll not buy a new body until 2014 probably. However I can permit myself a little "patience gift" for now under 500$. No idea what but I think 50mm f1.4 is a step up from my plastic magic.