$1400 and a few scenarios

Hi all,

I have around $1400 to put towards some new gear right now. I have 3 possible purchasing scenarios, and I am looking for some input. They are:

Canon 35mm f/1.4L + Canon 50mm f/1.4
Canon 50mm f/1.4 + 17-40L + 70-200 f/4L (non-is)
5Dc + Canon 50mm f/1.4

All of the gear would be bought used, and I would sell my 17-85 if I go with the 2nd scenario.

Thanks for any input!

what's your primary subject? weddings? portraits? fun stuff? wildlife? walk around?

I mainly shoot landscapes and wildlife, but in the past couple months I have been doing more events as well as walk around.

I also just noticed that Canon is offering the 50/1.4, 17-40 and 70-200 f/4 refurbished for around $1300 total, so I might have just found my answer...

But are they in stock and available?

B.Toews wrote in post #15210625
I also just noticed that Canon is offering the 50/1.4, 17-40 and 70-200 f/4 refurbished for around $1300 total, so I might have just found my answer...

chuckmiller wrote in post #15210664
But are they in stock and available?

17-40 and 70-200 currently are in stock, but the 50/1.4 isn't. Either way I don't mind buying used if I have to.

Those are in stock in the potn "Classified:Sell" forums.

Seeing as how you already own a nifty-fifty, why not go for a Sigma 30 1.4?

I was weary of getting one because of all the talk of the "Sigma Lottery", but I found one used for a price I couldn't refuse.

I've got to say that the only thing I regret about buying the Sigma 30 1.4 is that I didn't buy one months before I did.

17-40L isn't going to be great on your 7D

i'd go sigma 30mm f1.4, and a 70-200f4IS if you're after a telephoto zoom...

DreDaze wrote in post #15211667
17-40L isn't going to be great on your 7D

Just curious, do you mean from a focal length or IQ point of view? I rented one for a weekend a few weeks back and was happy with the range for most of my landscape needs, and I was also happy with the IQ compared to my 17-85.

I do like the idea of the Sigma 30/1.4 as well, the only negative I see is it's not FF compatible.

B.Toews wrote in post #15212005
Just curious, do you mean from a focal length or IQ point of view? I rented one for a weekend a few weeks back and was happy with the range for most of my landscape needs, and I was also happy with the IQ compared to my 17-85.

I do like the idea of the Sigma 30/1.4 as well, the only negative I see is it's not FF compatible.

if you are committed to the crop body there are better alternatives in the 17-xx range. The 17-55 2.8 IS has 2.8, IS and its just as sharp or sharper and its comparable in price. The sigma offering in this range is also well regarded at lest cost. The 17-40 on a full frame camera is a different matter in that it shines as an ultrawide.

gonzogolf wrote in post #15212027
if you are committed to the crop body there are better alternatives in the 17-xx range. The 17-55 2.8 IS has 2.8, IS and its just as sharp or sharper and its comparable in price. The sigma offering in this range is also well regarded at lest cost. The 17-40 on a full frame camera is a different matter in that it shines as an ultrawide.

Thanks for your feedback! I'm hoping to buy a 5Dc or 5D2 by next spring. I would keep using my 7D for wildlife, birds and macro and use the 5D for landscapes, events and walk around. Because of this I hadn't really been considering getting another EF-S lens.

B.Toews wrote in post #15212199
Thanks for your feedback! I'm hoping to buy a 5Dc or 5D2 by next spring. I would keep using my 7D for wildlife, birds and macro and use the 5D for landscapes, events and walk around. Because of this I hadn't really been considering getting another EF-S lens.

are you in to ultra wide angle shots? I notice you don't have one now...if you buy something like the 17-40L because it's EF, and use it on your crop for the time being...it will all of a sudden be a lot wider than you want when it's on a FF body, and you may end up having to sell it anyways...

I say buy what works for you now...buy used, and you shouldn't lose any money if you have to sell in 6 months...

DreDaze wrote in post #15212251
are you in to ultra wide angle shots? I notice you don't have one now...if you buy something like the 17-40L because it's EF, and use it on your crop for the time being...it will all of a sudden be a lot wider than you want when it's on a FF body, and you may end up having to sell it anyways...

I say buy what works for you now...buy used, and you shouldn't lose any money if you have to sell in 6 months...

I have never used a UWA on a FF camera, but I like the idea of trying it. Ultimately I figure I can get the 17-40 now for around $600 and use it for the next few months on my 7D. And like you said, if I decide I don't like it on FF I can sell it without a loss and go from there.

Thanks for the input.

B.Toews wrote in post #15212312
I have never used a UWA on a FF camera, but I like the idea of trying it. Ultimately I figure I can get the 17-40 now for around $600 and use it for the next few months on my 7D. And like you said, if I decide I don't like it on FF I can sell it without a loss and go from there.

Thanks for the input.

or you can get something like a 10-22mm now, and see what you think of the UWA...the 17-40L doesn't allow you to do anything you can't already do with your 17-85IS is my main point...it's not any faster, it lacks IS, and it's a whole lot shorter...the images may look a little bit better...but it's not going to open up any new opportunities for you to get shots you currently can't...

Get the 5Dc and the 17-40 now; you'll love that combo, and it fits your budget.