Did a salesperson give me good information?

I dropped into my local camera shop today because I was hoping to upgrade my body from my 5D Classic. I just can't justify the cost of a 5D Mark iii so I was debating a new 6D or a used 5D Mark ii.
The gentleman in the store claimed that the 5D Mark ii had terrible focusing issues that they tried to fix with firmware updates but it was still very undependable and he wouldn't recommend it.
I kind of want to stick with the 5D series as that is what I am used to and I have all CF cards.
I guess I would just like to hear from other 5D Mark ii users whether they were disappointed with the focusing.
Thanks,
Maggie

The salesman was at best misleading. The 5DII pretty much has the same focusing system as your 5D.

You didn't say what you like to shoot.

I have a 5DII and have no focusing issues whatsoever. Right now all the bird and sports shooters are cringing.

I don't shoot birds and sports (actually I do shoot some birds) so I don't have those problems.

If you are shooting fast moving objects, you may want to rent a 5DII and see if it works for what you do.

The camera does take great portraits and landscape. Check out the 5DII posts for examples.

I don't have a 6D so I can't help you there. But if the idea appeals to you, you may want to rent it also.

Being able to rent lenses and bodies is a Godsend when it comes to making a decision before a big outlay of money.

Good Luck!

If your happy with the focusing system in your 5Dc you will be perfectly content with the 5Dii's focusing. The 6D is a bit snappier in my experience and focuses very very well in stupidly low light. For the price I would go 6D(well I already did) but if you want a 5DII since your comfortable with your 5Dc then go for that.

For someone who has used neither, if I go with my plan to move to FF, I'll go 6D. It has newer technology, and that's almost always a better thing in electronics. If I'm not mistaken, the 5DII is an older model than my 60D, although it has many advantages over a crop. I would still have to be offered a really good deal go take what I see as a technological step backwards. Then too, I prefer to stay with the SD cards that I use now.

5DII is fine with focusing. I have no issues with it. Now, don't use it for sports - it's not terribly good for that.

6D unfortunately they ruined with removing the AF control joystick.

We have several MkII where I teach and no problems whatsoever. It's not a MkIII but not much is.

I do think you need to find another camera shop!

JD

The problem with small camera shops is that they want to sell you what they have. So in order to make one product seem superior to another they often make stuff up. I really want to support my local camera stores, but it seems like every time I go in there I hear some sales person stretching credibility or pushing an unsuspecting consumer into a marginal product.

solepatch wrote in post #16853304
If your happy with the focusing system in your 5Dc you will be perfectly content with the 5Dii's focusing. The 6D is a bit snappier in my experience and focuses very very well in stupidly low light. For the price I would go 6D(well I already did) but if you want a 5DII since your comfortable with your 5Dc then go for that.

I went from 5D to 6D, and agree with the above.

Numenorean wrote in post #16853368
5DII is fine with focusing. I have no issues with it. Now, don't use it for sports - it's not terribly good for that.

6D unfortunately they ruined with removing the AF control joystick.

I like the 6D's control system. I couldn't figure out why Canon put that nubby-little joystick on any camera. I think I'm the only person who doesn't like it, though.

gonzogolf wrote in post #16853548
The problem with small camera shops is that they want to sell you what they have. So in order to make one product seem superior to another they often make stuff up. I really want to support my local camera stores, but it seems like every time I go in there I hear some sales person stretching credibility or pushing an unsuspecting consumer into a marginal product.

Well, they stay in business by selling stuff. Buyer beware.

Thank you all so much for responding
I don't shoot sports or wildlife so that's not a problem. I mainly do portrait and macro /still life, and landscapes.
I'm tempted by the 6d too! Oh the struggles.
Thanks again for the reassurances on the focusing
Mag

Numenorean wrote in post #16853368
6D unfortunately they ruined with removing the AF control joystick.

The joystick isn't important for just 11 AF points. You can just as easily change the AF points with the shutter and aperture dials.

Mornnb wrote in post #16853741
The joystick isn't important for just 11 AF points. You can just as easily change the AF points with the shutter and aperture dials.

No...you can't. The shutter and aperture dials change shutter and aperture by default. Not AF point. So a dedicated AF controller is much faster than having to press a button then turn dials and having an AF controller which works quickly and easily is critical when you're shooting professionally.

Numenorean wrote in post #16853751
No...you can't. The shutter and aperture dials change shutter and aperture by default. Not AF point. So a dedicated AF controller is much faster than having to press a button then turn dials and having an AF controller which works quickly and easily is critical when you're shooting professionally.

You can set up the 6D to work directly off the D-pad, which is right under your thumb. If you can reach the aperture adjustment, you can reach the AF point adjustment. I do it every day. I wouldn't know what to do with a joystick off in the middle of nowhere. It is just what you get used to. Either way.

All you need to push is the AF point button and hit the shutter or aperture dial... It's actually very fast and easy. Faster than trying to use that D-pad.

Maggie_B wrote in post #16853614
Thank you all so much for responding
I don't shoot sports or wildlife so that's not a problem. I mainly do portrait and macro /still life, and landscapes.
I'm tempted by the 6d too! Oh the struggles.
Thanks again for the reassurances on the focusing
Mag

If you like your 5D, the 5D2 will just be a better overall package, with features like MFA and live view and video.