$2000 to spend, starting from scratch

I sold all of my gear a few years ago because I felt limited by my budget, and now want to get back into the money pit that is hobbiest photography. I get a bonus in 6 weeks, and will have about 2k to spend.

I would like to buy a body, and at least two lenses. I'm not too worried about a bag, tripod, flash, etc... yet as I will pick them up later.

I shoot landscapes and portraits, but would like enough reach for street photography with my portrait lens. I will likely be looking at used gear.

My thoughts are a 5DC as my body, a 17-40L, Sigma 50 1.4, and either a 135L (may be pushing it budget wise) or 200 2.8L.

What would you do?

I don't think 5Dc is a good idea and it's kinda dangerous when you can be cheated. It's too old. I think 5D2 will be (and it's must) better.
5D2 usually cost you about $1000-1200 (I can't remember and I didn't track market price).
And with $800-1000 left, I think you can get used lens (1 portrait, 1 wide-angle for landscape)

P/s: A Tokina 11-16 (for crop) can be a 16mm lens for full-frame, think about it.

I would rather spend the money on lenses than a more expensive body right now, and the only thing making me hesitate on the 5D is dust. I figure if I spend $500 or $600 on a body now I can always invest in a new body in a year or two, and buy something new and higher end.

If I didn't go with a 5D I am thinking likely a 7D (different ball game I know), but would still like to stick to lenses that will work on FF.

If you want full frame, get it. There isn't much point in getting a $500 crop body when you can get a $500 full frame body that will work well for your desired goals. I think your 5d, 17-40, and sigma 50mm are good starts. How long do you need? The 100mm f2 is nearly as good as the 135L for about 1/2 the price. If not, the 200 f2.8 is a nice lens as well, but quite a bit bigger and heavier.

Qlayer2 wrote in post #17385125
If you want full frame, get it. There isn't much point in getting a $500 crop body when you can get a $500 full frame body that will work well for your desired goals. I think your 5d, 17-40, and sigma 50mm are good starts. How long do you need? The 100mm f2 is nearly as good as the 135L for about 1/2 the price. If not, the 200 f2.8 is a nice lens as well, but quite a bit bigger and heavier.

That's my thought. I don't really need the bells and whistles ofthe 7D, and I got on fine for years with a 40D, which likely compares to the 5D in general functionality. I used to have a MkI version of the 200 2.8, and it was pretty long, but I liked what I got out of it, so may go back to one. The other option is a 70-200 F4L, which I have had as well. Produces lovely images, just not so great in low light.

Thanks for the vote for the 5D. I've been leaning that way for sure.

except that I wouldnt be surprised if something like the60d or 70d doesnt have better iq and better high iso performance than the 5dc.In fact I would be highly surprised if it didnt. In my part of the world a used 70d kit can be seen for 600usd.

If you insist on FF, I'd go for the 5DII a used EF 85 f1.8, a used 35 mm or 28 mm and maybe a nifty fifty. the relic (5D)... is well, a relic.

If you consider crop, I'd go for a significantly discounted 60D and you have a vast choice of lenses. My travel kit is my 60D, the Sigma 8-16 and the EFS 18-200. I am pretty happy with it.

While only one lens, it is a great foundation to build on. Today's technology, warranty and L glass which is a great walk around lens that is nice for portraits with focal range.
Why buy twice as they say.

Something to consider.


http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …OS_6D_Digital_C​amera.html

Actually, it looks to me like your plan for what you want to do and your budget is very solid. There is always the urge to stretch, like a 5Dii, or maybe a 16-35/4 instead of what you propose, but I like your idea, which is gear that is fairly well along the depreciation curve.

For your described use, I would pick the 135L over the 200L.

Friend of mine has a 5DC that he uses more than his 1D4 as its much easier to travel with.

I think you're on the right track myself although would also second the 135 over the 200 myself.

Good luck

Nick5 wrote in post #17385365
While only one lens, it is a great foundation to build on. Today's technology, warranty and L glass which is a great walk around lens that is nice for portraits with focal range.
Why buy twice as they say.

Something to consider.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …OS_6D_Digital_C​amera.html

+1
And pretty close to your budget if you get it by the end of the month ($2099). Nice high-ISO capability, since you're not getting a flash.

King of Canada wrote in post #17384491
I sold all of my gear a few years ago because I felt limited by my budget, and now want to get back into the money pit that is hobbiest photography. I get a bonus in 6 weeks, and will have about 2k to spend.

I would like to buy a body, and at least two lenses. I'm not too worried about a bag, tripod, flash, etc... yet as I will pick them up later.

I shoot landscapes and portraits, but would like enough reach for street photography with my portrait lens. I will likely be looking at used gear.

My thoughts are a 5DC as my body, a 17-40L, Sigma 50 1.4, and either a 135L (may be pushing it budget wise) or 200 2.8L.

What would you do?

Heya,

A thought...

5D classic with EE-S screen, Samyang 24mm F1.4, Asahi Super Takumar 50mm F1.4 (sub in Sigma 50 if you really want to), and Samyang 85 F1.4 (sub in 200 F2.8L if you really need more telephoto, I would get this over 135L for street for the added reach).

Inexpensive, crazy quality setup for a dime. All manual. But exquisite results with very good optics. You simply are controlling every bit of it.

Very best,

I like the idea of a new 6D too, or maybe even used. There is no way a new 6D and 24-105 is worth over 1800 bucks. I picked one up on a rebate deal a year and a half ago and got the above plus a printer for 1899. I have to think you could find a body for 1200. The resolution and ISO performance even with just the kit lens would give noticibly better quality in all but perfect conditions. Add on a prime of some sort and you are gold.

There's nothing wrong with the original 5D as a camera that is so bad you should be considering giving up lenses you want. The only issue would be finding one which is in good condition, due to the age. But they must be out there.

Your lens choice seems sensible.

I'd be checking that the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 really does work with a 5D. I've heard of third party lenses sometimes requiring current models - bear in mind, these companies traditionally made a lot of sales by retailers bundling them with bodies as kits.

I will pick Canon EOS 7D Mark II. Canon EOS 7D Mark II is the long-awaited successor to the company's flagship APS-C D-SLR. The Mark II have 65-point autofocus system runs circles around the 19-point system used by the original 7D, and on-sensor phase detection vastly improves autofocus speed when recording video. and for lens i will buy canon EF 50mm. all of them around $2000
u can buy it in online store with that price