Been away for a while, want to get back.

I have been away from photography for about 3ish years now and a lot has changed. I had a 7D before (loved it) and the only equipment I have left is a Canon 50 1.4, a Canon 100L, and some CF cards. I have been trying to decide if I pay for a 5DIII, a 5DII or a 7DII.

Obviously if I go with a 5DII or 7DII I will have more money for some new glass and I am looking at a budget of around $3k-3.5K. With the recent gray market sale on the 5DIII with 24-105L IS for $2.6K I am really torn. The only additions I would REALLY want to make lens wise as of now is a 70-200L IS (I or II) and/or the 85L (if I went FF) and with the extra 24-105L IS I could almost sell that to recoup some money for that purchase.

I shoot a mix of stuff from sports to family/landscape and stopping just short of wedding photography at this point. I have always wanted a FF and feel that the 5DII is just too slow for the sports I shoot but maybe the 7DII isn't enough for the family/lanscape work I do.


I am leaning away from the 6D only because I am just not a huge fan of the layout or feel of the camera in relation to build quality (understanding that it does have weather sealing and half poly/half magnesium construction) and size.


I am just looking for some input as either way it will be a chunk of change.


Thank you

I bought a used 5D3 last summer, and then added a 7D2 when they were released in the fall. I use the 5D3 for people/landscapes/arch​itecture. I use the 7D2 for sports/wildlife. If I could only have one, it would depend on what type of photos I took the most. For me, I use the 7D2 more than the 5D3. However, for your shots, I think the 5D3 is a great choice. And it's a great deal at the current prices. Welcome back! I'm sure you'll enjoy whatever you choose.

LJ3Jim wrote in post #17430683
I bought a used 5D3 last summer, and then added a 7D2 when they were released in the fall. I use the 5D3 for people/landscapes/arch​itecture. I use the 7D2 for sports/wildlife. If I could only have one, it would depend on what type of photos I took the most. For me, I use the 7D2 more than the 5D3. However, for your shots, I think the 5D3 is a great choice. And it's a great deal at the current prices. Welcome back! I'm sure you'll enjoy whatever you choose.

+1 on everything and a huge welcome back....

Heya,

I think a 70D would be more than enough for what you're doing.

7D2 & 5D3 just take the AF up a significant step, but, unless you think it's worth the extra $1k~$1.5k, that's your call.

I'd get a good quality camera and get more glass that suits your needs.

Very best,

I've shot plenty of sports (soccer, hockey and football) with my 5D III and it's never let me down yet.

Check out the Canon Loyalty Program if you are willing to consider a refurbished camera. The 7DII won't be there yet but you can save some money on a 5DIII. Do a search here on the Canon Loyalty Program FAQ and you will get all the information about the various cameras that are available.

I bought a 7DII and it wasn't for sports/birding and the majority is for portrait work - but I do horses, and I'm in dust/dirt a ton and I'm hopeful the weather sealing will help. If you are use to FF, then it might seem a step back, but if you had a 7D and it did everything you listed for you well, then I think buying a used 7D or going with the 7D2 should do fine for you. But if you've always wanted FF, I'd go for the grey market 5D III from someone that will back it for a year waranty and not look back! I'm still wanting a FF body now, but I am very happy with my 7DII.