Is now the wrong time to go FF?

I've found some in my boat and keep asking myself the same question over and over..

The lens lineup for FF makes so much more sense to me. I do have an opportunity between now and this weekend to return the 40D and 35L I just picked up for a new 5D and a 50 1.4.

I do shoot my kids sports and can appreciate the FOV in favor of the crop. Until sports start again in a few months, I really like the 50-ish equivilent lenght for indoors of my 2yr old. I wouldn't be able to pick up a crop and the long lens I'm still missing at the moment yet anyway.

Anyway, my point is this - I've read the 5D vs 40D threads and it seem the majority here lean towards the cropper for the ~2 years of tech and very good IQ out of the 40 (as of this point in time). Aside the 40D seemingly "winning the poll" and considering the 5D is going to be upgraded soon with a feature set that I would assume comparable to the 30-->40D improvements..

Would right now, today, be the wrong time to invest in FF? Wouldn't that be similar to going out and purchasing a 30D a few weeks before the 40D hit the shelves?

Personally, I think this 35L is wicked. I liked the Sigma 30, but I was one of the bunch that just got funky focus with it. I don't care for the IQ of the 28.. and I want a damn normal fast lens!

For me, I have a day or so to figure it out. 40D+35L, 40D+17-55, or FF now for new cheap and a 50 1.4. Those are the options I'm willing to consider at this point in time. Also, knowing I could actually add a 24-105 focal length sits real well with me.

There's no clear answer for that but if' budget is not as issue why not?

Invest in lenses before body. A wider selection of lenses will help you capture different shots, whereas a different body likely won't - especially since the 40D is already very capable.

I vote for spending money on Glass, and time on composition skills. Those two things are going to make the biggest difference in the final outcome of your efforts.

The camera format analogy is like trying to decide if you want to buy a BMW 5 series or a (larger more expensive) BMW 7 series. Both get you there. One has more space to carry people and things. One costs more than the other. One has more 'status' than the other, to yourself and/or to bystanders. Both get you there. So ultimately one consideration in purchase choice is your ability to afford one vs. the other. And if you can afford either one, whether you want to spend larger sums of money on an item which ultimately depreciates larger amounts of value, or you could use that money in some other fashion better spent!!!

35L >>> 501.4

just save money, then sell your 40D and use the 5D with the 35 L

that's really not fair Wilt. its more like the M5 and the M3. significant differences in price, almost equal in performance, but both get you there!

roeddel wrote in post #4729407
that's really not fair Wilt. its more like the M5 and the M3. significant differences in price, almost equal in performance, but both get you there!

Yeah, OK you're right...40D vs. 5D... significant differences in price, almost equal in performance, and both take pictures!

Personally I have money in the bank for next week. If there is even a chance that they will announce a new 5D with the same enhancements as the 30/40D change there is no way I'd buy a "old" 5D. If they don't then I'll still be very uneasy about buying the old 5D. As much as I want to go full frame the changes in the 30/40D are so good that I don't think there is that much difference in image IQ between the 40 & 5D.....unless you printing large.

......and Hell if Canon doesn't do a new 5D I might just sell everything and go with a D3.

elwood58 wrote in post #4729301
I vote for spending money on Glass, and time on composition skills. Those two things are going to make the biggest difference in the final outcome of your efforts.

I agree with you 100%.

Although I recently upgraded from a 20D to a 40D, I still wonder if I should have bought a 5D, but I cannot express enough on how good this camera is, especially with the right lens.

SeanH wrote in post #4729438
Personally I have money in the bank for next week. If there is even a chance that they will announce a new 5D with the same enhancements as the 30/40D change there is no way I'd buy a "old" 5D. If they don't then I'll still be very uneasy about buying the old 5D. As much as I want to go full frame the changes in the 30/40D are so good that I don't think there is that much difference in image IQ between the 40 & 5D.....unless you printing large.

......and Hell if Canon doesn't do a new 5D I might just sell everything and go with a D3.

You seem to be the only one who's read the first post, Thanks for your opinion - of which I was looking for.

what is the 40D missing that is stopping you from reaching your photographic potential?

A more economic alternative, is to get a 30D (may be even used) or XTi, and keep them as a future 2nd body. Or, you can go 1DMk3 now - sits between 1.6x and FF, which is excellent for sports.

why uneasy about buying a 5D? that would be like being uneasy about buying a 3 year old BMW that's still more luxurious than your brand new ford focus. Even if canon does announce a new 5D (with there still being MIII issues) it will take a while before it's on the market and then working out the bugs if there are any.

Fabrian wrote in post #4729449
You seem to be the only one who's read the first post, Thanks for your opinion - of which I was looking for.

I read it. You were saying "5D is cheap now, just before the replacement comes out. Shouldn't I get it now?"

I stand on my same answer...whether there is a 2x difference in body price or a 1.7x difference in body price, the matter is your choice...40D vs. 5D... significant differences in price, almost equal in performance, and both take pictures