5D or 40D Package?

Hi all,

Just wondering if you can give you input on these 2 packages and which one you would go with... Just to let you know my main interest is portraits both indoors in a studio and outdoors with ambient light.

1. 40D + Grip with a Canon 24-70 2.8 L

Or

2. 5D with a Canon 85 1.8 and Canon 50 1.4
(85 for head and shoulder shots and the 50 for full body)

pfdtt toughy. i just changed my mind

5d w/ 135 f2l if thats an option? or 100 f2...

5D with 85mm, but NOT the 50 1.4. That lens has a curse.

hmmm the 135L is out of my budget range with the 5D. I could get the 100 f/2 instead of the 85 f/1.8. I would love it if I could get both lenses longer than 85, but due to my home studio restraints I need something 70mm or shorter for full body shots.

I guess with the 5D I could do the Canon 70-200 f/4 (non-is) for about the same price as the 85 1.8 and the 50 1.4. That may make a good studio lens as f/4 would not be an issue shooting under strobes. Most likely I would be at f/8 to f/11.

I was at the same exact decision. I went with the 40D w/ Grip and 24-70L. As good as the 5D is, don't let a body keep you from getting good glass. The 40D isn't a slouch either.

5D & the primes. Would be hard to beat that lineup for what your interests are. I don't know about the 50 f/1.4 having a curse... I don't think mines cursed... its not my sharpest lens wide open, but at f/1.8 - f/2 its plenty sharp. I'll use my 85 f/1.8 wide open without much worry.

Another vote for 5D + primes. That set-up would be ideal for the situation you are currently looking to use the body/glass for. The 40D/24-70 is tempting, but the 85/1.8 and 50/1.4 are definitely a good portrait combo.

I've owned several 50/1.4's, and I have never had an issue with sharpness.

nburwell wrote in post #5328744
Another vote for 5D + primes. That set-up would be ideal for the situation you are currently looking to use the body/glass for. The 40D/24-70 is tempting, but the 85/1.8 and 50/1.4 are definitely a good portrait combo.

I've owned several 50/1.4's, and I have never had an issue with sharpness.

I agree. 5D and primes would be my choice.

The 40D is continuing to impress me, but the 5D will produce better results for what you want to shoot.

I would definitely say 5D. The 135L would be an awesome portrait lens. Have you thought about the 5D & 24-105L package they are offering now? The 24-105 is strongest in the 50-85mm range even wide open. And you would then also have a fantastic lens for a large variety of other uses as well.

From the choices you specifically asked about, I would go with the 85 and either the 50 or a 35L. Then again, the 35L is probably out of range if the 135L.

Also, if you are in a studio environment, I would skip out on the grip.

I would buy a AC adapter and a remote shutter release. That way you can run tethered, or at least not worry about batteries all day. I would also look into the Really Right Stuff (reallyrightstuff.com) L-bracket. It makes portrait orientation so much easier and keeps your weight leveled on the tripod.

Wow - thanks everyone for the input. It seems like the 5D is winning by a large margin even with the the non-L lenses.

I did take a look at that 5D & 24-105L package and it is tempting as you end up getting the 5D for around $1690 after deducting the regular price of the lens. However my budget is $2500 and the total package cost of $2750 is a bit over that mark.

Its worth the wait the extra amount! It really is. That 24-105L is VERY capable in so many situations. I've used it for motorsport when up close to the action, ive used it for product and food photography, I use it for the majority of my portrait work, ive used it for landscapes, architectural work, etc... On a 5D, it has a very usable range and rarely do I find myself limited by light. For an extra $250 its a hard bargain to pass up.

And you can open yourself up to so much more shooting than you can with just a 5D and an 85mm. Then again, an 85mm and a 35mm lens would suit you really well.

Have you thought about maybe the 85 1.8 and the Sigma 30mm ?? Its a more capable combo than an 85 and a 50 in my opinion. The 30 or 35 is still good for portraiture as long as you arent in too close. And with an 85 you can still do wasit up.

Ditto on 5D+85+50 !!!