Another advice thread? 5D+85 vs 5DmkII

Well, I certainly need a second body...I was dead set on the 5DmkII to compliment (or takeover?) my Mark III but then I got to thinking that I could pick up a used 5D classic and upgrade my 85mm1.8 to the 1.2 version.

I love the video aspect of the mkII and I think that would be great to be able to offer that when shooting weddings. I also appreciate the ISO performance and the microadjust features.

The 5D class and 85mm 1.2 combo is tried and true though and may open more creative doors than the 5DmkII alone.

Thoughts?

I shoot everything, sports, portraits, weddings, engagements, landscapes.

I've been going through the same thought process. Part of me really wanted to get the 5DM2. I had a 5D Classic at one point in time but sold it and really miss that body. It's old and slow but it sure can capture some great images!!! When I need the speed and all of the bells and whistles, I grab my 1DMIII.

I shoot lots of sports, portraits, and weddings. I think the refurbished 5D Classic that I just ordered will be the perfect compliment to my 1DMIII. I'm going to use the extra money to pick up a 35L. If you don't really need the 21MP, video, micro adjustments, and great LCD, go with the Classic and upgrade your glass!

do you need hi def video and more mpix??

It's a no brainer to take the 5d with the 85 mm 1.2

Heh! Well, the 85L is a special lens and is great to use on the 5D Classic, and, well, all that!

But the 5D2 is definitely packed with goodies that are significant, like the ones you mention. I'd never say don't get the 5D2 if those features are meaningful to you. I'd also say don't ditch the 1D3. But only you can say whether the 85L with a Classic will make you happy for now.

kevinmcdade wrote in post #8469821
I've been going through the same thought process. Part of me really wanted to get the 5DM2. I had a 5D Classic at one point in time but sold it and really miss that body. It's old and slow but it sure can capture some great images!!! When I need the speed and all of the bells and whistles, I grab my 1DMIII.
I shoot lots of sports, portraits, and weddings. I think the refurbished 5D Classic that I just ordered will be the perfect compliment to my 1DMIII. I'm going to use the extra money to pick up a 35L. If you don't really need the 21MP, video, micro adjustments, and great LCD, go with the Classic and upgrade your glass!

Imagine MP's like your 1d3 though in a sraw format! Oh yeah, and the LCD. Why could the 1d3 have a LCD like the 50/5D? MA sure is nice too and the 21mp when/if you need it...ah hell.

bluefox9er wrote in post #8469841
do you need hi def video and more mpix??
It's a no brainer to take the 5d with the 85 mm 1.2

One would think! Like Tony said though, the Mark II is packed with great features, much like our 1DmkIII's are...

tonylong wrote in post #8469941
Heh! Well, the 85L is a special lens and is great to use on the 5D Classic, and, well, all that!
But the 5D2 is definitely packed with goodies that are significant, like the ones you mention. I'd never say don't get the 5D2 if those features are meaningful to you. I'd also say don't ditch the 1D3. But only you can say whether the 85L with a Classic will make you happy for now.

The 1D3 is here to stay-just trying to decide if the backup is the 5D or 5D mark II. Leaning toward the classic and 85mm1.2 though but I love all the features on the 1d3 and I imagine I'd love them just as much in a 5D frame...

For me honestly, both camera bodies produce almost the same IQ. I couldn't tell the differences between the two that's how good the 5D classic is. To tell you the truth, I use the 5D classic more just because it's easier on my computer. I would highly recommend getting a good lens.

5DMKII puts out better looking files than the 5D Classic...more similar in look to the 1DMKIII.

85L is of course a legendary lens. Difficult choice for sure. But the 85 1.8 is no slouch...

I love my MKIII and 5D combo...but to tell you the truth...I think it would be awesome to play around with HD video and some nice 2.8 L glass.....

I want a 85 L so bad I can taste it....but I think I would go 5dMII over it.....

Jon

I mentioned this on a similar thread previously, but I would recommend the 5DII and your 85 f/1.8. Everyone salivates over the 85L (me, too!), but practically speaking, there is more of a difference in the two camera bodies in question than there is between these two lenses. You've already had the 5D (I know because I bought it from you! ), so you know how it behaves (very well). However, if you've got the cash for a 5DII, and unless you absolutely need f/1.2, I'd say get the 5DII and try it with your f/1.8.

Total no brainer.
My 85L is magic.
I love my 5D just as much as my 5D2.

Such a tough decision....but, as much as I love my 5d2....

Bodies come and go...

You'll have that magic cannonball for decades

KrysiaG wrote in post #8475687
Total no brainer.
My 85L is magic.
I love my 5D just as much as my 5D2.

I totally agreed. When I bought my 5D2 I thought I would just sell the 5D, but I was wrong. I take my 5D more with me on photoshoot then my 5D2 but don't get me wrong I love them the same.

Jeremy H wrote in post #8475837
Such a tough decision....but, as much as I love my 5d2....

Bodies come and go...

You'll have that magic cannonball for decades

Not a tough decision at all...just do what I did, get both...LOL

Heh! It really is a win-win thing -- what do you want to do? Make a choice and win!

If you go for the 5D Classic and the 85L, what you get is the ability to take unreal images, ones you think about and work on to be "just so". You take the time and shoot several shots of one scene -- meaning wide open or close to it because otherwise, why have an f/1.2 lens? You hope to capture an image that is unique to the lens, it's about a creative impulse rather than "taking a picture" and getting one shot out of ten that expresses that impulse is wonderful, and the camera (in this case the 5D Classic) is an important part, but only part of the equation.

The 5D2 is different in that it has all the features and capabilities as well as nearly twice the resolution so that the camera itself becomes the "tool" that defines your photos as much if not more than the particular lens you use.

When I shoot with my 5D Classic, I take time, think and prepare to compose and work an image -- and that's especially true when I'm using the 85L.

Shooting with my 1D3 is a bit different because I use it for different types of shooting. I depend on its capabilities to get me more "mileage". I'd imagine a 5D2 would be similar but of course "more of" and from a full frame perspecitive. But if I had to make your choice (give up my 85L for a 5D2) I'd be hard pressed.

"Not a tough decision at all...just do what I did, get both...LOL"

LOL...I'm on my way to pick one up this afternoon, locally. This thread caught my attention, because 5 o'clock just can't come quickly enough!!!