What would you do?

OK, first don't shoot me, i know that everyone and their dog is asking this question but here i go.

I currently have a 1D MkII and i love it!! I love the build and the AF of the 1 series bodies, but i don't like the ISO above 400 on my MkII.

I have been thinking of selling off my 400L f5.6 and my Mk II to fund one of the following used cameras:

1Ds MkII
1D Mk III
5D Mk II
or 5D I and upgrade my siggy 24-70 to canon.

all appear to be in roughly the same price range.

I am considering this because i am starting to get more and more gigs as a wedding/event photog and have moved my wildlife shooting to the back burner for the time being. I do not need the video feature of the 5d II. My main concern is ISO performance in the 1600-3200 range.

I would be looking to purchase a 300 2.8L or a 500-600L in the next year to get back into wildlife shooting again. I don't really need the high FPS either, i rarely shoot full blast with my MKII.

WWYD

5d mk II is what I would get if in your shoes.

So, perhaps the 1DmkIII, The ISO is just a touch less impressive than the 5DmkII. You like the 1DmkII, you'll love the III....I would say 5DmkII but you say you're gonna get back into wildlife...You can certainly shoot wildlife with the 5Dmk2, but you'd be better off with the 1DmkIII.
The 1Dsmk2 with more MP's is a tad better than the 1DmkII high ISO.....So, below the 1DmkIII.
You'll do fine shooting weddings with the mkIII, it's a kind of all purpose body.

Well, prices for the 1D3 have been going down and the 5D Classic is priced very nicely. For many of us the two together is a fantasic combo that will cover everything. The 1D3 has great low-light quality and all-around performance and the 5D even at "only" 12 MP delivers professional-quality images with great IQ.

and I always ask if video matters to you or should I say "your clients".

tonylong wrote in post #9817243
Well, prices for the 1D3 have been going down and the 5D Classic is priced very nicely. For many of us the two together is a fantasic combo that will cover everything. The 1D3 has great low-light quality and all-around performance and the 5D even at "only" 12 MP delivers professional-quality images with great IQ.

I have to say this thought has crossed my mind. I just can't see myself giving up the AF system of a 1 series, so getting a 1dIII now and adding a 5d classic in the near future does sound like a good option.

NaKiD EyE wrote in post #9817280
and I always ask if video matters to you or should I say "your clients".

well i don't see myself shooting video, and i don't offer it to my clients. It could be nice to offer in the future, but for now it is not a priority.

thatkatmat wrote in post #9817228
So, perhaps the 1DmkIII, The ISO is just a touch less impressive than the 5DmkII. You like the 1DmkII, you'll love the III....I would say 5DmkII but you say you're gonna get back into wildlife...You can certainly shoot wildlife with the 5Dmk2, but you'd be better off with the 1DmkIII.
The 1Dsmk2 with more MP's is a tad better than the 1DmkII high ISO.....So, below the 1DmkIII.
You'll do fine shooting weddings with the mkIII, it's a kind of all purpose body.

The truely best option would be a IDs III but that is a bit to pricey for me right now. I have just had the urge to try FF, but i just can't give up that AF and build of the 1 series.

It looks like maybe the MK III should be the top option followed by the Ds MKII. i still need to get a backup so a 5d classic should fill that gap nicely.

Actually, I've owned them all....And really....Loved them all. I have a soft spot for the 1Dsmk2 because of the AF, build and FF....But the IQ from the 5Dmk2 is better IMHO....The 1Dmk3 is a nice compromise. The IQ, AF and build are all excellent. Can you keep the 1Dmk2 and just grab a 5D....Like Tony said, it's got great IQ too.....Something special about the 5Dc, not sure how to put a finger on it, but it's great too.
Sorry, not much of a help, I'd like to own them all.

dphillips81 wrote in post #9817332
I have to say this thought has crossed my mind. I just can't see myself giving up the AF system of a 1 series, so getting a 1dIII now and adding a 5d classic in the near future does sound like a good option.

I'd call that a very near future good option, since having a 2nd body for weddings is considered a need more than a want. And I move very easily between the 5D Classic and the 1D3. The center point of the 5D is spot on and the outer points work well in good light, and I don't hesitate to grab it for many things.

If video doesnt matter, 1DsMkII or 1DMkIII. From what I hear, the 1DsMkII was/is one of the best cameras that Canon has ever made. Unfortunately Ive never shot with one. Just the 5D, 5D2, and MkIII.

dphillips81 wrote in post #9817332
well i don't see myself shooting video, and i don't offer it to my clients. It could be nice to offer in the future, but for now it is not a priority.

ok but keep an open mind... people LOVE video. My business incorporates stills and motion and the response has been incredible for the video aspect.

tonylong wrote in post #9817372
I'd call that a very near future good option, since having a 2nd body for weddings is considered a need more than a want. And I move very easily between the 5D Classic and the 1D3. The center point of the 5D is spot on and the outer points work well in good light, and I don't hesitate to grab it for many things.

A 2nd body is a neccesity i agree. I am working out how to make this happen, so a 5dc may be the best option to add to my MKII. I currently borrow a backup body from a couple different fellow photogs, but that is getting old.

NaKiD EyE wrote in post #9817503
ok but keep an open mind... people LOVE video. My business incorporates stills and motion and the response has been incredible for the video aspect.

I am not closing out that idea, i just don't see me using it now. I am sure that customers would love to have video to go with their stills.

dphillips81 wrote in post #9817738
A 2nd body is a neccesity i agree. I am working out how to make this happen, so a 5dc may be the best option to add to my MKII. I currently borrow a backup body from a couple different fellow photogs, but that is getting old.



I am not closing out that idea, i just don't see me using it now. I am sure that customers would love to have video to go with their stills.

get out of that damn comfort zone, lol j/k best of luck with your biz!

If I was going to do professional work like weddings I would not do it without 2 bodies, so that is what I would be working towards.

Bradfordguy wrote in post #9817780
If I was going to do professional work like weddings I would not do it without 2 bodies, so that is what I would be working towards.

^+1

I see more WOW images taken with the 5D2 than with any other camera.
Best of luck on whatever you decide.