5D MKII (Users get in here)

Contemplating getting a 5D MKII. I am currently shooting with my old 20D. Still love it but I am looking to get a solid camera to replace it and use the 20D for back up and limited drag racing shots. Looks like the 5D MKII will do everything that the 20D would and then some. I read that tracking fast moving objects may be an issue but then I see some really nice shots that were generated with the 5D MKII in the motorsports forum. So I am thinking that it will do fine for a what I may use it for periodically.

Mainly I am looking to get into Landscape and still shots (just random stuff). Been in awe looking through the Landscape forum and really want to get into that and learn how to do it.

Does anyone have any insight on the 5D MKII as far as drawbacks or things you don't like about it. I would like to hear the good and the bad from 5D MKII users.

I started off with a 20D and progressed through to a 5D2. The 5D2 is a world apart from the 20D in all aspects. The 20D was very capable and is still a good camera, but I believe the 5D2 is a great camera. I have no negative comments or drawbacks that I can think of except for the fact that you do need good lenses to make the most of it. The 24-105L is a really nice walk-about lens for the 5D2.

Before getting the 5D2, I also own a 20D. The 5D2 tracking may not be as good as a 1D series but it's far better then my 20D. Focus and everything else also much better and not to mention the picture quality. For what you want to shoot, I'll say go for the 5D2. You won't regret.

FPS are low compared to the 1 series, but it's an issue only with sports shooting. The outer AF points don't work as well as the 1 series, but the center is fine and quick. The IQ of your shots will be incredible. It's a perfect camera for landscapes.

glad you posted this Tom because i keep stalling on the 5D Mk2 - i got a local friend who uses one & a few flickr/facebook mates who do aswell..... i've not borrowed theirs or anything but have seen plenty of their photo's from it & even though i'm fairly happy with the 450D it just blows that away without comparison & i do like the appeal of the high iso abilities of it aswell.

The 5DII is a great camera - and it will match or surpass the AF performance of your 20D. If youa re comfortable with that, then the 5DII will present no issues - while shooting. However, I hope your computer is up to the task. The files are quite large! That was the only surprise for me - and a good excuse to upgrade the PC!
Enjoy the 5DII - you won't regret it at all.

I want one really badly. So expensive. But the majority of my shots are in-you-face portraits, usually on the fly. I don't mind if they're looking at the camera, but it's fun to get pictures from the ground, from above, the side, etc.

The 5Dmark2 is a superb camera. It feels like the mark 3 will come out any minute (although I doubt it will---it just feels that way---every other model's update has just been released.

MikeFairbanks wrote in post #11140586
I want one really badly. So expensive. But the majority of my shots are in-you-face portraits, usually on the fly. I don't mind if they're looking at the camera, but it's fun to get pictures from the ground, from above, the side, etc.

The 5Dmark2 is a superb camera. It feels like the mark 3 will come out any minute (although I doubt it will---it just feels that way---every other model's update has just been released.

I´ve got a 40D and I´ve decided to wait for the new 5D mkIII, but this wait is killing me...

Who knows about when the MkIII will drop, but the CLP program really helps to get the 5d Mii into people's hands for cheap.

In my opinion, the common "negatives" we hear about the 5D2 are quite exaggerated. It will never have the FPS of the 1D series, and yes, the autofocus on the outer points may be a little sketchy in very low light. But in reality, most 5D2 users are so happy about everything else, these small issues pale in comparison.

Get it and use it... you'll be happy.

Looks like OP's got all EF lenses. You're good to go.
Get the 5D2 and go back to re-shoot the same subject from your 20D and come back to tell us what kind of difference you found

Went from a 7D to a 5Dmkii after testing the mkii. I won't look back.

imjasonbassett wrote in post #11141031
Went from a 7D to a 5Dmkii after testing the mkii. I won't look back.

that's good to see aswell because if i did stay crop i was thinking of the 7D

the worry is that i'm eventually going to want to go FF so why not do it from the start rather than loosing money on something like the 7D or new 60D......

The 5D mark II is ideal for landscapes...you don't need AF for landscapes, especially if you get a Zeiss or tilt-shift lens

With that said, landscape photography is more about technique than the equipment.

Well.. you can't go wrong with the 7D. Best all around.

I don't shoot all around subjects. but If I did.. I could make the mkii more than work.

Either is a win.