Am I Thinking Clearly?

In January I will be keeping my Pro1 and buying a 20D body, 100-400L, 17-85, 50 1.4 and a tele-extender for the 100-400L. This has been "my evil master plan" for some time now and the announcement of the 5D, although it has made me re-think my plan, has not caused me to change it.

I mean, I believe that come January I should be able to purchase the 20D and all of the above lenses (save the 50 1.4 which I will grab later) for the price of the 5D. I like to primarily shoot wildlife, so going wide, although nice, isn't a priority for me. Is my logic sound?

Well, with Wildlife you have to be quick, and the extra 1.6 crop will help out.

Id say with the higher FPS of the 20D and 1.6 Crop, its far more suited to the task then the 5D.

Sounds like a plan to me!

-Wes

I don't have the faintest idea but I just wanted to say cograts on your seniority!!!!

Dan

After chasing a squirrel around my yard with a DRebel the other day (I'll be posting these soon...), I'd frames per second is the priority. 20D for you.

Thanks-you Dan.

Sounds like a good plan to me go for the 20d

YES, 20D, then you can ask for 'one MILLION dollars'(Dr. Evil voice) or you will 5fps at them!
Yeah, sounds like a sound plan, cracking camera and some awsme lenses.
5D doesnt get the juices going for me. 400mm, plus 1.6 crop, plus telextender, and you will be seeing quite far to say the least!!!
Enjoy
K

Dont forget you will lose AF on the 100-400 with extender.

I'm sure the 100-400 will be a decent distance with the 1.6 crop added. For what you say, you don't need the 5D. The 20D should suit you just fine though.

5D seems a joke camera for wildlife shooters. FF does nothing for me. Depends on the wildlife you shoot. Some people called a trip to the zoo wildlife, which I suppose it is

My set up is designed for 90% African wildlife shooting, though I still have to decide if my new 300mm IS L f4 and TCon will really have the flexibility, or if the quality isn't worth the trouble of a prime.

I know I mainly shoot 300-400mm but some of the time I know that I do ideally need 500mm plus. I just ended up buying a lovely 100-400mm IS L to try both side to side, with and without TCon's, and then I can really decide one way or another. I will sell whichever I decide against. It's the only way I could decide as I can't justify or want both of them

I suppose I'm saying that the long zoom choice is prime quality v's flexibility of a zoom and a lot depends on how and where you shoot.

20D is a great choice and I would have one if I wasn't a 'travel light' type.

I would get a Sigma or Tamron standard zoom rather than the Canon. It'll probably disappoint given the quality of your other choices, but it is covering a good range. The 50mm 1.4 like a lot but would wait to buy that after seeing what the zooms can do. But if you're a Canon only guy then you have to suffer with it. IS ... well, who cares at that range? Rather have faster personally.

Airedale,.. your logic is sound.
A 20D and a 100-400mm will be far better for wildlife than a 5d and no lens!

Seriously.. My "rig" is geared towards wildlife.. and if I thought the 5D would be an advantage I would be first in line. But I'm keeping my 20D. (and 1D)

Go with your plan. The 20D is it. I know that every time I get the money saved upf or my 20D, my house or car (s)needs something. That is the way it is. Some day I will have my 20D.

My evil master plan was similar to yours although I was able to accomplish it sooner. I shoot mostly wildlife with a 20d and the 100-400 and I have never looked back or questioned my purchase.

I would recommend the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 over the 17-85 for your walk around lens. Not as wide, I know, but it's sharper, faster, cheaper, and it will still work if you ever move to a full frame sensor body.

Yes, another vote for the Tamron 28-75/2.8. Get it together with the 18-55 kit lens for the occasional wide angle shot.

I can only detect one flaw in your reasoning ... I'm not sure whether your Pro1 will see much action after you buy the 20D. My G2 (which I absolutely loved) was relegated to green box duty at my wife after I got the 20D.

Granted, it's much smaller, but whenever I think that an opportunity warrants to take a camera, it also warrants to take the slinger bag with the _big_ camera (20D+28-75/2.8, 50/1.4 and 28/1.8 )

Best regards,
Andy