Next step from a Canon 30d - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM

12/26/2007 04:49:11 PM · #1

Hi everyone. I wanted to ask your opinion on the next step for a Canon for me. I have a VERY well used but great 30d. I live on an island in New England and as such, I would like to get a new Canon dslr that would not be upset with me if I were shooting in the mist or weather OTHER then a sunny clear day. This has me looking at a 1d series. No, not the 21 mp one{I wish}. :-) I would like to get one of the 1d's that is "weatherized" for outside use. I shoot almost entirely outside and frequently in rugged (coastline areas) in addition to baseball games(as a fan) For lenses I use the following L series:

a) 24-105 f/4 IS
b) 70-200 f/2.8
c) 100-400 f/4.5-5.6
d) 400 prime f/2.8

In using these lenses, I have grown tired of the 1.6 factor and would like to have a camera that is at least somewhat lower then 1.6. I hope that makes sense.
I also wonder weather I am pushing the limits of what the 30D was designed for... It has given me great pictures and I have "weened" myself off the no brainer "automatic functions " as I know the 1d's don't have any of those auto functions. I looked at the 40D and although its a great camera(not sure what I think of the live view) I suspect that if I did get it it would be a continuation of the 30d and there by not suitable for what I am shooting.

I have been told that the 5D is good(not sure if it is full frame) it is best used as a portrait camera.

Any feedback, thoughts you have would be greatly appreciated...

Thanks...
**Rod**

SteveJ

Canon EOS-7D

12/26/2007 04:56:22 PM · #2

From what I can gather 5D or the Mark 1 series fit the bill. Guess it is down to money and feely.

Jedusi

12/26/2007 05:02:43 PM · #3

Rod - one or two thoughts and questions :- )

a) How bad is this weather - I have a 20D that has been out with me in light rain /drizzle without anything much in th way of protection except to be tucked away between shots and the worst of the water wiped off it, never mind mist . . . You can obviously buy waterproof camera covers if you want, or just get a plastic bag and cut out a hole for the end of the lens.

Of course if the weather really is awful or the camera is going to be exposed for long periods to bad weather then you would want to think differently.

b) Tired of the crop factor ?? not sure what you mean here ? Your tired of your 400mm reaching out to 640mm when you are shooting at baseball games ? The only time the crop really becomes a nuisance is when you want to go wideangle and you don't have much in the way of wideangle lenses in your list - you mainly seem to have telephotos.

Anyway - the 5D is a full frame (so no crop factor there - a 400mm stays 400mm) and is capable of producing stunning results, particularly in portrait or landscapes, but ultimately can be used to shoot whatever you want. It doesn't tend to get viewed as a sports camera very much because of the relatively slow frame rate, and fewer focus points than say a 1D. Doesn't mean it can't be used for that though :- ) and it's a whole lot lighter than a 1 series.

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

12/26/2007 05:38:38 PM · #4

If the 30D has done the job for you, then the weather-sealing of the 1-series bodies is not a requirement, but if you're looking for more weather-resistance than the 30D has offered, then yes, the 1-series will be more weather resistant.
The 5D is full-frame, 12.7Mpx, and has about the same level of weather resistance as the 30D. It's a great all-around camera, with the exception of those users who absolutely need high frame rate. The 5D shoots at 3fps max. Expect to pay around $2500 USD. Rumor is, an updated version is around the corner, but it's all rumor at this point. In image quality, the 5D has been the king of bang for the buck. It turns out images very close in detail to the 1DsMkII and at lower noise levels.
The older 1DsMkII is also full-frame. 16.7Mpx and is weather sealed. Used units are out there, and there may be some new units left, but expect to pay about double what you'd pay for a 5D.
The 1D cameras (MkII and MkIII) are 1.3x crop, and shoot at very high frame rates. You really pay for that speed, and unless you need it, you may be spending money you don't have to. The most recent (MkIII) camera has been out since Spring 2007, and some of the units have had AF issues (Canon is repairing them). AFAIK, new MkII cameras are no longer available.

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

12/26/2007 05:46:29 PM · #5

[quote=Jedusi]
b) Tired of the crop factor ?? not sure what you mean here ? Your tired of your 400mm reaching out to 640mm when you are shooting at baseball games ? The only time the crop really becomes a nuisance is when you want to go wideangle and you don't have much in the way of wideangle lenses in your list - you mainly seem to have telephoto

Hi Steve:

Good Call! I shoot alot of merchant ships coming by the island so yes, I am not complaining about my 640... :-)

I had borrowed a 16-35 to shoot the Queen Mary 2 up close when she came here last fall. That is what I was refering to with regards to the crop factor...

With regards to wide angles, I want to buy one and have had a chance to try both the 17-40mm as well as the 16-35. The 17-40 seems great for teh price(half of teh 16-35). I guess my question, is if i am going to buy a canon wide angle, is the f\2.8 and the 16-35mm worth nearly the double price of the 17-40 f\4?

Thanks for yours as well as everyone elses comments.

**Rod**

Jedusi

12/26/2007 06:04:28 PM · #6

Rod,

Have you tried the Canon 10-22mm ? There have been some superb shots from that - it might be worth throwing into the mix while you are still deciding :- )

Message edited by author 2007-12-27 14:22:54.

SamDoe1

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

12/26/2007 06:08:50 PM · #7

Originally posted by Jedusi:

Rob,

Have you tried the Canon 10-22mm ? There have been some superb shots from that - it might be worth throwing into the mix while you are still deciding :- )

Note that that lens cannot be used on the 5D or 1 series bodies. It will, however, work absolutely fantastic on your 30D giving you an equivalent length of 16-35mm. As far as if the 16-35 f/2.8L is worth it over the 17-40mm...that depends on how valuable the f/2.8 is to you. It wouldn't be to me. The two Canon L wide angles won't really be all that wide on a crop camera though, so beware of that. The only true Canon ultrawide for crop bodies (not fishy) is the Canon 10-22mm.

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

12/27/2007 02:27:58 PM · #8

Originally posted by Jedusi:

Rob,

Have you tried the Canon 10-22mm ? There have been some superb shots from that - it might be worth throwing into the mix while you are still deciding :- )

Hi Steve:

Yes, I have actually thought about that. The only problem is that I asume the lens would become a paperweight if I upgraded to a 1d or a 5d. I really need the "wide angle" of the lense to take broadside shots of ships as they pass by. In retrospect, I wonder if a canon fisheye prime would be suitable for what I need? I am hopefully getting a 17-40 f\4 L to evaluate... Any thoughts? I know there are non Canon options, but i firmly believe, that if I am going to enjoy taking digital pictures, I should get the best possible lenses I can find. Canon L series lenses! Accept NO substitutes! :-)

Message edited by author 2007-12-27 14:34:33.

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

12/27/2007 02:43:43 PM · #9

Originally posted by ras262:

Yes, I have actually thought about that. The only problem is that I asume the lens would become a paperweight if I upgraded to a 1d or a 5d. I really need the "wide angle" of the lense to take broadside shots of ships as they pass by. In retrospect, I wonder if a canon fisheye prime would be suitable for what I need? I am hopefully getting a 17-40 f\4 L to evaluate... Any thoughts? I know there are non Canon options, but i firmly believe, that if I am going to enjoy taking digital pictures, I should get the best possible lenses I can find. Canon L series lenses! Accept NO substitutes! :-)

The 10-22mm is an EXCELLENT lens at a very reasonable price. You will have no trouble reselling it for a significant fraction of its purchase price if you do upgrade. Plenty of folks in here would take it off your hands. The rectilinear fisheye prime is not going to make you happy if you want "accurate" rendition of the ships.

Out of curiosity, which island you live on? I have a friend with a place on Prudence Island. I'm on Cape Cod myself. We ought to get together. And oh, yeah, I'm a Brown alumnus, originally from California.

R.

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

12/27/2007 03:01:02 PM · #10

Hi Robert:
I you make a good point. I guess i just need to see if i can "locate" on to borrow to try it out before i buy it. I know of only one place in the area (HUNT'S) that would have it unless you have any suggestions.

I live on the southern most tip of Jamestown. I love Prudence Island. Would love to go shooting with you anytime you are open. Weekends and after 5 (when it's light out) are best for me.

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

12/27/2007 03:20:58 PM · #11

Originally posted by ras262:

If you can get up here, you can try my 10-22 out :-) I won't be able to get away for a while though. C'mon up! We can even cook :-)

R.