Body or lens upgrade?

[Hoppy110]

I am going to have 3000 to spend on camera equipment in a months time as my savings will be released.

I'm currently using a 7D and 1Dmkii

I was thinking of upgrading to the new 5D mark 3 and buying a 24-70 F2.8 however I could keep the 7D and get 3 new lenses probably a 24-70 and 70-200 and maybe a 50 1.2 or 100mm macro.

I'm currently working as an assistant in the wedding market and looking to start doing my own weddings when I get together a portfolio.

What do you think would be best? I currently own mainly primes and a 17-40 although I can borrow my friends lenses every now and then.

 

[Houston1863]

I am going to have 3000 to spend on camera equipment in a months time as my savings will be released.

I'm currently using a 7D and 1Dmkii

I was thinking of upgrading to the new 5D mark 3 and buying a 24-70 F2.8 however I could keep the 7D and get 3 new lenses probably a 24-70 and 70-200 and maybe a 50 1.2 or 100mm macro.

I'm currently working as an assistant in the wedding market and looking to start doing my own weddings when I get together a portfolio.

What do you think would be best? I currently own mainly primes and a 17-40 although I can borrow my friends lenses every now and then.

I was thinking that you might sell the 1D2 Rupert. Not sure what you would get for it but let's assume £500. That would give you £3500 to blow on a 5D3 leaving enough for a 24-70 which I see you don't have. Our friend Ian Kerso will be able to provide one at a very good price of around £2500 I understand. I'm aware the 24-70 Mk 2 is out but at a significantly higher price but the Mk1 is still a stellar lens and near indispensable for events photography.

Going through you camera bag, I would dump that 17-40 as well. At f4.0 I find it quite useless in available light. 24mm should be sufficient for your wide needs. Keep in with your friend so you can have access to his 70-200.

As an alternative you could consider a 5D2 instead. You can find a pristine copy for £1200 or thereabouts here and have even more for glass. So many possibilities. The 5D3 route though is a good one. Such a magnificent camera, ultra low light capabilities and seemingly exceptional AF.

In summary 5D3 and 7D with 50/1.4, 24-70, 35L and access to a 70-200 should cover all your needs for weddings and other events. I may even dump the 35L and get a 16-35 instead.......... I think you could just eek out an almost straight swap for one from MPB if you sell your 35L. Or perhaps get a 135L for those occasions when a 70-200 would appear as overkill. You could also consider a 85/1.8 too and keep the change for another day. Just a thought.


Good hunting friend

 

[Hoppy110]

Cheers, I hadn't really thought of selling the 1D mk ii since I thought it was not worth much. However as you said If i could get away with keeping the 7D it would be a great back up camera.

I love my 35L so i think id pass on selling that. however as you said the 17-40 is very irritating only been F4 i might hang on to it and sell it when i can afford to upgrade to the 16-35.

Would it be worth waiting a little longer to get access to the market on talk photography? (only joined up 25 days ago) do you think anyone will have a 24-70 going for good value. Iv always bought new before.

Iv had a look at Ian Kerso before. How come things are such good value? generally iv bought of digital rev or amazon.