Canon 1d MKII and the Canon 7d.

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Andrew
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I have had a love affair with the Canon 1d MkII since the day it arrived on the scene!
However, back then I couldn't afford it - but now there appears to be some good deals on this great camera (£500 to £800 depending on condition and clicks).

I am already the proud owner of a 7d, which serves me fantastically on my sports photography, BUT, I've always craved that 1d body/tank of a camera!
I have no intention of selling my 7d, and I cannot afford the MkIV even second hand right now. So, my heart wants that 1d MkII, but is my head thinking straight?

I've done my research, but I need other opinions: Is the 1d MkII still a contender these days? I shoot mostly field hockey during daylight hours with my 7d. If I made a MkII my first camera relegating my 7d to back up, would this be a step backwards considering the various differences between the two?

Any opinions would be most appreciated, and thanks in advance!
 
If you're not needing to push the ISO above 800 and you're not needing to print huge or crop heavily then the Mark II is still a great camera for the money.

The AF on the Mark II is the obvious attraction at this price bracket compared to some new lower range Canon's but I'd question whether it would give you anything above your 7D apart from f8 AF when using teleconverters and obviously that lovely 1D feel and build. Worth remembering also that you can't use EF-S lenses.

I'd be tempted (if you have a 1D bug) to see if you could stretch to a Mark III for the extra resolution, better rear screen and button configuration which can be a fiddle on the Mark II if you're not used to it.
 
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I've had a 1d mk2 for a short while now I own a 5d mk2 and I find the mk2 a great camera focuses faster compared to the 5d and I guess for sport shots it will be great, here on the classifieds the 1d mk2 go for even less than 500£
 
I have a 1d mkIII (fairy recently) which sits alongside my 5d MkII. Ok, so it's not a 1d mkII but I have to say that the whole 1d thing is something which gets under your skin. The focus on it is brilliant, it sits really nicely in the hand and once you get used to the controls (which doesn't take long) it's easy to use. In this respect I now find it easier than my 5d, or should I say the more intuative when I swap between them.

Shot wise my 5d takes amazingly clear shots and they remain that way with a heavy crop. The 1d isn't quite as good here, but it's close. The 1d often takes little post processing, the shots are close to spot on from the start. I find the 5d needs a little more. All of this could be down to my own capabilities though.

When I was looking at a 1d originally I was wowed by the ds version and narrowly missed a low miler for good money. Then I started looking at the 'N' version due to the slightly larger rear screen, eventually I found a few quid down the back of the sofa and stretched to a mkIII and haven't looked back.

Find yourself a good one and you will love it.
 
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Lads, firstly I'd like to say thanks for the responses - really appreciated!

You've all given me food for thought here. Just the idea of owning a 1d body has me salivating at the mouth :love:!
I've spent the last three hours (my girlfriend has being trying to get hold of me for ages on the phone and is not amused!) on a Canon forum looking at examples of 1d Mk2 and 2n action shots, and I have to say the quality is superb! There is definitely an argument to go for the Mk3, but the prices of the 2 and 2n are very enticing!

God knows, if I get one, I'll probably just spend hours every day staring at it lovingly and taking pictures of it with my 7d !!!!

Thanks again lads.
 
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Was just speaking to a friend today,he just brought one to go with his 7D,said he hasn't had a chance to play with much.

But will let you know how he get on :)
 
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