Crop sensor or a longer lens?

6950rpm

6950rpm

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Tim
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I have a 5DMkII which I am very happy with. When combined with my 70-200 F/4 I can get some great shots but wanted something with more reach so I added a 1.4 extender. I have an old Sigma 400mm F/5.6 but the aperture doesn't work on a digital body so am left shooting it wide open. Not really an issue as I was thinking of selling it anyway.

Now I'm still feeling that I could do with a bit more reach so was considering a Canon EF 300mm F/4 IS (which I could combine with my extender) or getting a second body such as a 7D which I would use with the 70-200 + extender.

The cost of each option is close enough as makes no difference to me.

Which would you chose?
 
If your 5D2 is your only body I would be tempted to go the 7D route. At least then you have good backup should you have a problem with a body. Either that or get the 100-400 L which will give you the reach you need and still get quality photos.
 
I'd definitely go the 7D route as I believe the 5D2 and 7D complement each other quite well.

It's also very convenient/flexible having two bodies on the go at the same time in some situations.
 
6950rpm said:
I have a 5DMkII which I am very happy with. When combined with my 70-200 F/4 I can get some great shots but wanted something with more reach so I added a 1.4 extender. I have an old Sigma 400mm F/5.6 but the aperture doesn't work on a digital body so am left shooting it wide open. Not really an issue as I was thinking of selling it anyway.

Now I'm still feeling that I could do with a bit more reach so was considering a Canon EF 300mm F/4 IS (which I could combine with my extender) or getting a second body such as a 7D which I would use with the 70-200 + extender.

The cost of each option is close enough as makes no difference to me.

Which would you chose?
Click to expand...

For what purpose do you need extended reach? If it is for Bird Watching for example a 200mm with 1.4X extender on a crop body is still not long enough! A 400mm on a full frame would be the same as would a 300mm & 1.4 Extender on full frame.

A 400f5.6 on a Crop is starting to get you there but sadly it won't autofocus if you use the 1.4 extender. A sturdy tripod would be needed to get a half decent shot with this combination using live view for manual focus.

If you wait long enough the birds may come to you and save you a lot of money :). Of course if you have other motives for more reach you can ignore all the above.
 
The longer lens would be a good buy. A couple of friends, and excellent bird photographers, are using the 500mm on the 5DII rather than the 7D as they find that cropping the 5DII image gives them better detail than using the 7D. I do not agree 100% with them as I find that the 7D in ideal weather conditions can give more detail but, on the other hand, lenses always seem to be a better investment than a camera body.

I would look for a Canon 300mm f4 +1.4x or the 400mm 5.6. IMHO both will give you better images with the 5DII than the 70-200mm f4 will give you with the 7D.
 
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