New Camera or new lens

T

taxboy

Messages
2,087
Edit My Images
Yes
Current photographic interests are aviation with some landscapes and general photography. Now I've got some more free time I'm looking to get into bird photography as well.

Current gear is an EOS 40D with 70-200 f4 and 400 f5.6. I'm starting to feel a little restricted by the noise levels above 400 iso and also I'm certain the auto focus in later bodies is much better as will be the higher iso performance. At time's I also find the 400mm fixed focal length restricting for aviation shots e.g it can be too tight compositional for formation or larger aircraft but I do like the sharpness it offers.

So here are my thoughts
1) Keep the 40D but swap my existing lenses for a 100-400 mark 2. Hopefully the zoom is as sharp at the long end as the 400 5.6. I know the mark 1 wasn't

2) Keep my existing lenses but splash out for a 7d2.

3) Swap existing lenses for a Sigma 150-600. Currently this has the least appeal as it's a bit of a beast to haul about for genral photography outings.

So your input appreciated to help with the decision
 
What kind of budget do you have in mind?

How are you fixed with regard to lenses for landscapes and general photography? Any potential issues there which could affect the decision regarding the kit for aviation and birding?
 
There is nothing wrong with the lenses you have, You will see a massive improvement in all aspects of AF and image quality low light capability will be greatly improved if you decided to get a 7dmark ii....... But its a camera you need to learn to use to get the best out of it...............New body for me is the short answer.
 
StewartR said:
What kind of budget do you have in mind?

How are you fixed with regard to lenses for landscapes and general photography? Any potential issues there which could affect the decision regarding the kit for aviation and birding?
Click to expand...
Thanks for that. For landscape and general work I have a Canon 10-22 and Tamron 17-50, which together I'm quite happy with. The budget is up to £1400 so I could have the lens or the body hence my dilemma
 
Buy the 7d2 from Panamoz for £862, sell the two long lenses you have and buy the 100-400ii also from Panamoz for £1413. IIRC there was a few 400 lenses in the classifieds once the mk2 zoom was released.
 
I'm a Nikon man but in your pickle id sell the body 70-200 and 400 get a new body and the 100-400 ii from somewhere like Panamoz!
An awesome busy with 1 lens that will cover both your focal lengths

I friend uses a 6d with 100-400 it's a brilliant combo

I currently use a Nikon D750 with 80-400af-s and for what I thought would probably be my least used combo I barely separate it unless I purposely go out landscape shooting but even then I always try to use the 80-400 to pick out so details and do panos
 
Thanks for the suggestions. However any purchase will have to be UK based as personally I don't want to be involved with the tax implications of using a grey importer.
 
OK, my two-penn'orth.

On the lens front, I think selling the 70-200 and 400/5.6 , and buying a 100-400 Mk II, could be a smart move. I don't know how the 100-400 compares with the 400 prime as far as absolute image quality is concerned - it would be extremely hard to better the prime, but I'd be willing to get it is very nearly as good, and any slight deficiency would be more than made up for by the flexibility the zoom would give you. I really don't think you want to get a lesser lens because the ones you currently have are crackers and you'd probably notice the loss of image quality.

Regarding the camera though, is the 7D Mk II really the only choice? I think the 70D has an awful lot going for it, and it's only two thirds of the price. What do you think you need to do which would require a 7D Mk II instead of a 70D?

Based on recent used prices on eBay UK, the 70-200 might go for £300-£350 and the 400/5.6 might fetch £600-£700. A new 70D is widely available from legitimate UK retailers for a bit over £700, and a new 100-400 Mk II is £2000. So the net outlay for the whole lot would be at least £1650 ... I see what you mean about the budget being enough for the lens or the camera but not both.

... At least, if you were to insist on buying new. Have you considered buying used? There are a couple of used 100-400 MK IIs on eBay from a German second-hand dealer for about £1400 each....
 
Last edited:
minnnt said:
But what i mean is where are you finding them from UK suppliers at that price? Not being funny, just curious.
Click to expand...

Sorry thought you were referring to the 7d mk2 body not the lens. My budget for the lens would have to include sales proceeds from my existing lenses
 
StewartR said:
OK, my two-penn'orth.

On the lens front, I think selling the 70-200 and 400/5.6 , and buying a 100-400 Mk II, could be a smart move. I don't know how the 100-400 compares with the 400 prime as far as absolute image quality is concerned - it would be extremely hard to better the prime, but I'd be willing to get it is very nearly as good, and any slight deficiency would be more than made up for by the flexibility the zoom would give you. I really don't think you want to get a lesser lens because the ones you currently have are crackers and you'd probably notice the loss of image quality.

Regarding the camera though, is the 7D Mk II really the only choice? I think the 70D has an awful lot going for it, and it's only two thirds of the price. What do you think you need to do which would require a 7D Mk II instead of a 70D?

Based on recent used prices on eBay UK, the 70-200 might go for £300-£350 and the 400/5.6 might fetch £600-£700. A new 70D is widely available from legitimate UK retailers for a bit over £700, and a new 100-400 Mk II is £2000. So the net outlay for the whole lot would be at least £1650 ... I see what you mean about the budget being enough for the lens or the camera but not both.

... At least, if you were to insist on buying new. Have you considered buying used? There are a couple of used 100-400 MK IIs on eBay from a German second-hand dealer for about £1400 each....
Click to expand...

I hadn't thought about a 70D and I'll have to do some research. It seemed that all the recommendations for bird photography pointed to the 7D Mk II hence my question. Second hand per se doesn't unduly concern me although I think I'd be happier purchasing from a UK source. Given its newness and seemingly high ratings I would imagine the lens will hold its price pretty well for some time to come

Thanks for taking the time to respond it's given me some extra ideas to consider
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top