Second body or bigger lens?

[Paul Holtom]

I have a 5Dmk2 that I love but find that for aviation shots the longest reach I have of 400mm is not really long enough. So I am looking at my options to get more reach.

1. Crop sensor body such as 7D used with my 100-400mm to give me 160-640mm.

2. Bigger lens for 5Dmk2 but this looks very expensive.

3. Teleconvertor but think this would loose autofocus.

What would other people suggest?

 

[Jaffster]

I've always been told to 'invest in lenses and not cameras' but a backup camera is always a good idea, especially if you're doing payed work.

 

[andrewc]

Its pixel density rather than crop factor that is important here, so 7D is hard to beat. Better AF as well to track those fast moving jets.

 

[Paul Holtom]

Have just answered my own question by getting a good deal on a 7D from this forum.

 

[HoppyUK]

5D2 can't really compete with something like the 7D for either long lens shooting or action, though it's not as bad as some folks make out. I recon the 5D2's AF is better than my old 40D and if you crop to the equivalent of 1.6x you're still left with around 8mp - roughly similar to a 40D's 10mp.

Best option is probably a 1DMk4 and a nice big prime, but being realistic, it's the 7D.

 

[Martin England]

A backup camera is always a good idea, one never knows what could happen.
I have only had one, but never again.



Kay

 

[LongLensPhotography]

I'd also vote for 7d in this case, but don't forget 1.4x extender too.

I am not sure whether there is enough resolving power at 400mm in that lens to take a full advantage of 18MP, or just 8MP. I've not used one yet so ask around.

 

[HoppyUK]

I'd also vote for 7d in this case, but don't forget 1.4x extender too.

I am not sure whether there is enough resolving power at 400mm in that lens to take a full advantage of 18MP, or just 8MP. I've not used one yet so ask around.

That's a fair comment. You will surely see an improvement, but it might not be the leg-up you're after.

If the only thing missing from the 5D2 is reach then if you really want to see a difference, stick a 500L 4 on it.

It's a heck of a step, but if you want IQ, then that lens on a 5D2 even with a bit of cropping will blitz the other options (apart from a 600L of course! ).

Bearing all that in mind, I would hire a 500L and give it a bash. Don't be surprised if you end up getting one though. There is nothing quite like a big L prime to blow your socks off

A 300L 2.8 with a 2x extender is another option - more affordable, lighter - and though it's exceptionally good considering, well, it's a compromise. Hiring that side by side with the 500L and against your 100-400L would be very interesting.

There are a few folks on here who have crossed The Bridge of Big Primes. I'm sure they'll be along to help spend your money.