m._scott_clay1

<p>I've had both lenses at the same time and owned the 40D and 5D at the same time. Sold the 24-70L (too heavy, didn't like the hood mount, needed the extra 35mm range and was too $$). Sold the 5d and purchased a 2nd 40D. Still have the 24-105L and have never had any problems with it. Not saying the 5D1 (or any full frame) isn't a great camera, it really was. I almost always shoot with two bodies, even when I'm just out having fun. Love having different lenses, but having the same bodies. All the controls on the 40D have become second nature to me and it's just easier for me to make adjustments not having to look. When I had different formats and bodies, I was always having to deal with which one I was shooting and where the adjustments were. I'm sure you will love the 5DMII, everyone I know that has one loves it. I have a few friends that have the same bodies and lens set up you are thinking about (with 24-105L)(7D & 5DMKII) and they are very happy with them.<br>

I all said that to say, are you sure you need full frame? I though I did until I owned and used both. I can't think of any shots I have missed just because I don't have a full frame body or any shots that would be substantially better with a full frame vs cropped. Don't worry about the stability of the 24-105L. I would love to have a 7D, but learned long ago, if what you have is doing what you need it to do, don't change.</p>

<p>Sorry, double posted.</p>

<p>40D and 50d seem to be where you are headed. I've owned both at the same time. Sold my 50D and bought another used 40D (needed two cameras at the time). There is nothing wrong with the 50D, I just like everything about the 40D and the images it puts out. I started with a Rebel XT then XTi, then XSi. Finally moved up to the 40D when they first came out and stayed with it. The feel and control of the the 40D/50D is much better than the Rebel series (for me). It's purely a matter of personal opinion and preference. There is no wrong answer between the two. It really has more to do with the photographer, than the hardware. Best of luck.....MSC</p>

<p>Nope, not nuts. You will love the Canon 17-55 2.8 IS. Go for it.</p>

<p>Had one for my 5d mk1 and loved it. Have one on my 40d now. I've never thought either was a waste of money.</p>

<p>Be careful of that lens with a pinch cap. I had an off brand pinch cap I tried to use and it rubbed against the front glass of my 24-105L. I wasn't able to use it.</p>

<p>Some Canon lenses front element sticks out a little further than others. The pinch cap does not have the same depth in the center as a normal Canon cap.</p>

<p>Just try it to make sure the glass clears the inside of the cap.</p>

<p>Hello,<br>

<br />I started out in the 70's with a Pentex, then moved to Minolta in the 80's. Loved my Minolta XG, but really liked my brother-in-law's Canon AE-1 better (just not enough to switch). Worked with Mymia medium format in the 80's as well. Took a decade sabbatical and waited for digital photography to come of age.<br>

<br />When digital came along, like Lee, I was afraid Minolta wasn't going to make it. When I decided to invest in digital, I knew it would be a good time to switch brands. My first thought was to go Nikon, but most of my photography friends had Canon gear and I had instant access to some really good lenses to borrow. In addition, 3 years ago (when I made the switch) Nikon still didn't have a full frame.</p>

<p>Have not regretted it at all. Don't think you will either.</p>

<p>I didn't see any low light difference between my 40d and 50d. I did get better low light performance with my 5d. You might also consider a noise plug-in for Photoshop or perhaps Noise Ninja. They will let you shoot at higher ISO's and take out the noise in post. I've used my 50 1.4 and 85 1.8 in low light with success (sorry, don't have anything to post at the moment).</p>

<p> I like the Kata 3n1 series. They are great backpacks, but work as sling bags as well. Very handy and holds a ton of gear (depending on the size).</p>

<p>I had an ST-E2 and loved the simplicity. It's small on the camera easy to use and fast to control the groups. However, it didn't work well outside so I sold it.<br>

Now that I have the new Pocket Wizard system, I'm thinking of buying another one. It will function the same on the PW's at long range outside as it does short range inside.<br>

Anyone used the ST-E2 with the PW Flex and Mini?<br>

M. Scott Clay</p>

<p>I had both. Kept the 40d, sold the 50d. I would have been just as happy keeping the 50d, but at the time, it was worth more money and sold first. I did like the better rear screen and the added focus in Live View on the 50d, but not sure it would be worth sending much more money. I didn't see much difference (if any) between the high ISO exposures, but normally use my 5d for that anyway.<br>

You really can't go wrong with either of them. If the 40d is less and will allow you to buy better glass, go for it. If they are close to the same price, go for the 50d.</p>

<p>You can always change your mind later, that's what Craigs List is for.......M. Scott Clay </p>

<p>In the past 3 years, I've owned and used the XT, XTi, XSi, 40D, 50D and 5D. I sold all of them except the 40D and 5D. The Rebel series was just too small for my hands and I didn't like the menu system. The 40D and 5D do most everything I need in an DSLR except video and I have a nice digital video camera for that.</p>

<p>If you have enjoyed your XT, you will love the 40d. It is an excellent body, well thought out and will last for years. Everything about it is feels better to me.</p>

<p>If you are going to buy a used 40D, look on Craig's List in your area and find an "upgrade nut" (like I used to be) who upgrades his DSLR every time a new model come out. They usually take good care of their equipment and have the original software and boxes. If not, buy from a reputable retailer like Adorama or B&H. Like Jim, I would be leery of eBay.</p>

<p>You didn't say why you were thinking of upgrading other than the 40D has features you like. In most cases, I would recommend upgrading your lenses instead of a body. You will usually see more difference in the quality of your images with better glass than a newer body. If you know how to use your XT correctly and already take good images, I doubt you will see a significant difference in the images just by getting a 40D.</p>

<p>Let us know what you decide.........M. Scott Clay</p>

<p>One thing I forgot to say. I have been know to change my mind from time to time.</p>

<p>I purchased a XSi from a local retailer, took it back the next week and upgraded to a 40d (man, am I glad I did). I'm not sure I could have done that with an on-line store. M. Scott Clay</p>

<p>I've purchased the majority of my "L's" from a local retailer. In most cases, they are a bit higher, but I like ability to be able to put the lens on my camera and try it out before I buy it. There are bad copies of all lenses (but it's not a prevalent as some believe) so putting it on my camera is a big plus for me. The local retailer I use is not a big chain, but they do a good volume, have a very knowledgeable staff, a really good selection of all types of lenses, bodies, flashes, peripherals and most of the professionals in the area go there. I'm also a bit impatient, but would not pay big bucks for speedy delivery. When I decide I want something and have researched it, I want it now!</p>

<p>I'm also not afraid to buy used lenses from Craig's List. Again, I can put the lens on my camera before I fork out major bucks.</p>

<p>I've also had very good experiences on-line. I purchased my 2nd DSLR (XTi) from Ebay (which turned out to be a New York store). About two minutes after I pushed the "buy it now" button, I realized I had chosen the package with a kit lens I didn't want. I called the retailer and explained what lens I wanted. They were happy to cancel the original order and send me that package I really wanted. It came two days later and everything was perfect. I saved quite a bit of money over what I could have purchased that package for locally.</p>

<p>That's my $.02 worth.......M. Scott Clay</p>

<p>Mark,</p>

<p>I wonder why that review didn't review the GF Light Sphere? I've used most of the Lumiquest products and the Light Sphere blows them away in most cases. I agree the GF Whale thing is a joke. I've never liked it.</p>

<p>M. Scott Clay</p>

<p>Congrats on the little one.</p>

<p>Do you have a camcorder? If not, the 7d makes even more sense.</p>

<p>I think 7d with the 17-55 IS 2.8. Using the 7d to trigger the off camera flashes you already own will help tremendously in the group shots. The 17-55 is a fantastic lens.</p>

<p>Another option would be to buy the new 7d, a used 5d mk1 and used 85 1.8 (I think you can do that for 3K). It will get you into FF with a great camera, but still give you all the bells and whistles (plus video) of the 7d. The 85 works well on both camera's. (Trade in or sell the 20d and 28-135). It's just a thought.</p>

<p>I personally use a 5d mk1 and 40d. I love the combination and being able to leave the lens best for each camera mounted.......... M. Scott Clay</p>

<p>Keep the T1i and get the Canon 17-55. It's the best lens made for that camera and will serve you well. It holds it's value better than any lens I've seen so you can sell it later when and if you decide to go full frame. If you don't have the $$ for that lens, you might try the new Tamron 17-50 VR, but I doubt it will hold it's value as well.</p>

<p>You won't be happy with a 5dMI because it just doesn't have the bells and whistles the T1i does. As the others have said, learn how to use what you have.</p>

<p>M. Scott Clay</p>

 

<p>Personally, I would stick with the 50D until I could afford the 5dmk2. 5dmk1's are great for landscapes, weddings and portraits, but the 50d ain't no slouch in any of those areas either.</p>

<p>Have you ever used a 5d? The view is much better in the 5d, but you might be a little disappointed in the mechanical performance. Your 50D is tight and fast when you press the shutter release. The 5d is, well I guess "clunky" describes it best. Don't get me wrong, I love my 5d, but when I'm out on a walkabout or shooting sports I'll take my 40d every time.</p>

<p>There is no doubt there are advantages to going FF, but you will miss your 50d. I started with an XT and have had XTi, XSi, 40d, 50d and 5d. I chose to keep the 40d because the 50d sold faster, for more money and I didn't need both. They were actually so close in features and quality to me that I put both on CL and decided to sell which ever sold 1st. I would have been just as happy to have kept the 50d.</p>

<p>Now for my answers to your questions:</p>

<p>1: I wouldn't worry about life expectancy of the 5d if it really only has 12,000 releases. They are built like tanks and can take it.<br>

2: I personally have not had any problems with the 5d focus system, but I normally use "L" fast lenses in low light situations which will make a difference.<br>

3: You will miss the bells and whistles of the 50d if you learn how to use them properly. I get frustrated with the menu system of the 5d after using my 40d for awhile.</p>

<p>One final thought. I really like having a FF camera for landscapes and large groups, but my 70-200L 2.8 IS stays on my 40D. I feel I get better long shots with my 40d cropped sensor than cropping the same image from my 5d.</p>

<p>Hope this helps.........M. Scott Clay</p>

<p>Mine stays on just fine. I have two for the 430 EX's and one for my 580 EXII. I love them for indoor situations with low enough ceilings. It dose not work as well with large church type cathedral ceilings or outside (even with the chrome dome). I almost always use them at receptions, party's, off site portraits and other gatherings.</p>

<p>If I use them for a wedding party in a church (with tall ceilings) I will use two 430's with the GF's (with chrome domes) and pocket wizards so I can get them spaced closer and proportionally for the light I need. I personally like them better than umbrellas and light boxes because of size and ease of use (portability) and light spread.</p>

<p>I have all types of flash mounted portable light diffusers (Lumiquest, light boxes and such) and the Gary Fong gives me the best "compact" light spread outside of using studio strobes.</p>

<p>Get one. M. Scott Clay</p>

<p>I like the Kata 3N1. It comes in 3 sizes and will turn from a full back pack to a sling pack with only a snap of a buckle.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.kata-bags.com/productFRM2HS.asp?p_Id=19772&Version=Photo">http://www.kata-bags.com/productFRM2HS.asp?p_Id=19772&Version=Photo</a></p>

<p>Check them out. This link is to the new 22" but there are several sizes.</p>

<p>The 500d may not feel right for you since you have been used to the 30d. The 5d viewfinder will be a nice enhancement from the 30d. The controls on the 5d will also be more familiar to you. They are a bid different on the 500d.</p>

<p>The 500d does have video, so it that's a plus for you, it may be the right choice. The 5d is a bit "clunky" in it's operation, but still my camera of choice.</p>

<p>It's really a matter of your personal preference in how they feel and operate. </p>

<p>I agree with Jeff. When I went from an XSI to 40d, it took a while to get used to the controls, but was well worth the time and effort. When I bought my 5d, it was second nature since the controls on the 40d were close to the same. It would be difficult for me to navigate an XSI now.</p>

<p>You might want to check out a user book written for the 5d that shows some of the short cuts. Once you get the hang of it, the controls should feel more natural than the XTi.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Must be common in 85 1.8 cause mine has it too. I bought it used with the dust bunnies already in it. I took a few shots before I handed over my hard earned cash and the dust did not effect the image at all. I even downloaded the images to my computer and blew them up. I'm not sure how that's possible, but it is what it is.<br>

M. Scott Clay</p>

 

<p>If you must have a hard case, I'd choose Pelican. I have a 1510 and it works for me on domestic flights (FAA max). Not sure about international. Go to <a href="http://www.pelican.com/cases_detail.php?Case=1510">http://www.pelican.com/cases_detail.php?Case=1510</a>. It's more than $100, but I got mine on Craig's List for under $100. Try there or Ebay.</p>

<p>A different choice would be the Kata 3in1-30. It's not a hard case, but is smaller than my 1510 and I would imagine it would pass international. It is a back pack / sling pack that will hold everything you mentioned and more. Go to <a href="http://www.kata-bags.com/productFRM2HS.asp?p_Id=433&Version=Photo">http://www.kata-bags.com/productFRM2HS.asp?p_Id=433&Version=Photo</a> and check it out. I sold my other bags when I purchased this. You can get the 3in1-20 for under $100 and the 3in1-30 for just over.</p>

<p>Have a great trip! M. Scott Clay</p>

 

<p>For the uses you have mentioned, the 5d would be the better choice. I use a 5d and 40d for weddings. If I could only use one, it would be the 5d. You will appreciate the view finder in the 5d.</p>

<p>I did have a 50d as well, but there wasn't enough difference between the 40d and 50d to keep them both and they are both excellent bodies. I put them both on CL and kept the one that didn't sell first. Besides I figured the 50d would start loosing its value fast, now that the 7d is out.<br>

As I said, the 40d and 50 are both excellent bodies, however, it you decide not to get the 5d, you might want to look into a used 40d and put the extra money toward a 17-40L or 16-34L. Just saying.</p>

<p> </p>