New Camera vs new lense: I have two cameras. Both are Canons; An EOS20 and a 60D. I want to purchase a newer and faster lens. But I am also interested in moving up to a full frame...

edstubbs Loc: East Coast; 1st state, Delaware

I have two cameras. Both are Canons; An EOS20 and a 60D. I want to purchase a newer and faster lens. But I am also interested in moving up to a full frame camera, i.e. Canon 6d, (only dreaming about the Canon EOS 5d Mark III)

I've read the posting here on new camera vs new len and the majority seem to agree on the lens and so do I. But what it you want to move up to a full frame camera? Is the newer len still a better move?

Thank you in advance for your replies. :thumbup:

RedAdmiral Loc: Humboldt County, California

What lenses do you currently have? Are they compatible with a full frame camera. Many that are designed with an APS-c format in mind may not perform optimally on a full frame. If you do opt for a new lens, pay attention to assure it will be compatible if you do get a larger format in the future.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Also ask yourself the question...do I really need full frame?
Are you an aspiring pro?
Do you regularly print larger than 18 x 24?
Do you shoot the majority of your photos in low light situations?

If you answer no to all of these, then save your money stick with a DSLR or Mirrorless ILC

amehta Loc: Boston

edstubbs wrote:

I have two cameras. Both are Canons; An EOS20 and a 60D. I want to purchase a newer and faster lens. But I am also interested in moving up to a full frame camera, i.e. Canon 6d, (only dreaming about the Canon EOS 5d Mark III)

I've read the posting here on new camera vs new len and the majority seem to agree on the lens and so do I. But what it you want to move up to a full frame camera? Is the newer len still a better move?

Thank you in advance for your replies. :thumbup:

I like not being part of the "majority". :-)

Lenses are important, but so is the camera. When you used film, there were three parts of the equation: camera, film, and lens. But with a digital camera, you have bought already bought all the film you will ever be able to use. It doesn't matter if Kodak comes out with a higher speed Kodacolor or Fuji makes Velvia 200. So I think the camera is now equally important, or perhaps even more important than the lens.

The camera is also the heart of the system. While some have quite a few bodies, most of us hacks have one or two, but we have more lenses. I think getting the 6D now to rebuild your system makes a lot of sense. Then, as you are able, add the lenses you want.

haroldross Loc: Walthill, Nebraska

amehta wrote:

Lenses are important, but so is the camera. When you used film, there were three parts of the equation: camera, film, and lens. But with a digital camera, you have bought already bought all the film you will ever be able to use. It doesn't matter if Kodak comes out with a higher speed Kodacolor or Fuji makes Velvia 200. So I think the camera is now equally important, or perhaps even more important than the lens.

I tend to agree here. If you want to go with a full frame camera and you can afford it, then get one. The 6D will last you quite a while and along the way you can accumulate the lens you want.

You will notice a tremendous difference between the 6D and the cameras you now have.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

edstubbs wrote:

I have two cameras. Both are Canons; An EOS20 and a 60D. I want to purchase a newer and faster lens. But I am also interested in moving up to a full frame camera, i.e. Canon 6d, (only dreaming about the Canon EOS 5d Mark III)

I've read the posting here on new camera vs new len and the majority seem to agree on the lens and so do I. But what it you want to move up to a full frame camera? Is the newer len still a better move?

Thank you in advance for your replies. :thumbup:

I upgraded from the 70D to the 6D in March and I haven't looked back once. The 70D is an excellent camera and it does do a few things better then the 6D but I can easily do without those things for my type of shooting. I wouldn't go back. Good glass is important but I don't think either one is that much more important then the other. You need good glass for good photos but you need a good camera to get the most out of your glass. For the most part each model camera gets updated every few years leading many people to say that glass is forever but bodies come and go. The fact is, the same thing happens with lenses, just not as quickly. Look at Canon's EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS. It has been around for quite awhile and has had a generally good reputation, but now people are starting to turn their noses up at it because there are better lenses to be had, often for less money. Nothing lasts forever. Whatever you decide to buy, buy the best you can afford. It's the cheapest way to go.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Your current lens set-up is needed to make the best suggestions, but if you want ideas on lens to investigate that should breathe fresh life into your current cameras as well as prepare for FF, consider the following:

wide angle - EF 17-40mm f/4L
general - EF 24-105mm f/4L IS (this is the L 'kit lens' with the 6D)
general - EF 70-200mm f/4L
prime - EF 50mm f/1.8 (a real bargain)
prime - EF 85mm f/1.8 (another bargain)

You should look for used models such as from KEH.com. All these lenses will shine on your current bodies as well as with the 6D when she arrives. You can also use Digital-Picture for balanced reviews and comparisons, just follow the links for Canon Lenses and Canon Zoom Lenses: http://www.the-digital-picture.com/

edstubbs Loc: East Coast; 1st state, Delaware

RedAdmiral wrote:

What lenses do you currently have? Are they compatible with a full frame camera. Many that are designed with an APS-c format in mind may not perform optimally on a full frame. If you do opt for a new lens, pay attention to assure it will be compatible if you do get a larger format in the future.

Very good point and no, I didn't think about the compatiblity part. Up till now, all my canon lenses were interchangable (EOS20 and the 60D). Thanks for the heads-up, so if I do, I will definitely see that they compatible.

Thank you Sir

:-) :-)

edstubbs Loc: East Coast; 1st state, Delaware

LFingar wrote:

I upgraded from the 70D to the 6D in March and I h... (show quote)

Thank you Sir for your input and point well taken. (buy the best you can afford. It's the cheapest way to go)

edstubbs Loc: East Coast; 1st state, Delaware

RedAdmiral wrote:

What lenses do you currently have? Are they compatible with a full frame camera. Many that are designed with an APS-c format in mind may not perform optimally on a full frame. If you do opt for a new lens, pay attention to assure it will be compatible if you do get a larger format in the future.

I currently have 4 Canon Lenses; 1 EFS, 3 EF and a Tokina wide angle Canon mount. Are they compatible with a full frame camera, I don't know. But if I buy a full frame camera, I will definitely keep your advice in mind. If they are not compatible...well no full frame for now. Thanks for you reply

amehta Loc: Boston

edstubbs wrote:

Very good point and no, I didn't think about the compatiblity part. Up till now, all my canon lenses were interchangable (EOS20 and the 60D). Thanks for the heads-up, so if I do, I will definitely see that they compatible.

Thank you Sir

:-) :-)

Your EF-S lenses are not compatible with the 6D. The EF lenses are. Basically, only the 50mm and 70-300mm will work.

edstubbs Loc: East Coast; 1st state, Delaware

Cdouthitt wrote:

Also ask yourself the question...do I really need full frame?
Are you an aspiring pro?
Do you regularly print larger than 18 x 24?
Do you shoot the majority of your photos in low light situations?

If you answer no to all of these, then save your money stick with a DSLR or Mirrorless ILC

Hey, I answered no to all but one question and that was question 1, Are you an aspiring pro? Well no, but does dreaming to be one count as a yes. I have so many great replies, including your, where I may just hold off on getting the 6d. Who knows, may in a few months or a year from now, I may revisit the 6d. For now, I will 'focus' my intention on purchasing a fast lens.

Thanks for your input

:D

edstubbs Loc: East Coast; 1st state, Delaware

amehta wrote:

I like not being part of the "majority".... (show quote)

Some very good points. I think I made the right choice in joining this forum. Thanks everyone who responded to my question. I have a better insight as to what I am going to do and why.

edstubbs Loc: East Coast; 1st state, Delaware

haroldross wrote:

I tend to agree here. If you want to go with a full frame camera and you can afford it, then get one. The 6D will last you quite a while and along the way you can accumulate the lens you want.

You will notice a tremendous difference between the 6D and the cameras you now have.

Thank you Mr. Ross

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Ed, welcome to the Hog!
Ed, sell both your bodies and any crop lenses you own for as much as you can get.
Buy a used(not refurb) canon 5dmkll. The 5ll is and will continue to be one of the most capable professional cameras ever made. It will take you to the next level for only about $1300 or less. Shoot it for a couple years then move up again.
What type of shooting do you do? I'm glad to help with a lens, when I see what you will use it for, and exactly what you have. Or post one of your typical shots. That will be worth a.....,well, you know!
Ed, again, welcome and good luck. ;-)
SS