LPigott Loc: Monterey Peninsula, CA

Thinking of upgrading from the trusty and enriching 7D to a full-frame body. Could those of you who have made that move please share your experience and advice?

Thank you.

Laura72568 Loc: Anderson TX

I had the 7D and moved to the full frame 5DIII. I had all EF lenses at the time so I didn't have to sell/buy any lenses to get rid of EF-S lenses. I think the 5DIII is a great camera. I've had it for 3 years and never had a regret! I also didn't find a huge learning curve moving from the 7D to the 5DIII, which was nice.

LPigott Loc: Monterey Peninsula, CA

Thanks Laura. Helpful comments. What difference, if any, have you noticed in image quality?

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

It is evident to many of us who are concerned about your finances that you don't "need" to upgrade.

Laura72568 Loc: Anderson TX

I notice quite a bit better image quality on the 5DIII thanks to the 61 focus points (vs 19 on the 7D) and better noise reduction at higher ISO. It's a great camera...I doubt you'll have any regrets!

LPigott Loc: Monterey Peninsula, CA

Hah! So true. I'm trying to convert "want" to "need," which is why I posed the question ...

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

LP - based on your lenses, going FF will generate a need for more lenses unless you're prepared to live with just your 70-200. Of course, you can sell your EF-S lenses along with the 7D. If you're (very) lucky, you'll get around $800 combined. I looked through your image posts. A mixed bag, with the good stuff being really good.

I made the 7D to 5DIII move. It's a great camera that I'd recommend to anyone with the caveat that if you don't have the glass for it, you're wasting your money. Or even more likely, you're going to be buying some / a lot more lenses until you're going to be happy.

I was serious: you're doing good work with your current gear. The 5DIII is going to let you shoot to ISO 6400 when you have to and the noise in these images cleans up easily. Although the 7D is advanced in AF, the 5DIII is even more so.

As I said in another post, UHHers will gladly spend your money like sailors on leave ... You keep asking for advice on a decision you seem to have already made. If you're still looking for the "right" move, get some FF lenses before a FF camera. The 17-40L would be a good choice for the 7D and your current lenses replacing one or both the EFS mounts. A used one (EX rated) from KEH is relative steal in terms of quality vs cost.

Added - also consider the EF-S 10-22. Having had both the 17-40L and the 10-22 at the same time with the 7D, I can tell you image to image, you cannot tell the difference between the lenses on the camera except where the focal lengths do not overlap. If you move back to your earlier question of new lens ideas, consider either of these.

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

You only live once, and life is short. Nothing wrong with "want". Go for it.

LPigott Loc: Monterey Peninsula, CA

Thank you for all your research, CHG. My husband needs an 18 -135. Rather than buy a duplicate of mine, he offered to "adopt" mine and buy me a FF camera. The only problem with that offer is it appears there is no substitute for the 18 - 135 for a FF body. I'm afraid I'd miss that range and performance.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

I suggest keeping it in the Canon Family, but you might look at a Nikon D7100 and their 18-140 DX. The price on the D7100 has been falling like a rock with the D7200 out that really has not differences than a larger buffer. All of Nikon's 18-to-xxx DX lenses are equally sharp with the 18-140 being one of the best at the wider apertures.

LPigott Loc: Monterey Peninsula, CA

Yes, Nikon is fine. Some of my professional friends are Nikon. I once used Nikon equipment myself. For better or for worse, I'm a Canon believer and plan to stay that way. But I appreciate your insight.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

If you've handled some Nikon equipment, then you've probably noticed they're "backwards". There's also more work to their menus. But, kit to kit, at the DX level as in Rebel, xxD, 7D, I've found the Nikon models to be cheaper as well as more plastic, but as good as or better depending on the comparison.

OK, all that said, if you want to breathe some new life into your gear, get another lens. I've suggested a few over multiple threads. Given the zooms you have, a prime is the idea that will force you to use your camera in new ways.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Focus points have nothing to do with image quality.

ImageCreator Loc: Northern California

I recently compared some of my 7D images to my upgraded 5D3. The quality jump is noticeable. I strongly suggest going for it. Canon has a wider selection of lenses. Its like a surgeon with a scalpel. Many companies sell scalpels and they all cut. Its how you use it that makes a difference. If you want my private thoughts on Canon lenses you can PM me.

Bottom line: you won't regret the upgrade. You'll never use the 7D much if you do.

Yooper 2 Loc: Ironwood, MI

I upgraded my Rebel t3i to a refurbished 5D Mark III before I was really ready for it. After several months of the learning curve I just love it. I had done my homework on ef vs. efs lenses so I already had the proper lenses for it. My Rebel is mounted on a telescope so it continues do it's work well. I expect to use my 5D until I wear it out. I didn't need it but I wanted it because it had a great price during Cyber Week last year. I haven't regretted my decision for a moment.