whlsdn Loc: Colorado

I know, asking for opinions is different from asking for facts, but I've enjoyed the knowledge and perspectives shared on this board, so I'm hoping a few folks will pitch in with opinions. Well, other than, "Gee, that's not even a very smart question."

Background: I currently possess 2 crop sensor cameras:

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 with 3 lenses:
Lumix G X VARIO 1:2.8/35-100 POWER O.I.S.,
LUMIX G VARIO 1:4.0-5.6/100-300, and
kit G VARIO 1:3.5-5.6/ ASPH. MEGA O.I.S.12-32mm (.02m/0.66ft-infinity)
(all purchased new a few years ago from Mikes Camera in Boulder, CO).

Canon EOS 60D with 2 lenses:
Tamron SP AF ASPHERICAL XR Di LD (IF) 28-75mm 1:2.8 MACRO (camera and lens bought inexpensively used in separate transactions locally) and
(freshly received from KEH) a nice used Canon 55-250mm F/4-5.6 IS II.
Camera inspected, cleaned, & adjusted by Key Camera in Longmont, CO - rated "nice".

Interestingly, I've learned that the crop factor on the Canon appears to be an industry-odd 1.6, most other brands being 1.5, but the Lumix (like Olympus) is even more extreme at 2.0. I think I'd like one of my two cameras - not really being able to make a case to own three - to be a full-frame camera. While I have well over $2k invested in the Lumix kit, I have only a few hundred in my old Canon stuff, so my obvious choice for replacement is the 60D.

Here's the question: IS THIS A GOOD MOVE? I have a chance to buy a professional's back-up Canon 5D Mark II with low shutter count for $600, and I would try to sell my 60D.

I'm enjoying the 60D. Purchased a manual for it. The 2 lenses are fine for this learning stage, though I'd need to add a nice wide prime before long, I think. But the flexibility of a full-frame, some greater potential in image quality and in landscape scope ...these things tease me toward trying the 5D, even if it is an out-dated one (though hardly more so than a 60D, I guess).

If I'm going to make the move, maybe now is the time before I invest in more EF-S lenses. What I have, I imagine I can sell. The Tamron, I think, should work on the 5D. He has a 24-70mm f2.8 L USM available too, but I don't think I can afford the price of both camera and lens at once. (Is $650 good for a properly used specimen? It's much bigger and heavier than the Tamron. And it didn't totally kill the Tamron in a head-to-head by Bryan Carnathan https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Tamron-28-75mm-f-2.8-XR-Di-Lens-Review.aspx)

Sorry. Looong question. Any kindly opinion is welcome. A silent chuckle is OK too.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Although the Tamron lens will mount to the 5DII, it will vignette terribly. You won't be happy. The EFS lens will not even mount. So, you'll need new lenses (EF or 3rd party full-frame) to utilize this body. The 5DII is an excellent body, just not the newest technology. If you sell everything you have, any model of an EF 24-70L will be an excellent pairing. Given the lenses you have already, you'll likely want something covering 70-300, where good options are available, whether 70-200 or 70-300 and they don't have to be L-models or even Canon. The fact of the matter is the change will put you on a gear acquistion adventure ... which kind of seems like you've been doing already. Photography-wize, what you trying to accomplish, now and /or via the proposed change?

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Why would you say that? Its a full frame lens and has been a mainstay in the full frame market for over 15 years, primarily due to its F2.8 aperture.
All Tamron "Di" lenses are full frame lenses.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

What I googled said it was for a cropped sensor camera, but I must have gotten confused by a different model and the alphabet of letters ...

crazydaddio Loc: Toronto Ontario Canada

Go full frame. Life changing experience...lol.
Seriously, in general, crop factor applies not only to FOV but also subject isolation. (Tony Northrup has some interesting videos on this)

Low light performance (generally, and especially in older models) is significantly better in a full frame for equivalent pixels etc.
(Recent crop tech is pretty amazing but also $$$)

You will notice a big difference right out of the camera when you go full frame.

In terms of decisions,
Keep the Gx85++ (longer effective reach/higher Fps/good video etc) sell the 60D++.

For pure photography in full frame....
Pro's backup camera may be a good choice but look at old 6Ds, they may even be cheaper and have actually better IQ than the 5Dmkii. (Not as well built - pro will go with 5D for ruggedness). Buy the 50mm 1.8 (nifty fifty). It is probably the best value in all cameradom and you will notice the difference straight away.

Vietnam Vet

I use Canon 1d bodies exclusively. I have a full frame that I keep a 24-70 2.8 lens attached to, and 2 crop bodies, on one of them I keep a 70-200 2.8 attached, often with either the 1.4 or 2x extenders. It's a perfect combination to make full use of the wide angle and the telephoto lenses.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Here’s an alternate theory.

Having shot an original em1 side by side with a 5d mkii and mkiii for a couple of wedding shoots...I’d say that you’re better off with faster glass for your gx85. The 5d mkii is not that much better iq wise than the gx85...and if you use fast glass, then the differences are even less. 2009 is when the 5d2 was made...10 years ago. The 5d3 is a much better option. (Let the canon and ff fans burn me at the stake now).

If you want to take advantage of the good glass you already have for the Panasonic, step up to the g9 or em1ii and get high Rez mode (great for stills) with more megapixels for cropping. If wide angle is your concern, the 8-16 f2.8-4 or 7-14 f2.8 will fill in that hole.

whlsdn Loc: Colorado

Thanks, crazydaddio. None of that sounds crazy at all. Been kicking myself since I recently passed up one of those 50mms for $50! Purportedly in nice shape. Dumb!

whlsdn Loc: Colorado

Another thanks, Cdouthitt! That perspective on the Panasonic is worth a look too. As well as a look online at the G9, though I’m probably proceeding on a used-buyer-budget.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

whlsdn Loc: Colorado

MT Shooter, I’ll just say “Whew!”

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

LOL.
Its a very good lens and used by pros all over the world. A bit slow focusing compared to todays offerings but since you already have it try it on the 5D, you will be impressed.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

My recommendation:
Stop looking at cameras and lenses as "investments".
They are tools. Either a tool is useful to what you want to do, or it isn't. Buying camera equipment as investment is something collectors do, hoping the value will eventually go up.

whlsdn Loc: Colorado

LOL! I DID use the word "invested," didn't I! My bad. I do understand your meaning, I think.

No, I don't really expect my new photo equipment purchases to rise in value as one wants an investment to do. Nor the used items, though in experimental phases such as I'm in with the Canons (2 preceeded the 60D and I haven't lost $ transitioning from one to the next yet), I usually hope to buy at a price where I won't lose much if I "move on" sooner than later. That part is a gamble just like investing, I suppose.

Like all motorcycles I've owned, I enjoy cameras as tools AND as extensions of myself. So, a bit more than just inanimate objects. I remember almost all of my past bikes with fondness, but I'm not a collector.

Still, meaningful point, rook2c4. Thanks.

Photocraig

Kicking yourself very hard over $60 in FF lens world isn't that big of a deal. The 50mm 1.8 USM or STM are both available NEW for about $125, and gently used for $85-115.

This is a good discussion. The IQ across the Digital sensor spectrum from FF t0 even 1" for prints up to 16x20 seem to be universally good with the variables being the lens quality, decent light and good technique.

The slippery slope here is confusing your enthusiasm with a need for Pro Gear. Those Pro bodies and Lenses are rated and priced for two lifetimes of enthusiast use, and are optimized for delivering quality images with no excuses, like: "It was raining.!" OR "The sun went behind the clouds as soon as the model changes clothes." OR "Those cars move too fast for me to capture without visible noise." All delivered in the whiney voice of a former "professional" who is facing not getting paid for the shoot he blew and never getting another assignment from that client or Agency in the next TWO lifetimes.

Like the HS Dance: Dance with the one you brought with you and have a good time. There are many miles of technique training and improvement, subject and location selections and timing to travel before almost ALL of us NEED pro gear. Want it, sure! But needing it to deliver in ALL conditions EVERT time? Not me. I'm not weather sealed anymore and I can't carry what I want to now, with a lightened load. If I had a Pro EOS 5D4 and a 50mm lens, I'd probably be close to my max hiking comfort zone. I have other options, and I'm glad.

As my beloved High School teacher (same one who told us about the dance) once said to us, "Get over your bad selves!"