gofast Loc: Joliet, IL

I've been using Canon rebel T3i for about 10 years. I made the jump to the 5D mark 2. (yeah I know the 4 is the big gun, but not in my price range). Anyhow, I'm sure there is a lot to learn going from a regular camera to a pro level. I do come from the film days, but admittedly used automation all too often with the T3. Still, I could use some tips and tricks, as well as things I should know, now that I've moved up. I have a few AF lenses, plus some of my good glass from the FD days. I have an FD-EOS adapter, but have not tried it on the new camera. If you have experience with this, I'd appreciate advice in this area as well. While I know the basics, consider me a bit of a rookie. Thanks !

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

My first tip is that unless the FD glass is exceptional, sell the FD lenses and put the money toward EOS lenses. If the adapter has a lens, it will act like an extender/TC and the CA (chromatic abberation) will be awful, and if it doesn’t, then the lens won’t focus to infinity. Either way, it will not only be manual focus, but manual aperture as well without stop-down metering (the 5D has no way to move the mechanical aperture lever of the FD). That means you will have to open the lens up to focus, then manually stop down to the correct aperture before shooting - the result is missed shots and poor quality. If the FD lens is truly exceptional (such as an “L” or an f1.2), and you’re willing to go with manual focus and aperture, then skip the adapter and change the mount to an EOS (approx $100 per lens).

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

I've shot everything from sports to landscape and everything in between with a 5ll.
It's an excellent camera especially in good light. It's biggest set-back is the AF for fast action like sports. Of course it's not meant to be a sports camera, but will shoot it. Not enough focus pts. for action.
If you're shooting landscape or nature that's not moving to fast it's excellent.
It has the ability to Micro Adjust lenses so that's a big plus!
Just start using it and have fun. I shot dozens of award winning pics with mine, you can too!!! Have fun with it!
SS

Jakebrake Loc: Broomfield, Colorado

When I bought my 5D Mk II, I also bought David Busch's book for the camera. It was invaluable for me coming from a T2i. The book is out of print, however used copies are abundant. You will love that FF as I had taken many pictures with mine, and recently upgraded to the IV.

https://www.amazon.com/David-Buschs-Canon-Digital-Photography/dp/1435454332/ref=sr_1_sc_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1543899746&sr=8-2-spell&keywords=david+busch+canon+5dII

User ID

The adapted FD lenses you used on your Rebel
will be easier and more practical in use on your
new camera, cuz the format is now appropriate
for the original design of the FDs.

If you have crop sensor ... aka "EF-S" ... lenses
left over from the Rebel, don't depend on them
for use with your 5D Mk-II. It can be done, but
it's an awful idea.

Even if you prefer manual mode, you may find
that A-mode makes using manual-only lenses
somewhat more ergonomic. A-mode is more or
less just a fancy version of M-mode.

.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Some of the other posts have taken my comments, but I'll repeat:

1. Sell your FD lenses and by EF lenses, or keep for when you have a mirrorless body and a glass-less adapter. Don't bother with using them on the EOS body.

2. Download a PDF copy of the 5DII manual from the Canon site.

3. Download the latest copy of the DPP v4 software, again from Canon site. Shooting in RAW and processing the results, via DPP or other tools, will maximize the quality of the images from this body and to process it's older noise capabilities.

4. Download the latest version of the Canon EOS Utility and then download and install lens profiles for your EF lenses into both the Camera and your DPP software. Here's a link for the camera aspect steps: https://support-th.canon-asia.com/contents/TH/EN/8202118200.html

5. Although the 5DII is limited in AF points, if not doing so already, learn to move and use the individual AF points for off-center selective focus.

6. Assuming your 5DII will be your workhorse camera for the next few years, get yourself at least 3 x 32GB class-10 CF cards. Bodies are moving away from CF cards so you may find them a bit cheaper now than in the somewhat recent past. You also might find them a bit harder to find, particularly if you wait.

7. Assuming your 5DII will be your workhorse camera for the next few years, assure you have two new, genuine Canon LP-E6 batteries. These were Canon standard for a few generations of Canon models, but againm things are moving on. Purchase them now before they get harder to find, as well as get a back-up charger.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

👍👍 excellent advice.

gordone Loc: Red Deer AB Canada

In reference to item 7 on batteries. Get the LP-E6N. It is an updated version and will be around a long time. It is also used on the new EOS-R mirrorless

b roll wanabee

I have had a 5dmkii and t2i as a backup. Love them both.

I have not used magic lantern. Is this still a thing for the mkii?

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Magic Lantern is indeed available for the 5D2 and has a number of valuable features.

gofast Loc: Joliet, IL

Would some be kind enough to give me step by step instruction for uploading Magic Lantern for the 5Dii ? I've heard of it, and downloaded to my laptop for my T3i, tho I haven't loaded it yet. I'm afraid to screw up something in the camera and not be able to return to default if needed. Just don't want a brain dead camera, y'know? I'm fairly competent with computers but have zero experience in doing anything with the actual calera software. Thanks!

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Go to: https://builds.magiclantern.fm/5D2-212.html and follow the instruction (exactly) on the page.

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

Pay particular attention to the very first step where you check the firmware version on your camera before proceeding. For the 5d2, that would be version 2.1.2. Clicking on the link "Canon firmware 2.1.2" will produce a download zipped file with instructions. Even if your firmware version is higher/later than 2.1.2, it will still install using the procedure.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Good point, although I’m not sure it’s supported on a later rev than the one specified. I ended up backreving my 5D3 from 1.1.3 to 1.1.2 (or something similar) to match the ML release.