Reading mode: Light Dark

$3300 to spend what should I get

Go to last post
R

rarecoinman

Well-known member
Messages
208
Reaction score
112
Location
Boston, US
So I am unfortunately disappointed with the Olympus OMD EM5 MkII, and 12-40 f2.8 pro, IQ of night photography was severely diminished to the point that, looking at my pictures, I couldn't tell the difference between my iPhone 6 and Oly pics at night. I generally like to shoot at night.

So I am selling the Oly kit, and getting $200 less than what I bought it for, not bad.

So my question is what should I get,

D750, with 24-120 f4 kit $2999 plus a Nikon 50mm f1.4 (I don't want a D810 or D610)

or

6D, with 24-105 f4 L $1999, plus 35mm F2 Canon $549, and LX100 $799 for travel photography

or

5D mike with 24-105 L $3099, and 50mm 1.8

I want to be a part time event photographer, but I am right now a product/macro worker for my business and do a lot of Disney photography.

'what we do in life, echoes an eternity'
 
If you want to photograph at night you will need a lens with an aperture of f/2.8 or faster (lower numbers). Choose an alternative you mention which includes a fast lens. If nighttime photography is a major interest, you will need to add faster lenses, for example a 16-35mm f2.8 or 24-70 f2.8 Canon or equivalent from Nikon. Read the DPReview reviews of the cameras to see which seems best, then go to a camera store and handle them (and hopefully buy it there. I hesitate to recommend showrooming) because today's cameras are all so good, it really boils down to what feels best in your hands.
 
Last edited:
I agree. I think you're looking at the wrong lenses. Your camera options are good though. At higher ISO's, Canon holds it's own for sure - especially the 6D (which leaves the most room for lenses in the budget). At lower ISO's (100, 200, 400), Canon is noisier. It's a fact of life. It sucks. Whatever. If you're going to be shooting at night on a tripod with longer exposures to achieve a lower ISO, this matters. If you're going to be shooting at night at higher ISO's, it doesn't matter one bit.

So, if you're going to shoot primarily with low ISO's at night, Nikon D750. If you're going to be shooting at ISO 800 and up, either Nikon D750 or Canon 6D. Once you decide on that, let us know and we'll get into the nitty gritty of the lenses.

The above is simply my opinion...
 
I have the same camera you just sold and also have a Sony a7s. You may want to give the Sony a7mII a look or the a7s which some consider the king of low light cameras.

No longer than you had the OM-D E-M5 ll for a micro 4/3 camera and for what it is, seems like a decent camera. I have only had both of my cameras for a couple of months and the other the morning when the eclipse happened, I just happened to wake up and I grabbed them both and took some shots, sadly I probably would have had better results with a $200 point-and-shoot. The problem was not the two cameras but with the operator (me).
 
Jonathan Brady said:
I agree. I think you're looking at the wrong lenses. Your camera options are good though. At higher ISO's, Canon holds it's own for sure - especially the 6D (which leaves the most room for lenses in the budget). At lower ISO's (100, 200, 400), Canon is noisier. It's a fact of life. It sucks. Whatever. If you're going to be shooting at night on a tripod with longer exposures to achieve a lower ISO, this matters. If you're going to be shooting at night at higher ISO's, it doesn't matter one bit.

So, if you're going to shoot primarily with low ISO's at night, Nikon D750. If you're going to be shooting at ISO 800 and up, either Nikon D750 or Canon 6D. Once you decide on that, let us know and we'll get into the nitty gritty of the lenses.

The above is simply my opinion...
Click to expand...
 
I'd consider simply the 6d and 24-70mm f/2.8 II. One of the best standard zooms available, and a camera that has one of the best low light focusing capability. The lens will retain its value if you wish to try something different later.

Alternatively, you could get the 6d and a series of primes such as the 35mm f/2 IS.

Quokka
 
I never heard/read that canon isn't as good at lower ISOs. Is the opinion of alot of people?
 
Yes I heard many people complain about canon cameras not having as high a DR as other cameras. I didn't know it was because of extra noise. but I've seen tons of FF Canon pictures and they are amazing. if they weren't, they why do so many people use canon over nikon or anything else?
 
baneling said:
Yes I heard many people complain about canon cameras not having as high a DR as other cameras. I didn't know it was because of extra noise. but I've seen tons of FF Canon pictures and they are amazing. if they weren't, they why do so many people use canon over nikon or anything else?
Click to expand...
 
I am considering Canon 6D (or Nikon D750) and have a similar budget. Rather than spending more money on bodies, I am planning to spend on lenses. Between Canon 6D and Nikon D750, I am not sure how much will be the image quality difference. I understand that Nikon D750 has better focus system, better sensor, but not sure whether it is worth extra. Here is what I am considering

Canon 6D

Canon 24-70mm F4 IS or Canon 24-105mm F4 IS (I am interested in 24-70 as many people mentioned that it is better optically, but I have not decided yet)

Canon 70-200 F2.8 IS II - The best 70-200 F2.8 in this category

Sigma 50mm F1.4 (Old model)

The total cost is $4800 (if I choose 24-70mm F4 IS) otherwise it would be $4400

Nikon D750 + 24-120mm kit - $2600 (I have a deal from one of the store)

Nikon 70-200 F2.8 VR II - $2400

Sigma 50mm F1.4 (old model) - $400

Total cost is $5400

The difference is $1000 to $600. I am not sure with this set up, it is worth that much with Nikon system. My main concern is Canon 6D sensor and many people are rating it as very low compared to Nikon (especially on Dynamic Range).

-AkshajN
 
If the weight and lack of IS won't bother you and you're willing to spend $5400... do this instead...

6D for $1250 via CPW Street Price

24-70 f/2.8L II for $1730 via CPW Street Price

70-200 f/2.8L IS II for $1900 via CPW Street Price

That's a total of $4880. Compared to what you were willing to spend with Nikon, you're saving $520. You'd likely find that you didn't need the older Sigma 50 with the Canon 24-70 f/2.8L II. But if you do, you can still buy it and be ahead of the game financially.

Heck... if you skip the Sigma 50 and not having IS is going to bother you, you can STILL buy the 24-105 for $530, refurbished from Canon, and use it when you want IS (or lighter weight) instead of the faster speed and better optics of the 24-70 f/2.8L II.

Regarding everything else... I have a 6D. I DO WISH it had a better AF system. Mostly, I just want MORE AF points. The AF points it has are very good and I rarely find that the outer points don't do their job (but I rarely shoot in low light). But, I do shoot wide open, often, with lenses ranging from f/1.4-f/2 which makes focus/recompose challenging, or at a minimum, nerve racking as I worry I'm not going to nail focus. I also often end up leaving a fair amount of room so that I can crop for composition in post - which I'd rather not do as it negates some of the benefit of full frame. So, more AF points plus a larger spread would be nice.

As for DR. Yeah, I wish the 6D had it, but having used the 6D for about 6 months or so, I can't remember thinking that I needed it very often. (ever?)

AkshajN said:
I am considering Canon 6D (or Nikon D750) and have a similar budget. Rather than spending more money on bodies, I am planning to spend on lenses. Between Canon 6D and Nikon D750, I am not sure how much will be the image quality difference. I understand that Nikon D750 has better focus system, better sensor, but not sure whether it is worth extra. Here is what I am considering

Canon 6D

Canon 24-70mm F4 IS or Canon 24-105mm F4 IS (I am interested in 24-70 as many people mentioned that it is better optically, but I have not decided yet)

Canon 70-200 F2.8 IS II - The best 70-200 F2.8 in this category

Sigma 50mm F1.4 (Old model)

The total cost is $4800 (if I choose 24-70mm F4 IS) otherwise it would be $4400

Nikon D750 + 24-120mm kit - $2600 (I have a deal from one of the store)

Nikon 70-200 F2.8 VR II - $2400

Sigma 50mm F1.4 (old model) - $400

Total cost is $5400

The difference is $1000 to $600. I am not sure with this set up, it is worth that much with Nikon system. My main concern is Canon 6D sensor and many people are rating it as very low compared to Nikon (especially on Dynamic Range).

-AkshajN
Click to expand...
 
AkshajN said:
I am considering Canon 6D (or Nikon D750) and have a similar budget. Rather than spending more money on bodies, I am planning to spend on lenses. Between Canon 6D and Nikon D750, I am not sure how much will be the image quality difference. I understand that Nikon D750 has better focus system, better sensor, but not sure whether it is worth extra. Here is what I am considering

Canon 6D

Canon 24-70mm F4 IS or Canon 24-105mm F4 IS (I am interested in 24-70 as many people mentioned that it is better optically, but I have not decided yet)

Canon 70-200 F2.8 IS II - The best 70-200 F2.8 in this category

Sigma 50mm F1.4 (Old model)

The total cost is $4800 (if I choose 24-70mm F4 IS) otherwise it would be $4400

Nikon D750 + 24-120mm kit - $2600 (I have a deal from one of the store)

Nikon 70-200 F2.8 VR II - $2400

Sigma 50mm F1.4 (old model) - $400

Total cost is $5400

The difference is $1000 to $600. I am not sure with this set up, it is worth that much with Nikon system. My main concern is Canon 6D sensor and many people are rating it as very low compared to Nikon (especially on Dynamic Range).

-AkshajN
Click to expand...
Nikon is dropping prices soon on d750 and lenses. I would wait. The body only is supposed to be $1996.

It is a tough choice and both are great cameras. I really love the Canon lens lineup, but after using a D750 the other day I was very impressed with the feel, comfort and the amazing sensor. I just wish they had a lens lineup like Canon.

Focusing system is much better on D750, but the 6d is pretty darn good and always nails the shot on center point. The tracking ability on the D750 is impressive though.

Take some time to play with them both and decide on your must have lenses for the shooting style you do. Your lens are forever as bodies come and go.
 
Jonathan Brady said:
If the weight and lack of IS won't bother you and you're willing to spend $5400... do this instead...

6D for $1250 via CPW Street Price

24-70 f/2.8L II for $1730 via CPW Street Price

70-200 f/2.8L IS II for $1900 via CPW Street Price

That's a total of $4880. Compared to what you were willing to spend with Nikon, you're saving $520. You'd likely find that you didn't need the older Sigma 50 with the Canon 24-70 f/2.8L II. But if you do, you can still buy it and be ahead of the game financially.

Heck... if you skip the Sigma 50 and not having IS is going to bother you, you can STILL buy the 24-105 for $530, refurbished from Canon, and use it when you want IS (or lighter weight) instead of the faster speed and better optics of the 24-70 f/2.8L II.

Regarding everything else... I have a 6D. I DO WISH it had a better AF system. Mostly, I just want MORE AF points. The AF points it has are very good and I rarely find that the outer points don't do their job (but I rarely shoot in low light). But, I do shoot wide open, often, with lenses ranging from f/1.4-f/2 which makes focus/recompose challenging, or at a minimum, nerve racking as I worry I'm not going to nail focus. I also often end up leaving a fair amount of room so that I can crop for composition in post - which I'd rather not do as it negates some of the benefit of full frame. So, more AF points plus a larger spread would be nice.

As for DR. Yeah, I wish the 6D had it, but having used the 6D for about 6 months or so, I can't remember thinking that I needed it very often. (ever?)
Click to expand...
Thanks. This is helpful. I may not be shooting any sporting events and hence more AF points is not a primary requirement (yes, I would like to have more - if it is there).

-AkshajN
 
RyanBoston said:
Nikon is dropping prices soon on d750 and lenses. I would wait. The body only is supposed to be $1996.

It is a tough choice and both are great cameras. I really love the Canon lens lineup, but after using a D750 the other day I was very impressed with the feel, comfort and the amazing sensor. I just wish they had a lens lineup like Canon.

Focusing system is much better on D750, but the 6d is pretty darn good and always nails the shot on center point. The tracking ability on the D750 is impressive though.

Take some time to play with them both and decide on your must have lenses for the shooting style you do. Your lens are forever as bodies come and go.
Click to expand...
Yes, I heard that Nikon is dropping prices. The D750 kit will be ~$2700 (that is what someone told me). I do not know any other lens prices are going down. If yes, it is very tough choice for me because the Canon lenses that I am looking for are at good prices and they are one of the best in the league (24-70mm F2.8 II and 70-200 F2.8 IS II).

-AkshajN
 
AkshajN said:
Thanks. This is helpful. I may not be shooting any sporting events and hence more AF points is not a primary requirement (yes, I would like to have more - if it is there).

-AkshajN
Click to expand...
You're welcome.

Yeah, if you don't need a robust AF system, the 6D is just fine. In fact, it's better (IMO) than the 5D Mark II and I can't even imagine how many of those were sold and put to good use to capture great moments!

Also... if you're relatively new to the idea of Canon (no idea, you don't have a gear list) then know that Canon Price Watch (CPW) is a legitimate website. If you decide that you want to buy that equipment, fill out the form and they'll put you in touch with one of the major camera retailers in the US. Essentially, these retailers aren't allowed to advertise their best deals because they've agreed to Canon's "MAP" (Minimum ADVERTISED Price). So, they get around that by letting CPW know what they're willing to sell at and CPW finds the buyers for them so no actual advertising takes place, thus the MAP agreement remains intact. It's a RIDICULOUSLY fantastic way to save money. I've purchased a couple of lenses through this service and I ended up buying from retailers I would have purchased from (and have in the past) anyway (the big, well known stores).
 
Jonathan Brady said:
AkshajN said:
Thanks. This is helpful. I may not be shooting any sporting events and hence more AF points is not a primary requirement (yes, I would like to have more - if it is there).

-AkshajN
Click to expand...
You're welcome.

Yeah, if you don't need a robust AF system, the 6D is just fine. In fact, it's better (IMO) than the 5D Mark II and I can't even imagine how many of those were sold and put to good use to capture great moments!

Also... if you're relatively new to the idea of Canon (no idea, you don't have a gear list) then know that Canon Price Watch (CPW) is a legitimate website. If you decide that you want to buy that equipment, fill out the form and they'll put you in touch with one of the major camera retailers in the US. Essentially, these retailers aren't allowed to advertise their best deals because they've agreed to Canon's "MAP" (Minimum ADVERTISED Price). So, they get around that by letting CPW know what they're willing to sell at and CPW finds the buyers for them so no actual advertising takes place, thus the MAP agreement remains intact. It's a RIDICULOUSLY fantastic way to save money. I've purchased a couple of lenses through this service and I ended up buying from retailers I would have purchased from (and have in the past) anyway (the big, well known stores).
Click to expand...
 
If f/2.8 is not very important, I would get 5D3+24-105 for $2700, then $800 for another lens, maybe a used 70-200/4, or a 50/1.4 plus a 600. I am in US and the 5D3 price was that low from ebay.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Keyboard shortcuts

f
Forum
m
My threads
Mobile site
About
Editorial content
Cameras & Lenses
Community
All content, design, and layout are Copyright © 1998–2025 Digital Photography Review All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or part in any form or medium without specific written permission is prohibited.
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
©GPS Media - Guides, Products, Services.
Back
Top