Pro Photo on a budget

[3bayjunkie]

Hello, this is my first post on here, just thought I would get that out of the way.

I am looking at buying a good camera and one lens. I am deploying soon to Iraq and want to take the opportunity to get some unique photos.
I have decided on a budget of around $2000.00 and have chosen a camera body and lens. I would like some input from you. let me know
if you agree or think there is a better option. I do not have these selections set in stone.

Thanks for the input!


[Camera Body] I chose this camera for the full frame sensor and high frame rate.
Price: $1000 (used, )
Canon 1D Mark II:
8.2 Megapixels
full frame CMOS sensor (19.1 x 28.7mm)
8.5 fps continuous (40 JPEG, 20 RAW)

[Lens] I chose this lens for an all around use and speed.
Price: $799 (new, B&H)
Filter size: 77mm
f-stop range: 2.8-22
minimum focus distance: 3.3' (1 m)

Let me know what you think.

 

[John Mc]

Are you a Service man? reason i ask is both this Kit is big. and if its to fit in your Kitbag itself,you might strugle to pack crucial kit. but saying that. most cameras are soo its swings and roundabouts really.

I'd maybe suggest looking at a 7D instead of the 1D mkii. Just because its not as Bulky.But it might cost you a tad more unless your getting it pre owned.
Still boasts a hefty 8fps but it does have a 18mp sensor.

The other bit of kit you'll need. a Massive Cf card.a couple of them atleast!

 

[redtippmann]

You might want something wider...

 

[Robin Usagani]

1D is not a full sensor! 1Ds is but thats outside your budget.

I suggest getting a used canon 70-200mm f/2.8 IS mk1 and a used 5D. That should put you around $2200. The downside is it is only 3+ frames per sec.

 

[Village Idiot]

1D is not a full sensor! 1Ds is but thats outside your budget.

I suggest getting a used canon 70-200mm f/2.8 IS mk1 and a used 5D. That should put you around $2200. The downside is it is only 3+ frames per sec.

I would not want a 5D in an environment where ruggedness is required. The 1D series is weather sealed and great for shooting photos or being used as a hammer.

 

[John Mc]

1D is not a full sensor! 1Ds is but thats outside your budget.

I suggest getting a used canon 70-200mm f/2.8 IS mk1 and a used 5D. That should put you around $2200. The downside is it is only 3+ frames per sec.

I would not want a 5D in an environment where ruggedness is required. The 1D series is weather sealed and great for shooting photos or being used as a hammer.

I agree in a sence,but if he's Being deployed,you might not allways have space in your pack for a camera and lens that big.

Unless ofcourse,he's logistics in which case,it'll be on the seat next to him

 

[Robin Usagani]

just wanted to correct the op because he said 1D was full.

 

[3bayjunkie]

just wanted to correct the op because he said 1D was full.

my bad. You are right about the crop factor, it is 1.3x I was confused with the 1Ds. That is interesting since I want a full frame camera that shoots 8fps or more. I don't see one that is made by Canon. The Nikon D700 shoots 5fps and up to 8fps w/battery grip it seems.

I wont be going outside the wire very often I am a helicopter engine repairer/maintainer so i am not worried about having a kit bag.

Maybe you are right the Canon 7D would be a good compromise since it is higher Megapixel and still within the parameters i require.

OK OK here we go take two!

Camera Body: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/646908-REG/Canon_3814B004_EOS_7D_SLR_Digital.html Canon 7D

Lens http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/543923-USA/Canon_2044B002AA_EF_S_55_250mm_f_4_5_6_IS.html Canon 55-250 F4-5.6

 

[Rob1n]

You definetly want a canon 1ds or 1d if you can live with small sensor, which is not as big an issue as some would have you believe. the lesser cameras in the range will not cope with the heat or the dust, what ever people say. the truth is the early mk2 shot in raw is a brilliant camera have both 1d and 1ds, would go for older 1ds given the choice. Your lenses will take the most punishment so don't spend too much. Lense hoods are the secret in those conditions, light is refracted off the dust in the air. Good luck

 

[gsgary]

just wanted to correct the op because he said 1D was full.

my bad. You are right about the crop factor, it is 1.3x I was confused with the 1Ds. That is interesting since I want a full frame camera that shoots 8fps or more. I don't see one that is made by Canon. The Nikon D700 shoots 5fps and up to 8fps w/battery grip it seems.

I wont be going outside the wire very often I am a helicopter engine repairer/maintainer so i am not worried about having a kit bag.

Maybe you are right the Canon 7D would be a good compromise since it is higher Megapixel and still within the parameters i require.

OK OK here we go take two!

Camera Body: Canon EOS 7D SLR Digital Camera (Body Only) 3814B004 B&H Photo Canon 7D

Lens Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Autofocus Lens 2044B002 B&H Photo Canon 55-250 F4-5.6

Why do you want a full frame that shoots 8fps you will probably only use 1 of them or you may miss the one you want, i never shoot 8fps with mine , i have a 5D and 2 1Dmk2's and a 1Dmk1, 1 mk2 has been to hell and back still going strong

1Dmk2 and 24-70F2.8L

 

[GeneralBenson]

I would take a good look at the newer Pentax stuff. Their whole kick for the last few years has been, compact, tough, sealed, durable and lightweight. I'm an adventure photographer, and I regularly put my gear through all kinds of reckless abuse. From being slammed into the side of a cliff repeatedly, shooting in very sandy environments like the Joshua Tree or Moab deserts, shooting in brutal arctic conditions on mount washington, being clamped to the front bumper of a truck for a timelapse, being left on the roof of a car, and flying off into the road (in a LowePro TopLoader bag)or being completely doused by a rogue wave while shooting some surfing. I've been using Pentax stuff in all these environments, and it has just kept on ticking. The K-7 and new K-5 bodies are what I primarily use now. This body is fully magnesium alloy with a SS chassis, and is smaller, lighter and better sealed than the 5D, 7D, 50D, D700, D300, or D7000.

The K-5 is a great new camera. 16mp, 7fps, iso80-51,200 (and amazingly clean up to 12,800), and a 14.1 stop dynamic range, which is the most of any camera ever tested by DXO Mark.

Pentax also offer a lineup of really well sealed lenses, from the pro grade DA* series, to the WR series of weather sealed kit lenses, which no other brand has. Which means you can have a fully sealed kit without having to have big expensive pro glass if you don't want it. And even their DA* lenses are much smaller than the Canon/Nikon pro options, since they are maximized for APS-c, rather than for FF.

I'm not a salesperson, but I'm just fully convinced that the Pentax lineup is the best for people that need a small, tough, sealed system for harsh, adventurous conditions. Going with a kit like this would be much, much smaller and lighter than a 1DmkII and 70-200, while offering much newer technology like far better ISO, much wider DR and HD movie capabilities. Also, the Sigma lens isn't sealed, and your weather sealing is only as good as it's weakest link.

 

[John Mc]

Spend the extra cash and get this Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM Lens 2578A002 B&H Photo Video

It's going to be Bright as hell(and as hot as too) I never use Is on any lens On bright Day's,one of the reasons i'd go for the 70-200 f4 non Is.I dont think you'd need the f2.8 version,or because of the light you'll get,the Is as you'll be shooting Fast shutter speed's.on a plus side,it's weather sealed!

you could go for the Original idea but with this lens instead of the Sigma. But the 7D is an impresive camera. the only downside is if you want something wide angle.as the 7D is a croped sensor. if you want something a little wide (not that wide on a crop) i'd get a 28mm/2.8, It's quiet cheap,but you might find it useful Thats my input,hope ive helped you,in some way

Edit: Oh and Maybe get some armour or something for the Body might be useful if it's sitting around an Air hanger with you

 

[3bayjunkie]

I would take a good look at the newer Pentax stuff. Their whole kick for the last few years has been, compact, tough, sealed, durable and lightweight. I'm an adventure photographer, and I regularly put my gear through all kinds of reckless abuse. From being slammed into the side of a cliff repeatedly, shooting in very sandy environments like the Joshua Tree or Moab deserts, shooting in brutal arctic conditions on mount washington, being clamped to the front bumper of a truck for a timelapse, being left on the roof of a car, and flying off into the road (in a LowePro TopLoader bag)or being completely doused by a rogue wave while shooting some surfing. I've been using Pentax stuff in all these environments, and it has just kept on ticking. The K-7 and new K-5 bodies are what I primarily use now. This body is fully magnesium alloy with a SS chassis, and is smaller, lighter and better sealed than the 5D, 7D, 50D, D700, D300, or D7000.

The K-5 is a great new camera. 16mp, 7fps, iso80-51,200 (and amazingly clean up to 12,800), and a 14.1 stop dynamic range, which is the most of any camera ever tested by DXO Mark.

Pentax also offer a lineup of really well sealed lenses, from the pro grade DA* series, to the WR series of weather sealed kit lenses, which no other brand has. Which means you can have a fully sealed kit without having to have big expensive pro glass if you don't want it. And even their DA* lenses are much smaller than the Canon/Nikon pro options, since they are maximized for APS-c, rather than for FF.

I'm not a salesperson, but I'm just fully convinced that the Pentax lineup is the best for people that need a small, tough, sealed system for harsh, adventurous conditions. Going with a kit like this would be much, much smaller and lighter than a 1DmkII and 70-200, while offering much newer technology like far better ISO, much wider DR and HD movie capabilities. Also, the Sigma lens isn't sealed, and your weather sealing is only as good as it's weakest link.

Very interesting. I will definitely look at the Pantex line-up. I have always been a fan of Canon, however my last camera was a Nikon N80. I sold It because film is of no use to me anymore... =P

I think you have given me a lot of good input and I will update my thread hear once I look into the Pantex cameras and also possibly the 1D option with a different lens. the 7D is a nice camera, but now that I think of it. with a 1.6x crop, that is quite a bit! I want a full frame (i may be able to settle with the 1.3x of the 1D mkII) However I want to be able to use a ultra wide angle lense on the camera as well if i chose to. Full frame would be the best deal for me, but I want at least 5fps (6fps would be better) and a minimum of 8mp...

This is a tough choice for me because I REALLY want full frame, but don't want to sacrifice a lot of MP or continuous speed since I want to get some good action shots...

Spend the extra cash and get this Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM Lens 2578A002 B&H Photo Video

It's going to be Bright as hell(and as hot as too) I never use Is on any lens On bright Day's,one of the reasons i'd go for the 70-200 f4 non Is.I dont think you'd need the f2.8 version,or because of the light you'll get,the Is as you'll be shooting Fast shutter speed's.on a plus side,it's weather sealed!

you could go for the Original idea but with this lens instead of the Sigma. But the 7D is an impresive camera. the only downside is if you want something wide angle.as the 7D is a croped sensor. if you want something a little wide (not that wide on a crop) i'd get a 28mm/2.8, It's quiet cheap,but you might find it useful Thats my input,hope ive helped you,in some way

Edit: Oh and Maybe get some armour or something for the Body might be useful if it's sitting around an Air hanger with you

This is good advise as well. I almost chose the 4.0 70-200 canon lens but figured i would have a better range with the 7D using a 55-250 since it is going to be cropped so much. I am going to keep looking. Thanks for your input =)

 

[Robin Usagani]

You can go ultra wide on cropped sensor if you buy EF-S ultra wide like the 10-22mm

 

[3bayjunkie]

OK I looked at the Pentax and they are all 1.5x crop. other than that they are fine. Sony also has some nice full frame cameras although I don't think they would have as many options as far as periphrasis. Here is a nice sony camera for the price though Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body) DSLR-A900

Anyway for the moment I am sticking with my original choice of the Canon 1D MarkII because of the lower crop (1.3x) and it still has 8.5 fps and good quality for $1000.

and the lens i am going with is the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM Lens 2578A002 B&H Photo Video