Shopping for Second Body and more stuff

[The Stigenator]

I need a second body and I have an eventual need for additional lenses, flashes, umbrella's etc.

But first off I need a new body.

Currently I have an EOS 40D, I was thinking either 5D mkII (used if I can find it) or a T2i or maybe even the 7D.
I guess if I were to do this I'd go 5D, but I may not even need it.

I currently do portraits, concert photography (low light) and night photography. Getting into weddings.

My current kit is: EOS 40D, EF 28-135 IS, EF 50 f1.4, EFS 18-55IS, Tamron 28-75 f2.8, EX430II

I'd like to get another body and maybe another cheap fast lens, I am very happy with the Tamron.

Help!

 

[jpeyton]

Budget?

T2i/7D have great low-light capability; 5D2 if you have the cheese. I've seen used 5D2s for $2100. Not a lot of used 7D or T2i on the market, so you would have to buy those new, but even new can be 40-60% cheaper than a used 5D2. That's a lot of money to put towards glass, and right now you have a huge 70-200mm hole to fill.

 

[The Stigenator]

lol i am well aware of my 70-200 mm hole, i got rid of my EF 70-300IS to pay for the tamron and EF 50 f1.4

I am kinda siding on the side of the T2i (looking at the image quality) over the 7D my only concern is that will I regret the form factor. I'd be carrying both bodies and switching back and forth. It would be nice if they use the same type of battery / charger combo but its not a requirement.

budget $1600 (i think 5D is out)

 

[adairusmc]

lol i am well aware of my 70-200 mm hole, i got rid of my EF 70-300IS to pay for the tamron and EF 50 f1.4

I am kinda siding on the side of the T2i (looking at the image quality) over the 7D my only concern is that will I regret the form factor. I'd be carrying both bodies and switching back and forth. It would be nice if they use the same type of battery / charger combo but its not a requirement.

I just went from a 50D to a 7d, and one thing about the battery - the 7d uses the same battery as the 5dmk2, and not the same as the 40D/50D (BP511A vs LP-E6 battery). Looks like whichever one you get is going to take a different battery and charger than your 40D (I think the t2i uses the LP-E8 battery).

 

[The Stigenator]

I just went from a 50D to a 7d, and one thing about the battery - the 7d uses the same battery as the 5dmk2, and not the same as the 40D/50D (BP511A vs LP-E6 battery). Looks like whichever one you get is going to take a different battery and charger than your 40D (I think the t2i uses the LP-E8 battery).

How do you like your 7D? I am thinking in terms of cost / performance, the T2i works the best I can get a another new lens which is more useful than anything else.. but I am looking at options.

 

[jpeyton]

If you're doing portraits, concerts and weddings, get the T2i and find a used 70-200mm f/2.8. I don't know many portrait/concert/wedding photographers who *don't* have one. It's your go-to money-maker lens. The non-IS version runs around $900; $1300 for the IS.

 

[adairusmc]

How do you like your 7D? I am thinking in terms of cost / performance, the T2i works the best I can get a another new lens which is more useful than anything else.. but I am looking at options.

I am really liking the 7d, though in your case maybe the t2i would be the better choice. The build quality of the 7d is going to be like your 40D, but other than that and a few other features, the t2i has it almost matched.

Probably my favorite feature over my 50D so far that I cant figure out how I managed without before, is the digital level both in the view finder and in live view. I have it programmed to the custom function button by the shutter I use it so much when shooting handheld.

I have not had a whole lot of time to get to know it well though, I have only had it for a couple of weeks. So far I like everything about it.

 

[angry hampster]

Why not get a cheap 2nd body (30D or another 40D) and some better glass?

 

[randomlinh]

Why not get a cheap 2nd body (30D or another 40D) and some better glass?

this. and then you can share batteries, too. 135 isn't too bad on crop though. I have a 50-135 in lieu of a 70-200 and love it. Though, the Sigma 70-200 OS is tempting if the price is right. but if anything, I'd only get it if I were planning on going FF soon. Even then, I kinda want a 135L instead =)

All depends on your shooting style tho.. but I'd say grab a used 30D/40D. Buy glass. call it a day.

 

[angry hampster]

FWIW I shoot weddings and concerts as well. Primary body is a 5D classic and 30D is the backup. Glass is Canon 24-70, Canon 85 f/1.8, Tamron 17-35.

 

[angry hampster]

Also if you plan on seriously shooting anything, you will need a flash.