Is a 5d2 a good buy ?

[Crafty_]

Current kit is a 7d + EF lenses (bar the 10-22). All of which will be staying.

A colleague at work is on a USA trip at the moment and said he may buy a 5d3 whilst there and sell his 5d2 on.

7d was bought because I was going to racetracks a fair bit and it seemed the right tool for the job.
Don't get there so often now but do some landscape/startrail/general stuff fairly often.

Full frame could be good for that stuff and possibly/probably be less noise, better IQ etc.

Is it worth spending out for "old" technology that could be taking a nose dive in price soon ?
In other words do I hang on a bit and wait for 5d3 prices to drop a bit more?

Someone mentioned to me that the 5d4 is imminent (rumours say Q1 next year), which would obviously have an effect on prices, but having heard the 7d2 was imminent for the last 3 or so years I'm a bit sceptical of a 5d4 just yet? From a quick look around these rumours have seen around since 2013.

I guess alot will depend on price/condition, both of which I need to find out but for now I'm just trying to weigh up buy "old" tech vs buying current generation in a while or maybe nothing at all...

Thoughts ? Ultimately the 5d2 doesn't stop taking good photos just because its been replaced, at the same time increased ISO, better focus system etc on a 5d3 would be worth a small price difference in a few months (currently around 50% more than a 5d2).

[Janesy B]

As you say, it depends on price/condition but I am happily using a 5D classic at the moment! 5dIII has much better AF and faster burst rate along with dual card slots, so if those things are important it's worth spending the extra, if not, get the II.

Edited by Janesy B on Tuesday 16th September 20:27

[photosnob]

Janesy B said:

As you say, it depends on price/condition but I am happily using a 5D classic at the moment! 5dIII has much better AF and faster burst rate along with dual card slots, so if those things are important it's worth spending the extra, if not, get the II.

Edited by Janesy B on Tuesday 16th September 20:27

It does a few other things as well.

Work out what you want, then pick your budget. Then work out if you really need it. A 7d is a fine camera, know matter what the internet says. Unless you desperately need the 5dii don't get it, it is getting old and a 5div will be out soonish. 5diii will drop more then.

[HRL]

Your friend might want to hold off of the 5DMKIII purchase a little longer if he can. The 5DMKIV is due out in 5 months I believe.

If you can wait until then you should find the 5DMKIII used prices will drop considerably and you'll end up with a much better body for the same cash.

[JustinMinns]

I have a 7D and a 5Dmk2. I do mainly landscapes and love the 5D, as you say it doesn't stop being good just because there's something newer. I almost always use MF on a tripod so AF speed, focus point and all that aren't an issue. I kept the 7D as a spare and for when I need faster AF/FPS.

The 5D mk3 does the job of both in one body though

[Crafty_]

I was sort of thinking the same thing as you guys, I don't urgently need the 5d2 so I think I'll pass and look at 5d3 prices next year.

I'll have to wait until he's back to see if he picked one up or not.

[photosnob]

Crafty_ said:

I was sort of thinking the same thing as you guys, I don't urgently need the 5d2 so I think I'll pass and look at 5d3 prices next year.

I'll have to wait until he's back to see if he picked one up or not.

If be looking for the 7dii camera to come down... I don't need one but they look brilliant!

[RobDickinson]

I went from a 7d to a 5d2.

Factor in a cost for new wide lenses, the new 16-35f4L is very nice.

Its much better for landscapes and night stuff. Though I would go for a 6D if the price is close.

[dogbucket]

Remember the 5Dmk3 was pitched at a much higher price point on release compared to the 5Dmk2 (£1k more?). So it might take a long time for the price to drop to the same levels.