Leica Rangefinder to what?
Discussion
Hi, I have been on here for sometime now but have added very little in terms of input.
Some time ago, everyone was kind enough to provide advice with regards to purchasing a Leica rangefinder. The experience of using one was second to none, but time has pressed on and I am finding it more difficult to use as my eyesight is changing.
I love my hobby and was thinking what should I do. Well the Leica has been sold, along with the excellent lenses I had :-(
Well onward, I am now looking for a new toy. I used to have Canon, but I am starting afresh and as such, not locked into any particular brand but having a preference for either Canon or Nikon. I am also looking for new lenses.
Now I feel like I am a newbie again (not in knowledge) and looking for advice. I have read many articles on the forum and still can't come to a conclusion, hence the advice.
Previously my particular interests have been around portrait and street, but I am now wanting to extend this to wildlife and landscape / buildings.
So far I have looked at Canon 1DX; 5D3 and 7D2, and ended up confused. I would prefer full frame as that is what I am used to but I am open minded. The questions that keep coming up in my mind re FF and wildlife is will it work? I don't fancy the costs of 500mm L lenses but will an extender work?
Having never tried Nikon, I would like some help here.
I am currently in USA and finding a camera shop is like being a winner on the lottery plus work makes it a bit difficult [I don't stay in any one place for more than a few days]. So I would like to shrink my choice before I return home in December, if possible.
Oh, I will quite fancy a Leica Q for the up close stuff but depends on the final choice.
Thanks in advance
edited to add: I am not fussed about video, I need a camera first and foremost
Some time ago, everyone was kind enough to provide advice with regards to purchasing a Leica rangefinder. The experience of using one was second to none, but time has pressed on and I am finding it more difficult to use as my eyesight is changing.
I love my hobby and was thinking what should I do. Well the Leica has been sold, along with the excellent lenses I had :-(
Well onward, I am now looking for a new toy. I used to have Canon, but I am starting afresh and as such, not locked into any particular brand but having a preference for either Canon or Nikon. I am also looking for new lenses.
Now I feel like I am a newbie again (not in knowledge) and looking for advice. I have read many articles on the forum and still can't come to a conclusion, hence the advice.
Previously my particular interests have been around portrait and street, but I am now wanting to extend this to wildlife and landscape / buildings.
So far I have looked at Canon 1DX; 5D3 and 7D2, and ended up confused. I would prefer full frame as that is what I am used to but I am open minded. The questions that keep coming up in my mind re FF and wildlife is will it work? I don't fancy the costs of 500mm L lenses but will an extender work?
Having never tried Nikon, I would like some help here.
I am currently in USA and finding a camera shop is like being a winner on the lottery plus work makes it a bit difficult [I don't stay in any one place for more than a few days]. So I would like to shrink my choice before I return home in December, if possible.
Oh, I will quite fancy a Leica Q for the up close stuff but depends on the final choice.
Thanks in advance
edited to add: I am not fussed about video, I need a camera first and foremost
why not get a 5dsr.
The super autofocus of the 5d/1dx series, but 50mp and all the pixel density of the 7d2. No need to worry about the crop factor.
Only downside for wildlife is the huge files and the slightly slower operation (pic review etc).
Then get the 100-400mk2 or 200-400f4L with built in 1.4tc
The super autofocus of the 5d/1dx series, but 50mp and all the pixel density of the 7d2. No need to worry about the crop factor.
Only downside for wildlife is the huge files and the slightly slower operation (pic review etc).
Then get the 100-400mk2 or 200-400f4L with built in 1.4tc
I can recommend a few things, as I was after a new toy last Summer. Anyway, you can go one of 3 routes.
Route 1: If you have Canon lenses, you may want to try out their new DSLRs. Something like the 5Dsr.
Route 2: Jump ship to mirrorless. The Sony A7rII is an amazing camera that's compact and full frame. With an EVF, you can also magnify the picture for critical focus. It really is damn good.
Route 3: Try some old film cameras. The Nikon FM2 is fully mechanical (apart from the light meter) and has a split prism which makes manual focussing easy. However, if the viewfinder is too small, you may want to try out medium format film cameras. The waist level finder of these are huge and give a fantastically 3-D effect in which the World is left-right inverted. They're just a joy to use. I have a Bronica SQ-A, but Hasselblads are better in terms of lenses and durability. The Bronica is cheap, though, and if you're just dabbling, that's the one to go for.
Route 1: If you have Canon lenses, you may want to try out their new DSLRs. Something like the 5Dsr.
Route 2: Jump ship to mirrorless. The Sony A7rII is an amazing camera that's compact and full frame. With an EVF, you can also magnify the picture for critical focus. It really is damn good.
Route 3: Try some old film cameras. The Nikon FM2 is fully mechanical (apart from the light meter) and has a split prism which makes manual focussing easy. However, if the viewfinder is too small, you may want to try out medium format film cameras. The waist level finder of these are huge and give a fantastically 3-D effect in which the World is left-right inverted. They're just a joy to use. I have a Bronica SQ-A, but Hasselblads are better in terms of lenses and durability. The Bronica is cheap, though, and if you're just dabbling, that's the one to go for.
Just a couple more points;
For wildlife, any will do. The Tamron 150-600mm lens is very good and very reasonably priced.
Personally, I think if you're not tied into Canon with lenses, Nikon offers the better bodies, with the D810 being the best of the bunch.
However, Canon's 24mm tilt shift is the best lens of it's kind. You'll want this for buildings. Also, it will be good for that miniature effect on landscapes.
For wildlife, any will do. The Tamron 150-600mm lens is very good and very reasonably priced.
Personally, I think if you're not tied into Canon with lenses, Nikon offers the better bodies, with the D810 being the best of the bunch.
However, Canon's 24mm tilt shift is the best lens of it's kind. You'll want this for buildings. Also, it will be good for that miniature effect on landscapes.
Mirrorless including the a7r2 won't track birds etc very well and you will have to adapt other lenses like Canon as most don't have any quality long lenses.
The Sony evf viewfinder is good so long as there's a decent light level.
The Sony is also quite small and fiddly with limited battery life.
Nikon d810 is a great landscapes and all rounder but canons lenses are better , and I think so is the autofocus
Note I own a canon.. And a Sony. And probably would have gone Nikon for main landscape camera but I just not keen on their lens lineup, scneider and zeiss do offer some alternative but no autofocus
The Sony evf viewfinder is good so long as there's a decent light level.
The Sony is also quite small and fiddly with limited battery life.
Nikon d810 is a great landscapes and all rounder but canons lenses are better , and I think so is the autofocus
Note I own a canon.. And a Sony. And probably would have gone Nikon for main landscape camera but I just not keen on their lens lineup, scneider and zeiss do offer some alternative but no autofocus
Thanks
I used to have a M9; was happy with that and didn't feel the need to change to the M.
I never gave the 5DSR a thought because of the 5 fps; would this work with birds? Definitely like the idea of flicking between APC and FF. How is it with buffering vs 5d3, 1DX or 7D2
Lens, well prefer to stick to L lens. 200-400 is out of my budget; so far on my wish list is 28-300; 100; 100-400 or 400mm. Need to think of landscape and close up / macro, maybe some primes. By the way, this will be over time before I have a collection :-)
I used to have a M9; was happy with that and didn't feel the need to change to the M.
I never gave the 5DSR a thought because of the 5 fps; would this work with birds? Definitely like the idea of flicking between APC and FF. How is it with buffering vs 5d3, 1DX or 7D2
Lens, well prefer to stick to L lens. 200-400 is out of my budget; so far on my wish list is 28-300; 100; 100-400 or 400mm. Need to think of landscape and close up / macro, maybe some primes. By the way, this will be over time before I have a collection :-)
carinatauk said:
I never gave the 5DSR a thought because of the 5 fps; would this work with birds? Definitely like the idea of flicking between APC and FF. How is it with buffering vs 5d3, 1DX or 7D2
Lens, well prefer to stick to L lens. 200-400 is out of my budget; so far on my wish list is 28-300; 100; 100-400 or 400mm. Need to think of landscape and close up / macro, maybe some primes. By the way, this will be over time before I have a collection :-)
5dsr is slower/fewer frames to buffer. Not quite sure how much but it will be slower in that respect to the 5d3 and especially 7dmk2. What it means is you have to time your shots rather than machine gunning. Lens, well prefer to stick to L lens. 200-400 is out of my budget; so far on my wish list is 28-300; 100; 100-400 or 400mm. Need to think of landscape and close up / macro, maybe some primes. By the way, this will be over time before I have a collection :-)
Its an option though as it gets you your crop pixel density and ff image quality.
1Dx is the lowest pixel density so will need the biggest glass.
400mm is not enough on low pixel density for birds though unless you only shoot big targets and are an exceptional stalker. it does work on crop (640mm).
I also think all those cameras can AF at f8 so you can put a teleconvertor on a 400/4.6 and get more reach that way. This does hurt IQ and AF a little but most bird shooters are doing this ( usually with 600/4 etc).
The 28-300 is an old dog avoid. At this point you are better of with the 100-400mk2 than the 400/5.6L, unless weight is an issue. Optically the prime has a slight advantage but its not much ( I have the 400/5.6 prime).
The Sigma 150-600 is a decent option tho lots of people having good success with that
Thanks Rob
The 100-400mk11 sounds a good option with an extender or not, I will focus on the wildlife with this.
Others then will be 100mm; 35mm or zoom and macro; this should cover landscape etc.
The 5DSR is getting into 1DX price range so will need to think about that; I doubt there will ever be the ideal camera. The 1DX is bulky and heavy but gives the fps; not sure if it's replacement will be out anytime soon
The 100-400mk11 sounds a good option with an extender or not, I will focus on the wildlife with this.
Others then will be 100mm; 35mm or zoom and macro; this should cover landscape etc.
The 5DSR is getting into 1DX price range so will need to think about that; I doubt there will ever be the ideal camera. The 1DX is bulky and heavy but gives the fps; not sure if it's replacement will be out anytime soon
I expect a 1dx upgrade end of the year? Its about time, though suspect it will go to 24mp not sure what else and yeah 5dsr is nearer 1dx money that it should be.
If you are going to concentrate on wildlife its probably overkill.
Considered getting a used 7d and 100-400mk2 for now see how you get on?
If you are going to concentrate on wildlife its probably overkill.
Considered getting a used 7d and 100-400mk2 for now see how you get on?
100mm? Mainly portrait and some landscape; its not obligatory. What are your thoughts?
Choice would be Canon EF 100mm f2.8L Macro IS USM
New 1DX mark2 will be extortionate. Buy 2nd hand hmmm not sure; I really like the 5DSR the pics out of the camera are superb, cropping is ace. Damn you for bringing in more complexity ;-)
I know the slower 5DSR does not float the boat of the BIF guys but in FF you at least have a wider FOV to play with. What ever happened to the folks and the 20D that used to produce good BIF stuff?
I'm here: 2nd hand !DX or 5D3 or 5DSR; never used a Nikon and I have used the Canon before. Sony doesn't float my boat. I could buy both 5d3 and 7d2, and yes it builds in redundancy, but I don't want to be lugging all that and a bunch of lens.
I think I need to play with them, but given that I'm in the States and there are no camera shops to be seen [other than big cities, which I am no where near at the mo] it may be that I have to wait until I'm in the UK
Choice would be Canon EF 100mm f2.8L Macro IS USM
New 1DX mark2 will be extortionate. Buy 2nd hand hmmm not sure; I really like the 5DSR the pics out of the camera are superb, cropping is ace. Damn you for bringing in more complexity ;-)
I know the slower 5DSR does not float the boat of the BIF guys but in FF you at least have a wider FOV to play with. What ever happened to the folks and the 20D that used to produce good BIF stuff?
I'm here: 2nd hand !DX or 5D3 or 5DSR; never used a Nikon and I have used the Canon before. Sony doesn't float my boat. I could buy both 5d3 and 7d2, and yes it builds in redundancy, but I don't want to be lugging all that and a bunch of lens.
I think I need to play with them, but given that I'm in the States and there are no camera shops to be seen [other than big cities, which I am no where near at the mo] it may be that I have to wait until I'm in the UK
Edited by carinatauk on Tuesday 10th November 00:55
Was just wondering which 100mm you are looking at?
Canon have a 100/2.0 that is effectively identical to their 85/1.8 ( aka non L prime). Its OK but people tend to go for the 85.
The other 100's are all f2.8 macro's which can work very well as portrait lenses if you are ok with f2.8
Also think about canons 135L, its f2.0 and has an amazing look wide open and is pretty damned sharp for landscapes, and the 70-200f2.8. Though none of those is very macro.
Canon have a 100/2.0 that is effectively identical to their 85/1.8 ( aka non L prime). Its OK but people tend to go for the 85.
The other 100's are all f2.8 macro's which can work very well as portrait lenses if you are ok with f2.8
Also think about canons 135L, its f2.0 and has an amazing look wide open and is pretty damned sharp for landscapes, and the 70-200f2.8. Though none of those is very macro.
https://www.lensrentals.com
rent a few bits whilst you are over there have a play see what you think? USA is great for this short term rental.
You can have a 5ds and 100-400 for about $200 for a 4 day hire.
I'm not sure how the overall performance of the 5dsr will be for birds but I know some people are successfully using it for this, as said it probably goes better than an old 20d.. have a look through this thread...
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1389678
rent a few bits whilst you are over there have a play see what you think? USA is great for this short term rental.
You can have a 5ds and 100-400 for about $200 for a 4 day hire.
I'm not sure how the overall performance of the 5dsr will be for birds but I know some people are successfully using it for this, as said it probably goes better than an old 20d.. have a look through this thread...
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1389678
Edited by RobDickinson on Tuesday 10th November 01:13
Rob you've been great with your help. Thank you.
The BIF pics on the miranda site are superb, would be interested in seeing the number of pics taken before they got a good one. And it tells me that it can be used for BIF, if your good, or decent with some software. Noise is clearly a non issue with the 5DSR compared to some other cameras
I will look at renting but from what I have seen I am being somewhat encouraged towards the newer technology, that provides a bit of everything
PS love the landscape and that lens is good!
The grey market / USA is far cheaper but ...................
The BIF pics on the miranda site are superb, would be interested in seeing the number of pics taken before they got a good one. And it tells me that it can be used for BIF, if your good, or decent with some software. Noise is clearly a non issue with the 5DSR compared to some other cameras
I will look at renting but from what I have seen I am being somewhat encouraged towards the newer technology, that provides a bit of everything
PS love the landscape and that lens is good!
The grey market / USA is far cheaper but ...................
RobDickinson said:
https://www.lensrentals.com
rent a few bits whilst you are over there have a play see what you think? USA is great for this short term rental.
You can have a 5ds and 100-400 for about $200 for a 4 day hire.
I'm not sure how the overall performance of the 5dsr will be for birds but I know some people are successfully using it for this, as said it probably goes better than an old 20d.. have a look through this thread...
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1389678
rent a few bits whilst you are over there have a play see what you think? USA is great for this short term rental.
You can have a 5ds and 100-400 for about $200 for a 4 day hire.
I'm not sure how the overall performance of the 5dsr will be for birds but I know some people are successfully using it for this, as said it probably goes better than an old 20d.. have a look through this thread...
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1389678
Edited by RobDickinson on Tuesday 10th November 01:13[/footnote]
[footnote]Edited by carinatauk on Tuesday 10th November 01:51As an owner of 1Dx and 5D MK3 I'd go for 5d if I were you...
They are definitely best value for money at the moment - brand new grey imports sell for around £1300 in the UK. Difference in IQ is very minimal and definitely saving over 5DS or 1Dx spent on better lenses will give you much more in terms of IQ.
5Ds is worse in low light than 5d MK3 and you will be hitting high ISOs shooting long with teleconverters.
They are definitely best value for money at the moment - brand new grey imports sell for around £1300 in the UK. Difference in IQ is very minimal and definitely saving over 5DS or 1Dx spent on better lenses will give you much more in terms of IQ.
5Ds is worse in low light than 5d MK3 and you will be hitting high ISOs shooting long with teleconverters.
Been using FF for about 6 years now, currently with a 5D2 and 1Dx and had no plans to take a 'backward' step to crop.
A couple of months ago I decided I wanted longer lenses for the annual trip to Canada, hummed and harred for a couple of weeks and bought a 7D2. Longest lenses I own are 100-400 mk1, 400/5.6 and a 1.4 convertor. To get longer lenses the choices were a mixture of too bulky/too expensive/not good enough. Have borrowed a friend's 200-400 and would love one but it's not cheap and hardly ideal for air travel. Thought about the 5Ds but binned that idea on cost grounds and a couple of speed/performance issues.
I ended up taking the 1Dx and 7D2 on the trip. The trip was fairly heavily biased towards wildlife and I'd estimate that the 7D2 got 80% of the use, normally coupled with the 400mm. If I didn't need the length I'd use the 1Dx as there's no denying that the IQ is better but having returned and processed stuff I'm very happy with the 7D2 even at 1600/3200 ISOs . . . more than I expected to be.
Really do think I have the best of both worlds now with a FF/crop mix and the 7D2 doesn't add much weight to a bag. Biggest problem I've found with it is poor battery life.
Worth thinking about buying abroad, 1Dx was about £2.5k store price in Canada when we were there and I think a little higher in the US. Think they're still about £4.4k in the UK. 7D2 was £800ish from Panamoz.
A couple of months ago I decided I wanted longer lenses for the annual trip to Canada, hummed and harred for a couple of weeks and bought a 7D2. Longest lenses I own are 100-400 mk1, 400/5.6 and a 1.4 convertor. To get longer lenses the choices were a mixture of too bulky/too expensive/not good enough. Have borrowed a friend's 200-400 and would love one but it's not cheap and hardly ideal for air travel. Thought about the 5Ds but binned that idea on cost grounds and a couple of speed/performance issues.
I ended up taking the 1Dx and 7D2 on the trip. The trip was fairly heavily biased towards wildlife and I'd estimate that the 7D2 got 80% of the use, normally coupled with the 400mm. If I didn't need the length I'd use the 1Dx as there's no denying that the IQ is better but having returned and processed stuff I'm very happy with the 7D2 even at 1600/3200 ISOs . . . more than I expected to be.
Really do think I have the best of both worlds now with a FF/crop mix and the 7D2 doesn't add much weight to a bag. Biggest problem I've found with it is poor battery life.
Worth thinking about buying abroad, 1Dx was about £2.5k store price in Canada when we were there and I think a little higher in the US. Think they're still about £4.4k in the UK. 7D2 was £800ish from Panamoz.
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