Beginner II
Score

Should I upgrade to 5D Mark II, or buy better lens for 7D?


kaymar | Asked  11 months ago | Last response was 10 months ago

I own the 7D at the moment and can't decide if I should spend money to upgrade to 5D Mark II, or buy better lenses. I have limited fund so I can't do both. I'll start my pet portrait and event photography business soon, but on my leisure time, I love to shoot landscapes and travel frequently. Any input will be appreciated!

Which camera do you recommend for kaymar?

Canon 5D Mark II - $2,199
21 MP|Full frame CMOS|3" LCD
Canon 7D - $1,279
17.9 MP|APS-C CMOS|3" LCD
8 Answers
  1. Beginner I
    Score
    11 months ago Ian-Van-Schepen recommends the Canon EOS 5D Mark II

    I would have to agree with some of the other recommendations here, especially if you have EF-S lenses.

    The EF-S lens line and other Non Mfg lenses with the digital designations are designed for, and will only work with cropped aps-c sensors, like the 7D, rather than the full frames cameras like the 5D Mark II. Upgrading your lenses to full frame compatible over time will benefit you long-term. However, if you have the budget and the Canon lenses that are already compatible with a full frame body, then I would definitely go with the 5D Mark II, as image quality is clearly outstanding. If you are looking for lenses, and are on a tighter budget, I would also check out refurbished lenses on the Canon direct store. They also have a selection of refurbished bodies including the Mark II from time to time.

    subCategory_10051_10051_-1_22751 at shop.usa.canon.com

    Hope this helps.

    1. Beginner II
      11 months ago kaymar
      Thanks for the link!
    Reply
  2. Beginner I
    Score
    11 months ago Jesse-Scroggins1 recommends the Canon EOS 6D

    I would wait... Canon is announcing more cameras soon, and something like the rumored full frame 6D may be a better option for you. 

    What lenses were you looking at buying? 7D is a great camera. While the MKII has better noise in low light, and more megapixels, the 7D has better autofocus. I'd say you may be better off with lenses, but the 6D may be worth it depending on specs and  price.

    1. Beginner II
      11 months ago kaymar
      I will definitely look into 6D, thanks!
    Reply
  3. Beginner I
    Score
    10 months ago Donald-M-Falls recommends the Canon EOS 5D Mark II

    I own the 7D and I am keeping it because it has higher resolution and better auto focus.  I am buying the 5D Mark II because it is full frame and it does wonders with Magic Lantern 3.2 because it can do a lot more than what the stock firmware could do but it only works for 5D Mark II, 60D, 50D, T1, T2i, and T3i. Check out the link (http://www.magiclantern.fm/releasenotes) It wont work on 7D because it is carry dual processors (Dual DIGIC 4) this is why it is faster APS-C Canon ever made.  Canon EOS-1D Mark IV and Canon EOS X are more faster but more expensive.

    However 7D will get newly firmware update 2.x.x with new features.  http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/standard_display/EOS7D_firmware 7D is still great fast camera.

    1. Beginner II
      10 months ago kaymar
      Thanks for clarifying what Magic Lantern works for, I wondered if it works for 7D. I'll be waiting for the firmware update, and decided to buy really good lens instead of upgrade at the moment. But once I save enough, I'll definitely go for 5D Mark II.
    Reply
  4. Beginner I
    Score
    10 months ago Abhijith-Kannankavil recommends the Canon EOS 7D

    Buy some better lenses. and wait for the new full frame dslr from canon. i'd recomend the 24-70mm f/2.8L and 50mm f/1.2L.

    And do not buy ane EF-S lenses if you plan to upgrade to fullframe.

    1. Beginner II
      10 months ago kaymar
      Those 2 lenses are excellent choice! I will get those eventually, but at the moment, I bought 24-105 f/4 L. I currently own 50mm f/1.4 but eventually want to upgrade to f/1.2 L and 24-70mm that you mentioned above.
    2. Expert III
      10 months ago Philip-Davis
      I gave up waiting for the 24-70mm. Canon pulled mark I from shelves a while ago but mark II is delayed (and $1000 more expensive). I went with the 17-40mm f/4L instead. (I also have the 50mm f/1.4)
    Reply
  5. Beginner I
    Score
    11 months ago Marcello-Cavalcanti recommends the Canon EOS 7D

    7D is a way more modern camera then the 5DmkII. You can't compare the fullframe sensor x the cropped sensor, but you can compare : better autofocus, more focus points, more clicks per second, lighter, built in flash. You should invest on lenses, because the one that comes with the kit sucks. get EF lenses so when you upgrade you can use them on a full frame sensor camera. Stick with it and wait for a - maybe - 6D, or raise money and get the 5Dmk III. 

    1. Beginner II
      11 months ago kaymar
      Exactly re 7D! Although I will definitely upgrade to full frame some point, I will most likely buy more EF lenses instead and save up for a full frame camera. Appreciate your input!
    Reply
  6. Expert I
    cameras Community
    Fair Minded
    Score
    11 months ago Brenden-Sherratt recommends neither camera

    Can you give us an idea of what kind of lenses you have right now?

    1. Beginner II
      11 months ago kaymar
      I appreciate your input! I don't have any prime lenses, well except Canon EF 50mm 1.4. Others are: Canon EF 28-105mm 3.5-4.5, Canon EF-S 55-250mm 4.0-5.6 IS, and Tamron SP 10-24mm 3.5-4.5. What I'm considering are several as follows: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0 L IS USM, Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM, Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM, and/or Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 L II USM.
    Reply
  7. Beginner I
    Score
    11 months ago Steve-Donaldson recommends the Canon EOS 5D Mark II

    I would recommend it. Until you actually compare and can see the difference you will never know. Reading all the reviews online about DX or FX just confuses you. If you want sharp usable images at 3200-6400 ISO go full frame. I still own my DX body because it works great with zoom lenses. Worse case scenario is if you do not like FX sell it. You will get your money back. Better yet, rent an FX body and shoot all weekend with one. That should help you make your decision.

    1. Beginner I
      11 months ago Eddy-Reynolds
      ^Define 'usable'? Large-scale prints? The 7Ds sensor above 1600, though not as good as the 5D Mk IIs FF sensor, is still markedly impressive. My advice would be to invest in some new glass. Unless you're desperate for the versatility of a FF sensor, there's nothing wrong with hanging on to the 7D. It's a great camera and takes brilliant pictures! With better glass, I'm sure your photos will look even better than they do now.
    2. Beginner II
      11 months ago kaymar
      I agree! After posting my question here, I made up my mind to spend money on EF lenses and keep 7D for the meantime. Appreciate your input!
    3. Beginner II
      11 months ago kaymar
      The best is probably to keep 7D and buy a full frame like 5D Mark II, and use them accordingly for the type of photo shooing session, but definitely cannot afford that at the moment. After posting my question here, I decided to invest in better glass and keep my 7D. Thanks for your input!
    Reply
  8. Intermediate I
    cameras Community
    Fair Minded
    Score
    11 months ago Nico-Socha recommends the Canon EOS 5D Mark II

    I suggest, buy some lenses... thats enough. Remember when you buy the Mark II you must buy lenses for that, too.

    1. Beginner II
      11 months ago kaymar
      Thanks for your input, I will most likely get more EF lenses so I can keep them once I upgrade to full frame camera.
    Reply