DSLR options

[gavinlg]

So, I swapped all my Leica Gear for a 5D. I had swapped my 15/4.5 for a Tamron 28-75 2.8.
I added a plastic fantastic (50/1.8 II) to hold me over until I can afford to get that 50/1.2 and 70-200 F4 (or 2.8 if money allows) That will be a while until I can afford those.
Id like a good ultra wide zoom at some point, but the 5D and that 28-75 seem to be a pretty good match.

Congrats - the 5d is a fantastic camera. I can wholeheartedly recommend the 50m/1.2L - best 50mm lens I've ever used, and also I recommend the 16-35mm f2.8L II for a wide zoom - also a very very good lens.

 

[NickTrop]

Just playing devil's avocate. Don't take offense. Do you really, really need glass this fast on a FF or even APSC DSLR? Is it really buying you anything? Would f1.8 do? The new FF DSLRs are great at high ISO shooting.... the DOF of those lens specs is so narrow. I dunno. I think the need for 1.2 or even possibly 1.4 glass is a thing of the past, and those specs cost way more... I'd buy one if I had the dosh for a Leica film RF but not for a modern FF Canon or Nikon DSLR or even a newer APSC one. Plus, the cheap 35mm Nikon 35/1.8 is so good wide open f1.8 is a working aperture - no issue.

 

[cliffpov]

Rent what interests you before buying. Better yet, if you know someone who would let you take theirs out for a spin do that. It could save you a some buyers remorse. I wished I'd have done something like I just mentioned. The Bayer sensors just aren't to my liking.

You may want to wait for the Sigma SD1 to come to market. Thats my advice if you want a film like look. Another thought, the SD15 may go on discount shortly.

 

[-doomed-]

Just playing devil's avocate. Don't take offense. Do you really, really need glass this fast on a FF or even APSC DSLR? Is it really buying you anything? Would f1.8 do? The new FF DSLRs are great at high ISO shooting.... the DOF of those lens specs is so narrow. I dunno. I think the need for 1.2 or even possibly 1.4 glass is a thing of the past, and those specs cost way more... I'd buy one if I had the dosh for a Leica film RF but not for a modern FF Canon or Nikon DSLR or even a newer APSC one. Plus, the cheap 35mm Nikon 35/1.8 is so good wide open f1.8 is a working aperture - no issue.

No offense taken. Realistically the 28-75 2.8 is fast enough (and flexible enough for my needs) I just want some of the fast L glass on it. I'm content with the 28-75 and the plastic fantastic 50 1.8. I think I may add the 85 1.8 and the 70-200 F4 when money allows. I love my new-to-me 5D.

 

[leica M2 fan]

Good for you and I know you'll be very happy with your choice. Have a great time with the Canon and enjoy it to the fullest.

 

[mexipike]

There's a few things you need to know to do it well.

1. EE-S screen in a 5d - makes focus pop WAAAAY better.
2. Select AF point (I always use center single one) and half hold shutter button whilst bringing the image into focus, with the center point over where you want to be in focus. When it comes into focus the focus confirmation light will light up green in the VF and you can make the camera "beep" as well, and the AF point will flash red. Alternatively you can use all the focussing points and they will light up in succession as you focus, with the focus being on the point that lights up at the time.
3. With just a little bit of practice you can do it with just focussing and the ee-s screen though you can't expect it to be 100% precise in critical focus.

It sounds troublesome, but it's only because I've tried to explain it clearly and in detail. Overall I find focusing the 35 ZE on my 5d to be more accurate than most AF lenses, though they take about twice as long to attain focus - which isn't very long. Certainly no longer than a manual focus film SLR.

I'd say I could take 50 close and medium distance shots with the 35 distagon wide open and get 45 perfectly in focus

@ f2:

Was that shot with the 35 ze 1.4 or the 35 ze f2. been considering one of those but the 1.4 sure is pricy

 

[redisburning]

You might look into getting a contax N 50mm f1.4 converted.

The Rokkor IS a nice lens but IMO worthless for anything that moves on a camera without some serious focusing aids.

 

[gavinlg]

Was that shot with the 35 ze 1.4 or the 35 ze f2. been considering one of those but the 1.4 sure is pricy

That was f2 on the 35mm distagon f2.

 

[Keith]

One thing I discovered with my D700 was to spend a lot of time fine tuning my diopter setting. Also, I have learned to use the focus confirmation dots in the viewfinder which seems distracting initially but it's like the speedometer in your car ... you can be aware of what it's telling you without having to be fixated on it!