Which full frame kit should I get?

[HiFiGuy1]

My 2 cents, buy the 5D Mark II, but forget either 70-200 without IS. The AF Microadjust feature is something I think is very important, as it will let you fine-tune your lenses to that body, and let each perform at its absolute best. I've owned a 5D, and if my budget were around a $1000 or so, I'd happily buy another and never look back, but for your stated budget of $3000, the 5D Mark II is a no-brainer.


The 2.8 non-IS would be better and might allow some shots the f/4 wouldn't, but I am using a borrowed 70-200 f/4 L right now, and I am missing keepers right and left on the long end because I can't get the shutter speed up enough to keep the images crisp. I took what would have been a fantastic shot of a deer through foliage this evening that was standing totally still and looking STRAIGHT AT ME, and because it was in spotty shade during the golden hour, the shutter was at 1/40 or 1/60 even at ISO 1600 and f/4. It is clearly recognizable as a deer, but it isn't sharp, and if I had 3 or even 2 stops ofIS, I think it would have been fine. It was one of those rare moments that I missed because my hands weren't steady enough and I had no IS to compensate. If it had been a 2.8 non-IS, at least the shutter could have been 1/80 or 1/125, which might have worked out. I'll never know.


Bottom line, there is no way I would buy the lens I am borrowing, but the silver lining is that I am fortunate to find that out without having to plunk down my hard-earned cash first. For that, I am very grateful.

[Keith B]

not on point edit