Eos 70d

[IndyColtsFan]

I'm pretty close to pulling the trigger on a Canon EOS 70D camera. I'm currently using a Rebel XT (circa 2005) and while it still does an admirable job, I need something faster and with greater ISO ranges.

I'm looking at this kit on Amazon and I noticed that I can also receive significant discounts on other lenses with the purchase of the 70D. The kit comes with the EF-S 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 IS STM lens and I was thinking that might be enough for me in conjunction with my older Sigma 300 mm lens, but the following deals caught my eye:

$300 OFF: Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens

$150 OFF: Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS II Telephoto Zoom Lens

Thoughts on these lenses? Are either of these deals so outrageously good that I should jump on one? I currently have an older Sigma 70-300mm zoom lens that would work, but it is slow and a little soft at times.

Thanks

 

[slashbinslashbash]

The 70-300 is not enough better than the 55-250 to justify the price difference.

The practical difference between either of these and an older, non-Image Stabilized lens of the same focal length (like your Sigma) is head and shoulders IMO. IS allows shots that simply aren't possible, or would be a blurry mess without it.

The 55-250 is $265-$150 = $115. It's a no-brainer at that price. Buy it and sell your Sigma for $75 on Craigslist.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

The 70-300 is not enough better than the 55-250 to justify the price difference.

The practical difference between either of these and an older, non-Image Stabilized lens of the same focal length (like your Sigma) is head and shoulders IMO. IS allows shots that simply aren't possible, or would be a blurry mess without it.

The 55-250 is $265-$150 = $115. It's a no-brainer at that price. Buy it and sell your Sigma for $75 on Craigslist.

Thanks, that makes a lot of sense! I think the 300 is so much more because it has USM, which I believe stands for ultra-sonic motor, correct? I'm assuming the USM lens would be better for video though, correct?

 

[slashbinslashbash]

Canon makes two kinds of USM, which does indeed stand for Ultra-Sonic Motor. The "real" kind is "ring" USM which uses 2 rings which vibrate ultrasonically for super-fast, silent focusing. It is awesome. Then they also make "fake" USM or "micro-motor" USM which uses the same kind of old-style electrical motors and gears as the non-USM lenses, but these motors are somewhat beefed up and much quieter. It focuses slightly better and quieter than the standard motors, but not anywhere near the speed and silence of the true USM. (Fortunately, micro-motor USM is only found in a few USM lenses: 70-300 IS USM, 75-300 USM, 50mm f/1.4 USM (which I have) are the 3 most common. By far the majority of the USM lenses in Canon's lineup are "true" ring USM.)

Unfortunately, the 70-300 uses the "fake" USM which is pretty much just a marketing term on this lens, with no real benefits. If it used "real" USM then I would probably recommend it at the Amazon discount price -- the focus speed that you get from true ring USM is really quite amazing. It would be at least on equal footing with the 55-250 at these price levels, and maybe somewhat better.

This forum post shows the difference between the two motors:

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/40146065

It is hard to believe that the Ring USM is even capable of focusing, right? It's really just two large metal rings that vibrate against each other, wrapping all the way around the barrel of the lens. The standard micro-motors are easy to understand, just a normal DC electric motor attached to some gears that drive the focusing mechanism.

To answer your last question, I suppose the "fake" USM in this lens would be somewhat better for video, as it is indeed quieter, despite its other flaws. I am not sure if it is worth the price differential, however. $350 is almost 3x the cost of the 55-250.

 

[AkumaX]

The only reason why you would want the 70-300 IS is if you plan on upgrading to full-frame in the near(far?) future.

Otherwise if you stick w/ the 70D for a while, you'd be fine with the 55-250 IS (which is for APS-C only).

P.S. if you plan on doing a lot of video work, you might want to consider the new 55-250 IS STM (not sure about the cost though)

 

[gevorg]

At $1500 70D kit, you're quite close to a ~$2000 6D kit. Sure you don't want FF? :twisted:

IMHO, you're paying a big premium for the latest cool tech from Canon, while the 70D sensor IQ performance is on the level of last year's $500 Rebel.

 

[jpeyton]

The only reason anyone should buy the 70D is if they shoot a lot of video, and plan on using it's focusing capabilities. That's only going to appeal to a narrow category of prosumer videographers. Professional videographers don't care about autofocus.

Otherwise, as mentioned, sensor performance won't be a big step up from what is already out there.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

The only reason anyone should buy the 70D is if they shoot a lot of video, and plan on using it's focusing capabilities. That's only going to appeal to a narrow category of prosumer videographers. Professional videographers don't care about autofocus.

Otherwise, as mentioned, sensor performance won't be a big step up from what is already out there.

I've decided on the 70D because of its video capabilities actually -- I don't currently have that capability and would find it useful.

This camera will probably be my main camera for the next 7 to 10 years (I don't upgrade often) and I can't see myself paying for a T5i instead. I have thought about waiting to see if a T6i is released and if it will get the new sensor and capabilities, but that may or may not happen.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

At $1500 70D kit, you're quite close to a ~$2000 6D kit. Sure you don't want FF? :twisted:

IMHO, you're paying a big premium for the latest cool tech from Canon, while the 70D sensor IQ performance is on the level of last year's $500 Rebel.

I hear you, but I don't see any 6D kits on Amazon with a lens for near $2000. And yes, I have to order from Amazon because I have $600+ in reward points and gift cards, which is another reason I want to go ahead and pull the trigger now. Also, forgive my ignorance, but my understanding is that most lenses used for non-FF cameras (is APS-C the correct term for their sensor?) won't work in a full frame camera. Is that correct?

I HAVE considered the 60D, however, and if I couldn't get the 70D but had to buy another, I'd strongly consider it over the T5i. I think the Rebels are nice cameras (my 350D still takes great photos and is a tank), but the T5i was disappointing and I'm not sure I can wait for a T6i. The wife and I are going on a long weekend vacation in southern Indiana next month, so I'd like to have a new camera by then in order to practice taking pictures and learning it before our next big vacation next year. I think the video performance of the 70D will be something I can see myself using and I anticipate that we'll be going on several big vacations over the next 3 to 4 years, so a new camera is essential. We were in France for two weeks in May and my 350D really struggled at times in low-light conditions, hence another reason for the upgrade.

I did also consider the Nikon D7100, as even though I own Canon currently, I'm not a fanboy. The main reason I decided against it is that my brother has a lot of nice Canon lenses that I can borrow. I only have 2 lenses for my 350D (both of which are OK but could use an upgrade)

 

[IndyColtsFan]

The only reason why you would want the 70-300 IS is if you plan on upgrading to full-frame in the near(far?) future.

Otherwise if you stick w/ the 70D for a while, you'd be fine with the 55-250 IS (which is for APS-C only).

P.S. if you plan on doing a lot of video work, you might want to consider the new 55-250 IS STM (not sure about the cost though)

It isn't too bad actually -- Amazon is advertising it for $350 and it will be released on October 30th:

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-EF-S-55-...=55-250+IS+STM

 

[slashbinslashbash]

It isn't too bad actually -- Amazon is advertising it for $350 and it will be released on October 30th:

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-EF-S-55-...=55-250+IS+STM

Given that, I would still go ahead and get the standard 55-250 now with the package deal. At $115, you can easily sell it for what you paid for it, if and when you decide you need to upgrade to the STM lens.

I have not kept up with the details and relative values of all the Canon bodies myself, so I'll skip that debate, as I'm just not as informed as I used to be.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Given that, I would still go ahead and get the standard 55-250 now with the package deal. At $115, you can easily sell it for what you paid for it, if and when you decide you need to upgrade to the STM lens.

I have not kept up with the details and relative values of all the Canon bodies myself, so I'll skip that debate, as I'm just not as informed as I used to be.

Yeah, I'm still going to get that 250 mm lens for $115. Worst case is that I keep it and give it to my wife and sell the old Sigma 300 mm lens.

 

[gevorg]

I hear you, but I don't see any 6D kits on Amazon with a lens for near $2000.

The ~$2000 6D kit is a sale price that happens time to time. Follow or sign-up for alerts at a deal site like slickdeals and you should be able to grab one. Of course, there is no guarantee that there will be a sale before your vacation.
http://slickdeals.net/f/6132500-Can...mory-Card-1999-After-400-Rebate-Free-Shipping
http://slickdeals.net/f/6121736-Canon-6D-with-24-105L-2040-AC-At-Newegg

There is also a Nikon D600 if you're willing to deal with sensor cleaning:
http://slickdeals.net/f/6216728-Nikon-D600-24-85mm-VR-lens-refurb-Adorama-on-Ebay-1600-96-ebay-bucks

 

[iGas]

The ~$2000 6D kit is a sale price that happens time to time. Follow or sign-up for alerts at a deal site like slickdeals and you should be able to grab one. Of course, there is no guarantee that there will be a sale before your vacation.
http://slickdeals.net/f/6132500-Can...mory-Card-1999-After-400-Rebate-Free-Shipping
http://slickdeals.net/f/6121736-Canon-6D-with-24-105L-2040-AC-At-Newegg

There is also a Nikon D600 if you're willing to deal with sensor cleaning:
http://slickdeals.net/f/6216728-Nikon-D600-24-85mm-VR-lens-refurb-Adorama-on-Ebay-1600-96-ebay-bucks

Excellent deals. I paid $2400 CAD for my 5D mkII + 24-105L kit 11 months ago.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

The ~$2000 6D kit is a sale price that happens time to time. Follow or sign-up for alerts at a deal site like slickdeals and you should be able to grab one. Of course, there is no guarantee that there will be a sale before your vacation.
http://slickdeals.net/f/6132500-Can...mory-Card-1999-After-400-Rebate-Free-Shipping
http://slickdeals.net/f/6121736-Canon-6D-with-24-105L-2040-AC-At-Newegg

There is also a Nikon D600 if you're willing to deal with sensor cleaning:
http://slickdeals.net/f/6216728-Nikon-D600-24-85mm-VR-lens-refurb-Adorama-on-Ebay-1600-96-ebay-bucks

Neither is from Amazon. I'll stick with the 70d or under. 6D is a little bit beyond my me, I think.

 

[josh0099]

I upgraded to a 70D, from a XSI and couldn't be more happy. The ISO performance improvements from that era to now is pretty awesome. Also if you plan on using video a lot its autofocus system over the 60D is also a huge jump.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

I upgraded to a 70D, from a XSI and couldn't be more happy. The ISO performance improvements from that era to now is pretty awesome. Also if you plan on using video a lot its autofocus system over the 60D is also a huge jump.

Yeah, I ordered the 70D this morning along with the 250mm IS lens that was $150 off with purchase of the camera. I can't wait to get it. The wife and I plan on going hiking next weekend and I'm going to take it for some testing.

 

[josh0099]

Yeah, I ordered the 70D this morning along with the 250mm IS lens that was $150 off with purchase of the camera. I can't wait to get it. The wife and I plan on going hiking next weekend and I'm going to take it for some testing.

Good Stuff

Where you going hiking at? (Indy Resident myself)

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Good Stuff

Where you going hiking at? (Indy Resident myself)

Turkey Run this coming weekend and Clifty Falls next month, with maybe Shades and Brown County in the mix too.

 

[josh0099]

Turkey Run this coming weekend and Clifty Falls next month, with maybe Shades and Brown County in the mix too.

Yea, I been meaning to do Brown County during the fall, but have never done it. Though my 1st trip will be London/Edinburgh/Isle of Skye coming up in next few weeks. Kinda spured the upgrade.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Yea, I been meaning to do Brown County during the fall, but have never done it. Though my 1st trip will be London/Edinburgh/Isle of Skye coming up in next few weeks. Kinda spured the upgrade.

Yeah, we were in France for 2 weeks in May and while my Rebel XT did a fine job, its limitations were hard to work around in many cases. We're planning on going to either Ireland or England next year so that was what spurred my upgrade as well. I like taking photos in cathedrals and museums and I just need better low-light performance than the Rebel XT offers with its max ISO of 1600. Some of the 70d pictures I saw had less noise at ISO 6400 or even 12800 than my XT had at 1600.

 

[slashbinslashbash]

Tip for dark cathedrals: Buy a mini-tripod. Many places dis-allow tripods, but a small one flies under the radar. You can sit down on a pew, place it on the seat next to you and get those ceiling/window/altar shots without disturbing anybody.

Here's the one I have: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=721288