Beginner is probably an understatement but I’ve been using a 5D Mark IV for the last 2 yrs. This camera doesn’t really belong to me and I’d like to invest in my own but I would like to get the next or newest version that replaces the IV. The important piece here; I am using this camera almost exclusively for animal shots, specifically high dollar show cattle, breeding bulls and the occasional horse shot. These are usually a standing shot of the animal after they are washed, combed and in their best pose. These pictures can be a direct correlation to many thousands of dollars that are spent by prospective buyers so I’m willing to spend a few bucks here for a new camera and lens (if you pros also want to recommend a lens - keep in mind I’m usually standing 15-25’ from the animal (animal is typically not moving) when the shots are taken. Any recommendations? Maybe a couple recommendations based on cost brackets? Thanks for any feedback
Hello and welcome to the forums Chris! Regarding the 5dmk4, it is the latest and greatest in the 5 line. Camera makers tend to release their low end cameras every year or so, like the Canon Rebel line with numbered increases like 400 500 600 or 5t 6t 7t...etc.. The 5D line and 1D line are top two tiers of the DSLRs from canon and they get a new model every 5 years or so. Hence only 4 5d models in 20 years(5 if you count the 5ds which really was a 5d3 with a huge mp sensor). Now the thing is Canon and everyone else are getting very serious amount their higher end mirror-less so I am no expecting many more higher end DSLRs if any from the big manufacturers. The 5d4 is a very very nice camera and you can get fantastic images from it. If you want to invest in something else that is great too. For the price tag the higher you go the more customizable and the more features, you surely do not need a $3000 or more camera. You can definitely pick something in the middle tiers and get just as great of images as the camera sensors are fantastic these days. The DSLRs like a 5d use the EF lenses, and there will be plenty of market and after market options for years to come, prices may trend down a bit as the mirror-less ones become more of the standard for pro and semi pro uses. My rule of thumb for people is to put the nicest glass you can afford on the camera rather than buy the highest end camera.. I started with buying L glass and using it on a 20D back in 2004, and i can still use those L lenses on my 50mp camera because of their great optics. You could easily use a several year old 80d/90d if you found one with low mileage for a good price. Or you could also invest in a canon r series of your choice with a RF lens, it may be a better more compact choice, and since your not tied to the EF line you can start with the RF which will be the new flagship line for years to come. What lens have you been using already??? Based on the 15-25 feet it feels like a you probably want something like a 24-105 as you probably would be living in the 50-100mm end of the zoom, but need some flexibility of not walking around to crop as needed. You also don't want to be swapping prime lenses as it sounds like dust would quickly be a factor. Lots of thoughts here, but I guess what I'm saying is you have a top end camera but if you want to give it back and get your own gear, you have al sorts of options depending on cost. And I recommend worrying about having better lenses than the top feature packed camera body. I have the 5d4, but I still use my 5d mark 2 for all sorts of stuff, 20mp resolution is more than enough for most uses.
Thank you for that feedback! The lens is a 70-200 and I tend to get really good shots with that. Yes, it sounds like more compact mirror-less bodies will be the future but I haven’t seen much of a difference in image quality yet - I’m not sure if that is true or not (all things being equal with lenses) From the sounds of your reply, I think you’re saying it might be a good idea (or wouldn’t be a bad one) to stay with an MK4 but the R could be an option - any particular one that you think would be a comparable equal to the M4? I kind of like that idea as I would then invest in the RF’s as you suggest below
Hello and welcome to the forum. As a suggestion, if you are still in that learning stage, and you are using someone else's camera. Would it be worth getting the same camera lens combination as what you are currently using. You would been reasonably familiar with the camera, and you could learn how to use the camera before starting out with something different. Just grab the same sort of lens that you have been using, again, it has worked for you in the past. I agree with this statement. Buy the best glass that you can afford. You will not regret it Just throwing the idea out there. Gary