I will doing a trip at the end of next year which will require me going to a remote part of the world for a once in a life time opportunity in terms of photography.
I have currently one camera body - the 1D MK4. I feel that it is a risk to travel so far, not to mention the cost involved, and take only one camera body. There will be little opportunity to fix or find a replacement if something goes wrong with my 1D MK4. So I have been thinking about buying as second camera body on the second hand market. I'm thinking that I would like to have a full frame body that would be principally used for landscape and wide angle work. The 1D MK4 would still be my 'action' body and used with longer lenses. So I have settled on either the 1Ds MK 3 which I have seen a few on eBay selling for around the A$1700.00 mark (Around 100,000 shutter counts on them) or the 5d MK 2 or 3. The MK 2's seem to be avalable for around A$1000.00 and the Mk 3's over A$2000.00. A$2000,00 is my budget.
Other considerations - I have big hands and do find the smaller cameras ergonomically fiddly. This has me leaning towards the pro camera body.
If I do go with a Pro body,I think that is were I'm heading, then the toss up is between the 1Ds MK 3 or even a cheaper 1Ds MK 2. As I said the main use would be Landscapes but if my 1D MK 4 should have any problems then this second camera would become my main body.
I read that the file quality of the 1Ds MK 3 is exceptional.
The other option is to hire a 1DX or another 1D MK 4 for three weeks. Cost around $1200.00 for the 1DX and use this as my main body. Only issue is I will be learning how to use it on the day I arrive at my destination. If I buy a 2nd hand camera now then I will be used to how it works well before the trip.
I am taking a trip to New Zealand and Australia in October and have about decided on a 6D to accompany my 1DM4. Its IQ is in the league as the 5Dm3 , its full frame so I can use my 16-35 and 24-70 to its full potential.
I posted in another thread if anyone had practical experience with its use on BIF but had no responses. Center focus is its only great focus point. I am buying though just for use as a travel camera for its weight and GPS and for landscape photography.
Pick up an older 5D or a MK2N. I have both, use them everyday, they both take great images, work well, easy to use, both are cheap right now and can be sold when you are done with them or keep them after their intended use. I have both of them for landscapes and birds to mammals. I use my 300 2.8, 28-135, 100 macro and the 100-400, that one I sold. Hope this helps.
Thanks all - looking at the 5d MK2 now. Second hand for about A$1200.00 on eBay. One there with the battery grip included makes it easier to handle. This gives me some room to look at getting a wide angle lens for the trip as well. I do not have one.
2nd Camera Body.
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