EOS 5D MK III - Upgrade Thoughts

[tartik]

Hey there,

I currently own a 80D and want to upgrade to a 5D Mark III with a full sensor, because I get to the limits of shooting in darker places.

2 days ago I photographed a show (Poledance Sports) from a medium distance with my Canon 70-200L F2.8 with IS. The shutter just couldn’t handle some dark parts where there was almost no light. Obviously I don’t use flash because of 300 guests.

As far as good. I’m thinking of upgrading to a used 5D Mark III and getting a Canon 24-70L F2.8 to replace my crappy Sigma 17-50 F2.8.

Bigger sensor = more light and better camera performance I would guess then.

The other point being: The 5DMKIII and 24-70L is about the same price as a 5DMKIV. So is the upgrade here so much of a game changer?

Any other ideas towards another body/lens welcome.

[shadowsports]

Greetings ,

The 5D3 was a great camera in it's day, but it's 11 years old now. I'm not sure Its a wise investment at this point in time.  I think a 5D4 at minimum would be a better way to go. As far as a professional full frame camera goes, it doesn't get much better than that unless you go to a 1D series.

I understand all of the reasons going from APS-C to full frame.  I owned a sigma 17-70 f2.8 when I had a T6s.  However, it sounds like our experiences were a bit different.  I absolutely loved mine.  It out performed the 17-50 in focus and clarity, but in light gathering capability they were similarly matched. 

If you're going to go with a 5D series, I suggest you get the mkIV at minimum.  It will definitely be a step up from where you are now and will assuredly offer better low light capability over the 80D.

Shooting through low light from a distance on an illuminated subject can challenge any camera and lens.     

Do you have a budget for this purchase, and if so what is it?

Here is a no flash, handheld shot with the T6s and Sigma 17-70.  

37mm, 1/13, f4.5, ISO 6400 

Paris Catacombs handheld

[ebiggs1]

I would be very surprised if simply going from an 80D to a 5D Mk III fixed your low light problems. But, of course I don't know your standards and requirements. Going to the 5D Mk IV could bring some better help. People that believe a FF sensor will answer all their low light issues probably read too many articles on the ole inner web. Repeating I don't know exactly what you are after. Keep in mind high ISO is still high ISO. Actually going from an 80D to a 5D3 might be a step backwards.

"The shutter just couldn’t handle some dark parts where there was almost no light."

Remember all photographic gear has its limits. This may be a case where you have found one. Besides a more current camera, not a 5 series, and a very fast lens and perhaps a monopod or tripod could be the answer.

I did a shoot a long time ago of one of these events and was trying to find some photos to show but I could not. Anyway, as I recall there is always sufficient light on the performer to allow good exposure. You are exposing for her not the dark surroundings.

[shadowsports]

Ernie ,

Yours is definitely a good point.  I left that out of my initial response because I wanted to see what the overall budget for this endeavor was.  A 5D4 will improve but as you said not guarantee a stellar outcome even with a f2.8 lens.  

His particular venue had 300 guess so he must have been shooting from quite a distance, probably through darkness at an illuminated or spot lit subject? (Guessing). This is also why I recommended the 5D4 as a minimum consideration.  

The get up and go rock your shot invitation that Chris Canada just posted might be helpful to attend and watch. It may offer some practical tips.  

I was hoping to get a bit more feedback and make some recommendations accordingly.  🙂