Suggested Upgrades from Rebel T2i

[lmJustSayin]

Howdy Folks,

I have finally been progressing with my interest in photography. I am trying to see what direction I should go next as far as camera.

My typical interest is landscapes, wildlife (animals), and the typical action shots of my family and kids. I have been trying to stay around the golden hours for picture time.

Current gear:

Rebel T2i
Canon 70-200 f/4 IS USM L
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4-5.6

Would it be worth upgrading at this point to a full frame camera?

[RobertTheFat]

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@lmJustSayin wrote:
Howdy Folks,

I have finally been progressing with my interest in photography. I am trying to see what direction I should go next as far as camera.

My typical interest is landscapes, wildlife (animals), and the typical action shots of my family and kids. I have been trying to stay around the golden hours for picture time.

Current gear:

Rebel T2i
Canon 70-200 f/4 IS USM L
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4-5.6

Would it be worth upgrading at this point to a full frame camera?

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Since I actually faced the same question two years age, I might as well weigh in. I figured my wife was ready for an upgrade to her T2i, and I was (and am) down on Rebels because they don't have AFMA. A FF camera was out of the question, because she has back problems and is sensitive to a camera's weight. But I wanted a professional-quality camera that wouldn't go obsolete soon. So I bought her a 7D Mk II, which has worked out well. She already had the right walkaround lens, the Canon 17-55mm f/2.8 IS, and enough other APS-C lenses to cover most contingencies, so lenses weren't a consideration.

Just another data point, for what it's worth.

[coachboz68]

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@lmJustSayin wrote:
Howdy Folks,

I have finally been progressing with my interest in photography. I am trying to see what direction I should go next as far as camera.
...
Would it be worth upgrading at this point to a full frame camera?

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Having recently been through this for myself, my friend, and my daughter, here was my thought process.  

First, I bought a 7D in late 2009 (or early 2010... can't remember exactly) and just recently upgraded to the 1DXII.  I did get sucked into the whole mirrorless debate, but ultimately stayed with Canon because of the great glass they make that I already owned.  The two primary ones I use are the 24-70 2.8 L and the 70-200 2.8 L.  The 24-70 has become my workhorse lens for general family stuff.  The 70-200 is for the sports I shoot (gymnastics, volleyball, and football).

When I moved to the 1DXII (FF) I did not miss the length for indoor sports, but for football, I definitely missed it, so will get the 1.4X converter.  Losing the f-stops at night games will require the higher ISO that I get in the 1DXII, which compared to my old 7D is beyond comparison.  

Because the cameras you are going to be looking at are mostly all really good in and of themselves, I recommend you ask yourself the question of what do you love the most, then optimze for that.  For me, its fast action sports shooting (which often happens in low light) which made my decision easier.  Of course, budget matters, and for this purchase I decided to self justify it (lie to myself! 😉 by looking at the lifetime investment. 

If it's fast moving wildlife you're after, and you don't want the heavy price tag of the 1DXII, I'd at least take a look at the 7DII.  But if it's largely sedentary wildlife, then you should optimize for that (I don't have great experience there as I do fast-moving stuff mostly).  Point is, if you can narrow down what you really LOVE, it might be a little easier to optimize for the body.  

As others have stated, you can never go wrong with great lenses on any body!  

Good luck.  

[wq9nsc]

Coach,

You will find that the 70-200 2.8 is so sharp that it is also very usable with the Canon 2X converter.  Of course this loses two full stops which will be a problem with poorly lit night games but will provide the extra reach during day games and well lighted events.  I have shot quite a few outside soccer games using the 70-200 2.8 and 2X combo with my old 1D Mark II body.  Having the 1.4X and 2.0X adds a lot of versatility to the compatible Canon telephoto primes and zoom lenses and the 2.0X gives me a little more freedom in choosing my placement when shooting outdoor matches under good light.  

[coachboz68]

Thanks. I'm going to rent them both for a few games and see how it goes.

[lmJustSayin]

I greatly appreciate everyones input.  I feel like I may just stick with the t2i, get the 24-70L and then really pracitce on getting my settings down.  

Here is one example from my trip last weekend.  

[ebiggs1]

"I feel like I may just stick with the t2i, get the 24-70L and then really pracitce on getting my settings down."

First practicing with setting is the best thing you can do.  I don't agree with some fo the advice you have received. 

There are more reasons to upgrade your camera than just one or two. The newer model like the 80D has way better supporting electronics.  DIGIC 6 Image Processor for instance or the 3.0" 1.04m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen.

The ef 24-70mm f2.8L lens is my favorite lens maybe of all time but for you the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens is a better choice.  The EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens is also one of my favorite lens of all time and a good choice for you.  It works well with the 1.4 tel-con.  Forget the 2.0x version, it penalizes you too much. 

If you have the 80D and these two lens suggestions there won't be much you can't do. The EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens is going to deliver good WA to normal use and the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM with the 1.4x tel-con will yield a 450mm equivalent f4 tele.  What's not to like?

Take a close look at the EOS 80D with the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens for starters.  It's a constant f2.8 did I mention that? Then add the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM with the 1.4x tel-con.

[shadowsports]

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@shadowsports wrote:

"My current bodies of choice:

77D - APS-C

6D2 - FF

I'd only do an 80D if video was more important than still images."

@Waddizzle wrote:

I would beg to differ. There are other significant differences between the 80D and 77D. Aside from the 77D having a smaller body and battery life, the AF systems are significantly different.

While both bodies have 45 cross-type AF points, 27 of those points can focus at f/8 in the 80D, compared to none in the 77D.

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I'm not seeing that in the specs?  Specs say 27 AF points at F8 for both ??  Did I miss something?

[Waddizzle]

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@shadowsports wrote:

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@shadowsports wrote:

"My current bodies of choice:

77D - APS-C

6D2 - FF

I'd only do an 80D if video was more important than still images."

@Waddizzle wrote:

I would beg to differ. There are other significant differences between the 80D and 77D. Aside from the 77D having a smaller body and battery life, the AF systems are significantly different.

While both bodies have 45 cross-type AF points, 27 of those points can focus at f/8 in the 80D, compared to none in the 77D.

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I'm not seeing that in the specs?  Specs say 27 AF points at F8 for both ??  Did I miss something?

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That is news to me. I stand corrected.  Must have it mixed up with the T7i

[ebiggs1]

[lmJustSayin]

So I have been researching like crazy this past week since I started the thread.  I tried to focus on specifically what I wanted to do photography wise.

Main type of photography:  Landscapes/Wildlife and some occasional astrophotography/low light scenarios.

Secondary: low light cityscapes

Price range wise for a body is looking between 1k-2.5k.  Really not looking to move over that hump on the body.  

Future Lens Collection:  I definitley have my eyes set on the 24-70L and eventually a longer reaching lens for wildlife.  

After my rendevous this weekend at our cabin up in Kansas,  I did notice that I am still having issues with capturing all of the deer/birds/turkey I am still getting quite a bit of blurred images.  When you zoom in on the deer I captured from about 300 yards for instance,  the fur is just aweful looking.  Time was just before dawn and I did bring the ISO up to compensate for loss of light.  The deer was not moving either.I suppose this is just lack of experience on my end and not the equipment :).  I was using the T2i combined with the 70-200 f4.