Non- L-Series Lenses on a 5D?

[Melanie Kern-Favilla]

Hi everyone...

This question is mostly geared toward Canon photographers.

I currently own a Rebel XTi, along with a Canon MP-E 65mm 1x-5x macro and a Canon 10-22mm 2.8, among others. I'm about to purchase an 100-400 L IS, also. But I was seriously considering selling the Rebel and getting a 5D or, maybe (big, big maybe) a 1Ds MarkIII.

Here's the problem: Someone recently told me that my lenses are NOT compatible with the higher-end Canons...ARGH! Assuming this is true, is there an adapter to allow me to use these lenses or can I only use L-Series lenses? Those lenses weren't cheap and I would hate to not be able to use them. I guess I would have to keep the rebel to use the lenses?

Help!

THanks...

Melanie

 

[Mike Peregrine]

Hmmmm ... first, I'm jealous. Second, I'm not certain, but don't see why you would be limited to L glass on a 5D or 1D Mark III. Here is a review of the 5D from Luminous Landscape, where the photographer is using IS lenses, for example. The problem probably comes in if you try and use the digital lenses that were made for use with the Digital Rebel. These fit up tighter against the sensor to get a better field of view, but my guess is there might be a problem with these combined with a camera that has a full-frame censor.

You could also go to a camera shop that carries these and ask the clerks ... they should know. Or you could even try out a few non-L lenses to see.

Of course, if you are willing to spend that sort of bling on a body, you might as well go all the way and buy top notch glass as well. I'm sure the L lenses will make your images beyond fantastic when combined with those bodies.

Edit: here's a quote from that Luminous Landscape review that might help:

But, lets remember that 98% of all the 35mm format lenses ever made, and in photographer's bags today, are full frame. Yes, the poorer ones will show reduced corner resolution and vignetting when used on a full frame camera. What else is new? Poorer lenses don't perform as well as better lenses, and chopping off 40-50% of the periphery of the frame will remove the worst bits.


But with good lenses, and with excellent lenses, this is not the case. If these are used the photographer ends up with a larger image because the full usable image being projected by the lens is being utilized and no compromise is being made.

 

[Melanie Kern-Favilla]

Hmmmm ... first, I'm jealous.

Lol, don't be. That's why they make credit cards.

I see, the problem is the full-frame sensor and the possibility of the lens made for a APS-C sensor. I'll have to look into that. The wide-angle doesn't concern me too much, but the macro lens (it's a specialty lens) is not replaceable in my eyes. Love that lens.

Thanks for the LL link...

Melanie

Edit: Found this info on the Luminous Landscape page (great site):

Keep in mind though that the 10-22mm is an EF-S lens, which means that its designed to only cover the reduced frame size of these cameras. The lens will therefore not work with nor fit on any previous Canon body, though it is likely to fit on all future APS-C sized bodies that have the required lens mount. (The Canon D30, D60 and 10D do not have the new EF-S compatible lens mount flange. They can not be retrofitted, and though there is a kludged solution floating around the net, it can not be recommended, as it endangers the camera's mirror hitting the lens' rear element.)

 

[Aaron Kennedy]

Macro and the 100-400 will work fine. As it has been stated, the EF-S 10-22 will not work, and there aren't any adapters. Some people have modified EF-S lenses to fit on non APS-C sensors, but a) you risk physically damaging the mirror when it swings up and hits the back of the lens and b) you'll have missing image data in the corners due to the inability to fill the frame.

What are your other lenses? Supposedly Canon is announcing the successor to the 5D later this year...

 

[Jayson Prentice]

I believe Aaron has pretty much answered your questions, the jump from crop-frame to full-frame does come at a price in some cases. But, look at the bright side, if you decide to jump full-frame I, and probably others, will be happy to take that wide angle off your hands.

 

[Melanie Kern-Favilla]

What are your other lenses? Supposedly Canon is announcing the successor to the 5D later this year...

I have since learned that all of my lenses, with the exception of my lovely macro, are EF-S. I also have an 18-55mm and a Sigma 75-300 (ick ick ick).

I was talking w/a friend and he got 3 L-lenses and the 5D for about $5k. That's a lot more do-able for me than the 1DS Mark III, which will only be purchased if I win lotto or something.

And, lol Jayson, I'll give people here on ST first dibs on my wide angle. Love that lens!

Thanks to everyone for their input...

Melanie

 

[Steven Maupin]

Personally I would jump on the 5D right now, it is an incredible camera and you can find them used for around $1500, about your lenses everyone is right EF-S will not work on the 5D. Another thing you might think about is picking up a 30D or 40D (600-1100 respectively) those are both great cameras in their own right, the auto focus is better than on the Rebel, and they also have higher frame rates (30D= 5 frames per second; 40D= 6.5fps) and you can use your EF-S lenses on the 30-40D, so you wouldn’t have to go out and purchase all new lenses. A good place to read some reviews of each camera and also check out the buy/sell forum is: www.fredmiranda.com it is a photography forum and all the people selling stuff are photographers so the stuff is priced real reasonable and really well taken care of (I have bought almost all of my camera equipment there, it feels safer than ebay).

 

[Melanie Kern-Favilla]

I just did a little looking around and found this site for a new 5D for $1129, body only. Does anyone think I should be wary of this site? On pricegrabber, it has a 5000+ reviews with a five-star rating....

http://www.bestpricecameras.com/prodetails.asp?prodid=308518

Melanie

 

[Willoughby Owen]

Stay clear! Always check reseller ratings... http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Best_Price_Cameras_6

I had to cancel a lens order from Manhattan after I checked that site, guy on the other end of the line wasn't at all happy. Bummer for them.

 

[Greg Blumberg]

I just did a little looking around and found this site for a new 5D for $1129, body only. Does anyone think I should be wary of this site? On pricegrabber, it has a 5000+ reviews with a five-star rating....

http://www.bestpricecameras.com/prodetails.asp?prodid=308518

Melanie

I wouldn't trust that site. When shopping for my Rebel XT I too came across this site and checked out the ratings for a lot of low priced stores. If it's too good to be true, it's probably not true. I've read that these stores call you up and hassle you after the purchase, claiming that they need to verify your credit card. Also, anyone can submit reviews to pricegrabber. I went with Amazon, despite the good price of the other sites. B&H Camera is also good to look at too. I know you're really concerned about price (who isn't), but IMO I'd take security over price.

Ebay is also pretty decent from what I've heard. My friend Andrew Ryan bought his Nikon D40 off of it and got a pretty good deal.

Good luck!

 

[Mike Deep]

I just did a little looking around and found this site for a new 5D for $1129, body only. Does anyone think I should be wary of this site? On pricegrabber, it has a 5000+ reviews with a five-star rating....

http://www.bestpricecameras.com/prodetails.asp?prodid=308518

Melanie

Scam! The 5D never sells for that little new and likely never will. The fact of the matter is $2000+ is the only legitimate going price for a new 5D body and there are no exceptions. The pricing of high-end photo equipment is brutal and rarely gives way, lenses especially.

Best bets for photo equipment are Amazon, B&H, and Adorama.

 

[Graham Butler]

I will second the others opinions for getting a 5D now along with some new L glass vs. the pro body. Remember you are only as good as your glass. You could have a pro body with a kit (non-L) lens and someone could blow you away, for less money, with a 10D (gasp, yes they still are out there)/XTi/30D/20D/etc and an L lens. I would vote to put your money in your glass and get a 5D OR just get better glass and keep the XTi. Are their features you just MUST have besides the less of a crop? Could this problem of the crop be fixed by purchasing a nice wide agle? Is this just body envy? I shoot with a 20D and my 17-40 is my least used lens. I am more likely to shoot with my 24-70L f/2.8 or my 70-200L f/2.8. Although I would love another body (for not only full frame ability but to use my 20D as a back up body) I am going to first purchase a 300L f/4.

Just some questions and rambling.

GrahamB

 

[Melanie Kern-Favilla]

Are their features you just MUST have besides the less of a crop? Could this problem of the crop be fixed by purchasing a nice wide agle? Is this just body envy?

I think it's the crop factor and, I'm ashamed to admit it, but body envy definitely plays into it. I absolutely agree with you re: the good glass. That's why I went high-end (so to speak) with my macro. And man oh man, you can certainly see a difference.

I was already planning to purchase a L-IS 100-400, mostly for wildlife (as the price tag and the lack of versatility of the 500mm is too extreme for me). But I see that most people have the 70-200 L-IS. Is there a reason that you stayed away from the 100-400?

I get that the glass will impact the quality of my photos a LOT more than the body will. If that's the case and I am willing to live with the cropped sensor (which I'm willing to do), does anyone see a reason to upgrade from my XTi?

Everyone's feedback is greatly appreciated...

Melanie

 

[Graham Butler]

But I see that most people have the 70-200 L-IS. Is there a reason that you stayed away from the 100-400?

I was trying to get the best bang for my buck. The 100-400 had not been out long when I purchased my 70-200 plus I believe the 100-400 is f/4 whereas the 70-200 is f/2.8. At that point my only other L glass was the 17-40 f/4 and I really wanted the sharpness and bokeh of a lens with f/2.8. The other reason I stayed away from the 100-400 is that it covers just waaaay to far of a span with its zoom. The old saying "multi-purpose, multi-usless" echos in my head. I have a hard time buying something, even though L quality, that is supposed to perform across those ranges. Having the 70-200L, 1.4x extender, and about to buy the 300L f/4, I will be able to perform through out the same ranges (and more) as the 100-400 with better sharpness and quality.

I am not sure anyone has suggested www.fredmiranda.com for the reviews of equipment but I love it. Being able to find reviews from hundreds of consumers gives you a very good picture at quality.

GrahamB