40D vs 50D

[toverman]

The 5D can shoot cleanly at ISO 1600, if the shots are exposed properly. It's still a beast of a camera. But the focus seems slow vs. a 1D body (even older ones). One way to help fix that with any body is (of course to spend more money) on the Canon ST-E2 optical flash trigger. Its focus assist makes lightning out of molasses (sort of). And if you're starting out with just one flash (430 EX, 580 EX, etc.) you can move it off camera and use it somewhat reliably.

[Phanee]

Todd, interesting point about ST-E2 helping with faster focus. I have recently bought used 5D and most of the time I have 580EX ii on the camera. Does it serve the same purpose?

I am experiencing hunting for focus more with my 135L f/2. I don't know whether it is a common problem with 135L or the problem is with my copy. I have never read anything bad about 135L.

Daniel, sorry if I am hijacking the thread.

[toverman]

Originally Posted by Phanee

Todd, interesting point about ST-E2 helping with faster focus. I have recently bought used 5D and most of the time I have 580EX ii on the camera. Does it serve the same purpose?

I am experiencing hunting for focus more with my 135L f/2. I don't know whether it is a common problem with 135L or the problem is with my copy. I have never read anything bad about 135L.

Daniel, sorry if I am hijacking the thread.

With your 580 EX II mounted in your hot shoe, you should be getting the same focus-assist you'd get with the ST-E2 (the ST-E2 is smaller and lighter).

With the 135L, I've heard it is normally one of the fastest-focusing lenses Canon makes.

[DoublyDan]

Originally Posted by Phanee

Todd, interesting point about ST-E2 helping with faster focus. I have recently bought used 5D and most of the time I have 580EX ii on the camera. Does it serve the same purpose?

I am experiencing hunting for focus more with my 135L f/2. I don't know whether it is a common problem with 135L or the problem is with my copy. I have never read anything bad about 135L.

Daniel, sorry if I am hijacking the thread.

Phanee, no worries...We are all here to learn.

My off camera flash is an opteka EF600 (about 100 dollars) so I am open to learning about the more expensive ones as well. I bought this flash in to help me learn, I will be upgrading but not in the next few months. I bough Joe McNallys book (diaries) and have not gotten all the way through it but am learning quite a bit. I also have watched Zack Arais' One Light Workshop and that was just a joy to watch (and learn).

In fact I just bought this as a inexpensive way to signal my flashes one has the receiver and the others are slaves to that 1st one...I will let everyone know how it works out when i get it.

The way I look at it is that its about capturing a moment and lenses, bodies, lights, and other accessories are involved so there really is no hijacking a thread because its so intertwined.

[bigjon0107]

If you do not want to get the 5D (great camera still), I would go for the 40D and spend the savings on the 85. Your glass is severely lacking and honestly upgrading your glass alone will surprise you in the quality difference.