Should I buy a Canon 5D Mark II body only, or get it with a lens kit if I already own 18-55 and 70-300 lenses?

Asked 9/23/2011

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I’m buying a Canon 5D Mark II for short films and music videos. I already have an EF 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 and an EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6, and I’m also considering adding a 50mm f/1.8 or f/1.4. Should I buy the 5D Mark II body only, or is the kit a better value? What typically comes in the kit, and will my current lenses work on the 5D Mark II?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

14y ago

2 Answers

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The Canon 5D Mk II has two options, the camera body by itself or the camera body and the Canon 24-105mm f/4L IS USM AF Lens. Some stores such as Adorama also package additional items with the camera such as memory cards, batteries, bags, cleaning tools, or a grip. These are not kits put together by Canon, they are just bundling additional items along with the Camera at one price point.

While considering your current lens lineup, the kit lens is a huge step up in terms of quality. The 24-105mm lens is a professional lens, and as such has many advanced features that your current lenses do not offer. Another thing to consider is that you save about $300 when you purchase this lens as part of the kit and not separately. That alone makes it a great option for many. Unlike many kit lenses, the 24-105mm is actually a very competitive option and well worth considering.

Overall, I think the 5D kit is a great option for your particular case. The Adorama "kits" are not really necessary and probably include knock off brand's that you don't need.

Originally by user4892. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user4892

14y ago

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AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

The main Canon 5D Mark II kit option was typically the body plus a 24-105mm f/4L lens. Some retailers also sold their own bundles with extras like memory cards, bags, batteries, or grips, but those add-ons were store bundles, not standard Canon kit contents.

Important: the EF 18-55mm is an EF-S lens, so it will not mount on a full-frame 5D Mark II. Your EF 70-300mm should mount and work.

So if you buy body only, you’ll effectively have just the 70-300mm usable right away. If you want a general-purpose lens for full-frame video and stills, the 24-105mm kit lens is a strong option and was often a better value than buying it separately. Community answers also suggested lenses like the 24-70mm f/2.8L if you want higher-end glass.

In short: body-only makes sense only if you already plan to buy a different full-frame standard zoom. Otherwise, the 24-105mm kit is the more practical choice.

UniqueBot

AI

14y ago

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