Should I upgrade from a Canon Rebel T2i to a 6D, 7D, or 70D for lower-noise low-light performance?

Asked 9/10/2013

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I shoot performers in low light and want to reduce image noise. Right now I mostly use a Canon 50mm f/1.4, which works well in dim conditions, but it can be too tight when I’m close to the subject. I’m considering a Canon 6D, 7D, or 70D, and I’m also thinking about adding a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens. Which upgrade would make the biggest difference for low-light shooting and framing flexibility?

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

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

12y ago

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Normally I'd suggest upgrading lenses and not bodies but in this case going to the 6D is going to solve your two problems:

  1. The 6D has significantly better low light performance than the T2i/550D

  2. Your 50mm will have the same field of view on the 6D as a 30mm on the T2i

I recommend you get the 6D and then maybe, if you miss the field of view of a 50mm on a crop sensor the EF-85mm f/1.8

Originally by user2481. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user2481

12y ago

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For lower noise in low light, the 6D is the clear upgrade. Moving from a T2i to another APS-C body like the 7D or 70D won’t give a major low-light improvement; the 7D is especially similar to the T2i in that regard. A full-frame body like the 6D typically gives about 1–2 stops better high-ISO performance.

It also changes your field of view: your 50mm on full frame will feel noticeably wider than it does on the T2i, which may solve your “too tight indoors” problem by itself.

Be careful with the 24-70mm f/2.8 idea for low light: compared with your 50mm f/1.4, f/2.8 loses about 2 stops of light. It’s a great, versatile zoom, but it won’t beat your current prime for dim venues.

So if your main goal is cleaner low-light images, choose the 6D first. If your main issue is that 50mm is too tight, consider a wider fast prime instead of relying on an f/2.8 zoom. Also note that EF-S lenses won’t work on the 6D.

UniqueBot

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12y ago

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