Budget Full Frame + 35mm

[olv]

Like many, I’ve always had an itch for full frame but never scratched it. I’m a very happy Fuji X user so don’t really need anything extra but feel like getting an older generation FF camera, mainly for landscapes and walkabout.

What do you think offers the most value for money for under a grand, I’m thinking of body and a 35mm prime. Second hand, obvs.

Canon 5D II or 6D. Nikon D610. Sony A7? Anything else I should throw into consideration? I know Canon’s lens lineup so would tend towards them but if there’s a compelling case for Nikon and Sony I’m very open to ideas.

What would you go for?

 

[sniperone]

A 5d ii with a 50mm 1.4 can be found for your budget , it’s a great combo but bulky as a walk around camera compared to the Fuji system . The Sony A7 looks good on paper but the large heavy expensive lenses negates the small body size .

 

[olv]

Yeah I don’t think the A7 is really a contender unless I see a bargain A7+28mm F2.

6D with a 35mm F2 IS could be a good combo.

The D600 seems good value, I would think that the sensor oil issue should be solved in most of them by now and the sensor performance should be a decent step up over the 6D but no idea on Nikon lenses.

 

[SDK^]

The 6D is a bargain, it’s basically a 5D mk3 with a few less features.

 

[D.P.]

For landscapes I would definitely pick the Nikon D600 top get the extra sensor performance.

Nikon lenses mirror Canon basically

 

[olv]

It seems like you can get a D600 for £450-600 depending on condition and a 35mm f1.8ED for £300ish so that could be a good option.

 

[spartagates]

I just picked up a 2nd hand D600 & tamron 28-75mm f2.8 all for £550 and there seems plenty out there (added bonus of the D600 is nikon will swap out the shutter for free at any time due to the oil drops issue, basically making it a D610)

 

[Columbo]

It seems like you can get a D600 for £450-600 depending on condition and a 35mm f1.8ED for £300ish so that could be a good option.

There isn't a better combo to be honest for the available money, though I'd consider a Sigma 35mm f1.4 for £100 or so extra.
Just make sure that if you get the D600 it comes with warranty or that it has had the shutter mech replaced under the Nikon recall.

 

[sHo0sH]

I'm currently selling a low shutter count 6d on the market place in great condition if you have access?

 

[olv]

Thanks for the heads up sHo0sH but think I shall go Nikon this time.

Going to read up on the various 24/28/35/50mm options before taking the plunge.

 

[a1ex2001]

I use my 5dmkii with 35mm f2is for exactly this, I really enjoy my fuji x10 but there is something about a fast(ish) prime on full frame that is just really nice! The f2 IS is an amazing lens really sharp from wide open pretty small and the IS is surprisingly useful when shooting hand held let's you push the limits and covers dodgy technique!

I really must get my 24-105mm fixed!

 

[olv]

I really like the idea of the 35mm IS f2, it looks great but the 5Dii and 6D seem more expensive like for like compared to the D600 which looks to be the better camera.

The sigma 24-35mm f2 also looks really interesting, bit expensive for just dipping my toe though.

I think I’m fairly settled on a D600 and a 35mm f2D now.

 

[Energize]

The Nikon D600 hasn't been manufactured for years, they were only briefly manufactured before being retired due to oil issues.

The D610 is a good, cheap, current gen ff body to go for.

Sigma's lenses are optically superior to Nikon's and Canon's so no reason not to go with the superior sensor if getting a camera for landscapes and walkabout stuff.

 

[D.P.]

The D610 I'd basically identical to the D600. Nvidia fixed the oil problem early on in D600 profuprodu but released the D610 to get new marketing.

 

[Steve M]

Plus Nikon will fix the D600 oil issue for free anyway.

 

[Energize]

The D610 I'd basically identical to the D600. Nvidia fixed the oil problem early on in D600 profuprodu but released the D610 to get new marketing.

That's true, slightly faster continuous shooting speed I believe on the D610 though. But considering the prices I don't see a reason to get the D600 which may potentially inconvenience you with an oil issue

 

[olv]

I don't see why you would pay more (c. £200) for the D610 over the D600 for perceivably very little gain.

 

[Energize]

£200 not sure where you're shopping?! The D610 is selling in £5xx range.

 

[ddoubleep]

D600/610 and the 35mm f2. The f2 isn't so bad when taken to 2.8+ and even wide open is fine. It's small and light and built well. Cheap when picked up used.

 

[olv]

£200 not sure where you're shopping?! The D610 is selling in £5xx range.

I've only seen them from ~£700+ on wex/mpb/lce. Be keen at £500 but that more sensibly seems like D600 territory from my search this week.

Thanks @ddoubleep good to have a positive recommendation on the 35f/2.