A loyal reader asks this:

I’m having a bit of a dilemma here. Vistek has the Canon 50mm f1.2L on sale for $500 off. I’ve had my eye on this for a while and this is perfect incentive. However, I have an EOS 7D (DIGIC 4). As you know, that means my 50 becomes an 80. To get to a 50, I really need a 30 and the closest I can get to that is a 35mm f1.4L. So a few questions here:

1. When the 35 goes to a 56, is there any tilt on buildings like you would have with a 35 or does that sort of “auto-correct”?

2.  Is the quality of a 35 at 56 on crop-frame comparable to the quality of a 50 at 50 on full-frame?

3. What would you say are the critical decision factors in moving from a 7D to a 5D?

The thing is, I really like the 7D and it’s a bit lighter in weight than the 5D, so I’m kind of wrestling with this a bit

Great questions!

First, both are great cameras and all options are good. You will be a happy man tomorrow whatever you choose. But let me help in more detail.

Question one. When you put a 35mm on a 7D, it behaves like a 50mm on a 5D. In every way. So whatever a 50mm lens on a 5D would do is what the 35mm on the 7D will do. Including perspective etc. And by the way I have the 35mm f/1.4 lens and it is sweet, the most amazing lens. And sharp: oh boy, so sharp. And I also have the 85mm f/1.2, same story. And used to have the 50mm f/1.2: not as sharp, but wonderful too.

Question two. Yes. The same. Because the sensors have the same number of megapixels.  So yes, the same quality, With one proviso: the 7D has a smaller sensor which means more “noise” (quality loss) at high ISO values. So if you plan to shoot often at 3200+ ISO, then get the 5D. Else, the 7D is wonderful. I love mine. Great focus system, great menus, a wonderful piece of equipment.

Question three. See question two. The 5D has better high ISO performance. It also has a bigger brighter viewfinder. And some more functions, but nothing you really need.  The 7D is smaller and lighter, it shoots faster rapid pictures, and in general is a really cool camera. I think the only really important thing is high ISO: if you always hsoot at high ISO values (1600 and abiove), go for the 5D. Else, the 7D is great. I use mine all the time.

I’ll leave you with a few 7D shots I made just now near Ontario’s Royal Botanical Gardens.