Call me crazy - I'm selling all my camera gear! *gasp*

[Linda and "Toby"]

Before you fall over, let me explain.... I want to get into the habit of shooting more often and taking my camera everywhere I go. I’ve had my eye on the Canon EOS 5D Mark III along with an assortment of uber-nice lenses.

This weekend my daughter said, “Let’s hop over to San Francisco for lunch next week and do some shopping and sight seeing. (She works for the airlines so we fly free.) Be sure to bring your camera!” 

Well, my favorite lens is my 70-200mm. The size and weight of my Canon EOS 5D camera + lens is considerable, and sometimes I feel like the Paparazzi when I’m shooting in public places with it - LOL! The thought of carrying it on my shoulder while shopping in SF got me thinking…. Hrmmmm…I have no desire to get back into doing professional photo shoots …  and I don’t want to take a heavy camera/lens with me when I travel...  (slap forehead) I should be downsizing to something smaller/lighter rather than upgrading to something even larger/heavier!

So, I’ve decided to sell the whole kit and kaboodle. About $6,000 worth of nice camera gear, including a Canon EOS 5D 12.8MP full-frame DSLR, Canon 100mm f2.8 USM Macro lens + lens hood, Canon 70-200mm IS f/4.0 USM lens, 580EX Speedlight flash,  a Quantum Turbo battery pack, Canon EOS 5D Battery charger, Lowepro Micro Trekker 200 camera bag, 3 camera batteries, memory cards, camera sensor cleaner, flash light diffuser, etc.

My question to the group is, do you think I should sell it as a complete set (on Ebay with a $2,000 reserve price), or would it be better to sell the pieces separately? I know that I’d probably make more money selling by breaking it up, but aside from the whole hassle-thing of dealing with different buyers that I have to ship to, if someone was wanting to get into DSLR photography with a pro-level camera, or if they’re shooting professionally and want a second camera + 2 lenses + flash for an assistant photographer, this would be a dream setup. And it would be nice to keep the family together, so to speak. (I’m kind of sentimental that way.) So, I'm leaning toward listing it all together. But I'm not sure if that's best... Well, iIf you know of anyone who might be interested, please let me know right away, because I will probably put it on Ebay tomorrow.

I'm SOOOO excited about exploring my options for my next camera!!! Believe it or not, I'm leaning towards the (24.3MP) Sony NEX7. Any other suggestions? In the meantime, I’m going to have fun seeing  how far I can push the limits on my iPhone – hahaha!

[Camilla and Darwin]

If you were going to sell them separately, how much would you list the 5d for?

[Linda and "Toby"]

For the camera plus 3 batteries and charger I'd like to get $800.00. This includes having the sensor professionally cleaned prior to shipping.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Totally off topic and I apologize. But how important is it to have your sensor cleaned? How often? (I've had my camera for 1 year) where? 

[F, Calla & Luca]

First thought because I have to go to work and will rethink later. Don't do it. This gear cost you $6000 and you might only get $2000. Do you need the money right away? If not buy yourself the downsized camera you want and work with it. You certainly might love it and use it all the time. You might use it for jaunts like SF (have fun). Your pictures with your current camera are fantastic and I don't think you need uber lenses or camera body. But sometimes you might want the setup you have for special occasions or even a work thing. If you want to sell it after a little time you always could. I remember your rats so fondly : )

[Linda and "Toby"]

I thought about that, but I think I'd rather go ahead and sell it now when I can get a decent price for everything rather than have it sit in my closet collecting dust. 

[Linda and "Toby"]

IMHO, it's a good idea to get it professionally cleaned every year or two, depending on how much you're outside in the dust, wind, etc. The camera store in my town (that all the pro's trust with their gear) charges $65-$75 depending on how dusty/dirty the sensor is and can get it back to you in a day or two. Even if it doesn't appear to be that dirty, you'll be amazed at how much better it looks when you get it back. 

[Camilla and Darwin]

Meaning, the image quality? Sharpness, or just spotiness on the photo?

[Linda and "Toby"]

Mostly the spots that show up in the image if you shoot towards a light colored wall or the sky, etc.

[Carol and Banjo]

I might be interested in the macro Linda. Any idea what you want for it?

[Linda and "Toby"]

For you, Carol, or anyone on DK, I'd be willing to sell it for $375. It's a GORGEOUS portrait lens. If I put it on Ebay I will probably set a reserve price of $400.00.

Sorry, F, that I've turned this thread into a listing. I have to run to an appt, but I'll be happy to move the discussion over to the Buy-Sell-Trade group this afternoon. :)

[Carol and Banjo]

Linda....That's a fabulous deal....but unfortunately I'm not in a position to buy it right now.   : (     Just got a new IPad....and I KNOW DH would give me the Stink Eye.    I might be turning into a techie junkie between computer and camera gear.... 

[F, Calla & Luca]

UNo this is fine because it's good to discuss thhe general topic of dSLRs , convenience, best ways to list equipment  etc. I rarely take my dSLR with me on day trips or vacations. It is cumbersome even witout your mega lens. Then the day becomes more about the photos than the experience. So I'm also interested in what you choose and why.