OT. Help me make an equipment choice

I've got a 7D as my main body and a 50D as a second or back-up body. I don't use the 50D much, but it was nice having the second body over the weekend when I shot the Fallen Firefighters Memorial. I'd like to carry a camera around with me when I'm hiking, but both the 7D and 50d with the 24-105 make for a pretty heavy load, so I end up not carrying anything. I lighter body and lens would be great.
On the other hand, I'd love to go to a full frame body, but the 5D MkIII is WAY outta my price range. Good used or refurbished MkII's are somewhat more affordable, but not quite in my price range.

I have two problems I can solve, and two solutions. I need opinions on the following two choices:

A) Trade in the 50D body for a T3i and a 28-135 (or something similar) as a lightweight alternative to the 50D and still have the luxury of a second body, or...
B) Trade in both the 50D and 7D to get a Canon refurbished 5D MkII. I'd finally get a FF body, but would not have a back-up.(A MkIII is out of the question unless I also trade in a car).

Thanks!

Bob, if you are looking for a small, light, full frame, have you seen the newly announced 6D?
Now the intro price at $2100 may still be out of your price range, but I'm sure it will drop a bit, if you are willing to wait.

Patience grasshopper.

If anything, trade in one body for lens or cash to save when the 6D drops $500 in nine months or so.

@Bill: You just cost me $2k by pointing out the 6D :)

Bob: I feel you'll be severely disappointed moving from a pro body (7D/50D) to a consumer body (T3i). The lack of a jog dial amongst many other things just doesn't cut it for me. Right now an XSi and a G12 are my backups, but I'd hate to use the XSi for normal use just because of it's usability features. But per my earlier comment, I'll probably be nabbing that 6D soon and saying goodbye to the XSi as a backup.

Bob, I was in a similar spot with a 50d and wanting a full frame. After the overpriced 5D3 was announced, I bought a refurbished 5D2 from Canon for $1760. After seeing the specs and price of the 6d I think the refurbished 5D2 is still the best way to go full frame. My 50 d is now a rarely used backup now.

Unless you are a bird photographer , maybe you should sell the 7d as it might get more cash because once you go full frame both crop bodies will seem to lose their luster.

Good luck!!!

Bob- i have a 5DMKII and may move up to the 5DIII. Contact me if you would be interested in my 5DII. bkarcz1@gmail.com or 303=681-2596
Castle Rock

Thanks for the all the replies. I had NOT heard of the 6D, but will certainly check it out. Bob, I may also be looking at your MkII.

Hey Bob, the 6D is the new kid on the block that will replace the 5D2 and compete with the Nikon D600. Canon just announced it today, have a peek in the Digital Imaging forum, I put a link to the announcement there. HOWEVER, that means 5D Mark IIs are going to be more affordable until they are discontinued. Did you know that Amazon has the 5D2 brand new for $1899? Have a look!. It's probably safe to say that the price will drop more, but the window may be small for availability. I dare say you could sell the 50D and 7D and have enough to get a new 5D2 or 6D. The 6D is only $200 more and does offer faster FPS and geotagging, but if that 5D2 drops another hundred bucks or more, I think for landscape work it's a no-brainer. You're in a great position right now, FF availiblity is more in our reach budget-wise. Happy shopping! Oh, if I see a price drop on the 5D2, I'll shoot you a message. My best guess is that Black Friday or Cyber Monday will be an amazing time to grab the last of the 5D2's if anyone wants to wait.

I would go with the 6D because of the Digic 5+ chip, I currently own a 5DMarkII and a 7D, the 7D handles the noise so much better than the 5DMarkII at the same ISO. Just my 2 cents.

I own the T2i as my back up and carry around camera. With the 18-55mm kit lens it is very light and compact. I have done some decent 16x20 type enlargements with it. I dabble in bird photography with a 400mm and it is decent, though a little noisy and no 7D. If you are budget minded you might check out the differences between the T2i and the T3i. My judgement is that they are not very big.

That said, I have just added the 6D to my wish list. My primary camera is a 5D and have been thinking to upgrade for some time. This just might be it.

I got a 7D and a 5Dm3 - but any 7D + Full Frame is a good combo to have. the Full Frame is my primary, and the 7D crop body now serves as backup, secondary video, and long needs.

To tell a story - I originally had not thought about carrying a good backup. But in February I had a tripod accident at the very start of a photographers weekend which took my one and only 7D out of commission. Fortunately another photographer I had met earlier had a third body, granted a T2i, to borrow that saved the entire weekend. Since, having a backup is critical, especially if you do paying gigs.

So I would hesitate to go solo body. But I would find out how to get any good Full Frame with your good 7D.

Lots of great advice and info (and the 6D is pretty alluring). Thanks everyone!

Monkey Wrench Warning - Mirrorless Cam for second body

Sony Nex 5N is a great backup choice for only $500 plus kit lens. It competes with a 5DMK II at high ISO and is super lightweight. Consider adding a mirrorless cams to your aresenal- Samsung, Fuji, and Sony make great options and of course Canon now has its own entry. I love mine!

Of course that leaves you wanting lenses but I think you can chill with the kit lens 18-55 or get the 11-18 and be done with it. After all it's just a second cam for catching some cool moments or helping with scouting a shot. Who hasn't wanted to scope out that spot 20 ft away after setting up their tripod for a shot? I love the flexibility of popping out the lightweight scout taking a gander in the viewfinder while still having my other spot secured. Great image quality at a low price.

Thanks Art! Not a monkey wrench, but another option...