New Camera versus buying lenses

[Fotoscapes]

I have been agonizing for months whether to spend money on a new camera body, preferably the Canon 40D, or new/used lenses. I currently own a Canon Rebel XT (350D) and have owned it since May, 2005. As for lenses I have: Sigmas 18-50mm 3.5-5.6; 70-300 4.0-6.3; 28-80 3.5-4.6. Canon: 28-135 IS 3.5-5.6.

Would I be the more prudent photographer spening my money on one or two L lenses? I am thinking at least the 24-70 2.8 L. Other lenses I am thinking would be either Sigma or Tamron 2.8 lenses in the 24 or 28-80 range. I know there are no comparisions to the Ls but it's still a conundrum I have whether to buy a camera or lenses. Most people have told me buy glass. I agree with that comment. However my Rebel XT is nearly 3 years old.

Any thoughts or comment?

[Jim G]

Who cares about the age of the camera? Is it no longer producing the images you want it to? If you really want/need the things the 40D will bring you the upgrade may be well worth it.. but don't stress just 'cos your camera is getting old compared to the new models. It'll still take just as good photos as it did when it was brand new...

What are you looking to improve on with your upgrades? Better low light performance, faster AF, sharper etc.?

[Fotoscapes]

Who cares about the age of the camera? Is it no longer producing the images you want it to? If you really want/need the things the 40D will bring you the upgrade may be well worth it.. but don't stress just 'cos your camera is getting old compared to the new models. It'll still take just as good photos as it did when it was brand new...

What are you looking to improve on with your upgrades? Better low light performance, faster AF, sharper etc.?

Good question back at me!

I do want faster lens(es). I do a lot of non-professional portraits and want those backgrounds blurred. However, I can blur backgrounds by using the 70-300 but would obviously like to use a smaller, lighter lens when it comes to that. I do something think some of my shots lack sharpness but I could be my own worse critic. Larger LCD would be nice and the live view is obviously nice. Now I am seeing that people are speaking nicely of the new Rebel XSi so maybe that would be a nice choice? Although not an L, I have read good reviews about both the Sigma and Tamron 24-70 2.8s. I lean torward the Tamron because covering that 82mm opening with filters on the Sigma will require a second mortgage!

[Jim G]

Good question back at me!

I do want faster lens(es). I do a lot of non-professional portraits and want those backgrounds blurred. However, I can blur backgrounds by using the 70-300 but would obviously like to use a smaller, lighter lens when it comes to that. I do something think some of my shots lack sharpness but I could be my own worse critic. Larger LCD would be nice and the live view is obviously nice. Now I am seeing that people are speaking nicely of the new Rebel XSi so maybe that would be a nice choice? Although not an L, I have read good reviews about both the Sigma and Tamron 24-70 2.8s. I lean torward the Tamron because covering that 82mm opening with filters on the Sigma will require a second mortgage!

If you want small, light and awesome blurred backgrounds how about one of the primes? That could fit in with your current line-up nicely and not break the bank. 85mm 1.8, 50mm 1.4 and if you don't mind the bank the 135L is a cracker of a lens.. it's pretty long on a 350D for anything but tight headshots unless you have heaps of room, though.

[Fotoscapes]

If you want small, light and awesome blurred backgrounds how about one of the primes? That could fit in with your current line-up nicely and not break the bank. 85mm 1.8, 50mm 1.4 and if you don't mind the bank the 135L is a cracker of a lens.. it's pretty long on a 350D for anything but tight headshots unless you have heaps of room, though.

Thanks for these great answers. I have definately thought of primes but I know so many people that don't use them, after they have bought them, because they need or want the flexibility of the zooms. However, the 50mm 1.8s or 1.4s do seem appealing!

[Jim G]

Thanks for these great answers. I have definately thought of primes but I know so many people that don't use them, after they have bought them, because they need or what the flexibility of the zooms. However, the 50mm 1.8s or 1.4s do seem appealing!

The 50mm 1.8 is a very inexpensive way of exploring the realm of primes and not a half bad lens for the money - you can't take much of a hit even if you do decide you hate primes and sell it on.. I bought mine and loved it (well, some aspects of it, I liked the 50mm prime aspect of it enough to buy the better version... the inaccurate AF and lack of really usable MF ring got to me eventually) - I very much enjoy both primes and zooms and you just can't beat that aperture advantage for background blur :)

[Mike Bell]

I think a fast prime should be your next step if you like portraiture. None of your current lenses will get that narrow DOF look we love to see.

Take a look at your current portrait shots with a program like Exposure Plot which shows what settings you use in bar chart form. It's freeware - just Google it.

That will tell you whether to go for 50 or 85. I have the 50 f1.4 and the 85 f1.8. On my 350D I slightly prefer the 85 for portraits especially head-only shots.

[zorz]

From what I understood, you don't have decent flash units. That would be my next purchase, not upgrading camera or lenses. The difference in studio quality lighting would far outweigh the difference in glass or camera functions. Dramatic lighting is what scored more compliments for me when I started with 350D and non-L lenses. If you go with such vendors as AlienBees, a complete starter kit shouldn't cost you more than a new L lens... Alternatively, invest in a couple of Speedlights.

[Village_Idiot]

Grab a used 30D for like $600ish. Buy an L lens to boot.

Problem solved.

[Fotoscapes]

Grab a used 30D for like $600ish. Buy an L lens to boot.

Problem solved.


Buying a used 30D has run though my mind several times as an option. My word...such decisions that need to be made!

[MysticalPhoto]

I just bought a used 30d for $700 - 1500 Acutation - an upgrade from a Canon XT, and I LOVE IT!!!!!!

:) Just my 2 cents.