Upgrade 350d or Get a Lens?

I'm brand new the forum and have been reading posts similar to this one over the last several days so as to avoid repeating questions, but, having done so, I'd still like some thoughts on my given situation.

From what I've read, here's the general information generally requested by those who respond. (Question(s) to follow):

Current Gear:
Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS SLR Lens
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens
Various Point-and-Shoot Canons

Situation/Interests:
-Primarily outdoor photography -- wildlife and landscapes
-Would like to use large prints (e.g., 20x24 and up) as wall decorations in my home
-Sports photography (but not for several years as young relatives age)
-Trip to Alaska in Summer 2012 (primary reason for question)
-Often hike 5-12 miles with camera and two lenses (i.e., portability is relatively important)

Budget:
$1000-1500

Question(s):
I'm looking to upgrade something for my trip next summer. I've been looking at bodies within my price range, primarily the 60d and 7d. However, I often read recommendations to upgrade lenses before bodies. Given what I like to do and the gear I have, am I better off investing in a new lens and having it on the older XT body, or buying a new body and using the lenses I have? (For example, is an L-series lens worth it on the body I've got?) Or neither, and you have a better idea? I will eventually upgrade both in the years ahead and would prefer to not just buy something in the $400-600 range to temporarily "get me by," as I've already got that in the Rebel XT and 70-300 lens. I would prefer investing in stuff I can use for many years.

If you think I should opt for lenses, what would you recommend I upgrade? Should I go for something like a 70-200 f/4 L and replace the 70-300 or go for a wider-zoom L-series (e.g., 24-105 f/4 L or 24-70 f/2.8 L) to use for landscapes and just keep using the 70-300 I've got for wildlife?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts! Sorry for the length of the post, I hoped to be thorough to give you the best sense of where I stand.

If you want larger prints, you can't get that with a lens. You need megapixels. Or you can stitch together smaller shots I suppose, but that has it's own challenges.

I would get a 60D body, and you'd still have some room for extras, like the 430 EX II flash, which will get you a HUGE improvement on your indoors shots.

Thanks for the response. However, I do already have an external flash, but forgot to list it. I don't take a lot of indoor photos, either, though it is definitely helpful when I do.

I have upgraded from the 350D to the 60D about 6 months ago.. Best thing i EVER did !!!
I now use my 350D with Kit lens for when i go drinking/partying.

Id upgrade the body to one of the 15 or 18MP models currently available. there are a couple of used 50D's in the classifieds section someone just posted, then you'd have 500-1000 leftover for a nice lens to compliment the body. Tthat 350D is a relatively good camera but like Keyan said the megapixels aren't there for what you want to do.

This for activities like hiking:
60D EF-S 18-135mm IS Lens Kit Refurbished
http://shop.usa.canon.​com …uct_10051_10051​_276389_-1

I know nothing about Alaska but I believe you would want a lens of 300mm or longer. Your 70-300 might be adequate or rent a 100-400mm lens for the trip.

Save the unused funds until you know exactly what other lens is desired.

The "L" lenses are very nice but they are not cheap. I have trouble even considering something else. It's that darn "L" virus that just can't be treated with anything without a red ring.

I was in similar situation with an xTi. I went with glass first and was really happy with the 70-200L f4 IS - very very sharp and more portable than the f2.8 monster. The image quality just was astounding with my xTi which I attribute to the L construction and the IS. So I truly believe glass >>> body for me (xTi 70-200 image attached)

Eventually I upgraded to a 7D with the canon Loyalty program and am happy. Fast frame rate helps for the kids sports and I must say that I grew out of the xTi features. The biggest advantage is the wider ISO range which may not be an issue for you with outdoor shooting.

don't forget the CLP. If you play your cards right you could get a 60D for $640 and a refurb 70-200L F4 and get around the $1500 mark.

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Craign wrote in post #13550986
This for activities like hiking:
60D EF-S 18-135mm IS Lens Kit Refurbished
http://shop.usa.canon.​com …uct_10051_10051​_276389_-1

I know nothing about Alaska but I believe you would want a lens of 300mm or longer. Your 70-300 might be adequate or rent a 100-400mm lens for the trip.

Save the unused funds until you know exactly what other lens is desired.

The "L" lenses are very nice but they are not cheap. I have trouble even considering something else. It's that darn "L" virus that just can't be treated with anything without a red ring.

The 100-400 is so amazing...a friend let me borrow his, and man I want to get one, but there is no way I can swing it right now.

i did the switch to 60d from xsi and couldn't be happier. it's built so much better and faster.

get a new body and then save for 70-200 variant.

To get back on topic:

I started with a 350D when I finally went dslr, and I always thought it is a lovely little camera. And it is still in use by the person whom I sold it to when I got a 400D - he is very happy with it.

However, I think the camera is a little outdated by now, and I reckon your best first upgrade would be a new body. You are considering 60D and 7D, and since weight is a concern, I'd suggest you go for a 60D first. That will also leave you some money still for another lens, or a huge chunk towards one. Maybe get a 15-85 with the 60D, to start with.

24-70L or 24-105L will leave you with nothing below 24 mm, unless you want to continue using the 18-55 with that. Alternatively, you could indeed replace the 70-300 with the 70-200 L, and maybe an extender 1.4X II - those should go used for a fair amount below new price with many replacing them with the Mk III version. And it works perfectly well with 70-200L, whilst retaining AF. With thsi option, do consider the 18-55 IS as a kit lens, so you will have somethign wider just in case you need one.

Kind regards, Wim

I just ordered a 60d and I'm coming from a rebel xt as well. You could get a 15-85 for outdoor photos since you're hiking 5-12 miles per day.

Sell anything to get a 5Dmkii. I mean ANYTHING. Its a performance dSLR. just save a little more and buy one, they're only 2k right now. But I see you might need to upgrade your glass gear...

iluxa007 wrote in post #13552214
Sell anything to get a 5Dmkii. I mean ANYTHING. Its a performance dSLR.

Would you mind elaborating on this?

Thanks for the input so far, everyone!

I will be selling a kidney for the 1DX.

bimhoff07 wrote in post #13553452
Would you mind elaborating on this?

Thanks for the input so far, everyone!

Elaborating: Sell your wife, your kids, your house, or just like the comment above ^^ your kidneys (although you don’t need to sell your kidneys for a 5Dmkii; only for a 1Dx) but get a 5Dmkii