New Canon or New Lens?

I have a like new T1i. I still haven't mastered all the capabilities of this camera. It's old but it works for me....I have a 18-55, 55-250, EF 50mm 1:1.8 II, and EF 70-200 1:4 L. My question is do I invest in a newer model body or a new L walk around lens? I was thinking EF24-105 F4L IS II or

A new lens will surely improve quality as I am assuming that neither of your lenses are the STM version, but with last years announcement and then again just a few days ago that Canon is concentrating all development on the RF line of lenses, (pretty much abandoning the EF/EF-S lines) I'm not so sure that investing in an expensive EF lens is the smartest move especially as your current camera is aging and at some time you will want to upgrade. I'm guessing that as time goes on, EF/EF-S used prices are going to plummet as more photographers migrate over to Canon's mirrorless offerings and more RF mount lenses become available.

On a T1i, I'd prefer the EF-S 18-135mm nano USM over the 24-105 L

The standard followup question that has to be asked is, what aspect of your photography are you hoping to improve with new gear?

If you are just looking to inject some excitement into your hobby with a new purchase, (A perfectly valid and often effective thing to do) then I would certainly say look at a new body. The "t" line has come a LONG way since that t1i. (I mean, it's actually before the ubiquitous Canon 18MP sensor!)

Or if you want to look at Mirrorless, the EOS RP with an EF adapter (often included) will work with ALL your existing lenses. A lot of people are really enjoying the R and RP line of mirrorless bodies.


Here are links to the EOS R and RP threads where you can read some of the discussions;

https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1505040
https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1501070

CyberDyneSystems wrote in post #18990337
On a T1i,
The standard followup question that has to be asked is, what aspect of your photography are you hoping to improve with new gear?

^^^.

..or what can you NOT DO, caused by the limitation you have butted against, with your current setup?

Another solid recommendation for the EFs 18-135mm IS USM. That lens, and the 80D, are the primary reasons I sold off all my full frame Canon gear.

If you want or need a new camera, by all means, get one. You may be better served by some supplemental lighting accessories such as flash(es), umbrellas, reflectors, stands, tripods, filters (real, useful ones, not UV). Really want a lens? Try something macro.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, because this is such a frequent occurrence...

PLEASE read this post and ask yourself these questions:
https://photography-on-the.net …showthread.php?​p=18986075

Ignore the reference to the OP in that thread, but look a the whole post as something you need to consider.

You already admit that you have not reached the potential of the gear you have right now, so I see little benefit in moving to other equipment for which you will have even less familiarity. Nor have you given any reason why an L lens (ANY old L lens???) would benefit you...

If you need inspiration, as I suspect, then go on a good photographic course, or take a trip to some place that inspires you to find you photographic "mojo". The temptation to embark on GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) is great, but when the initial twinge of endorphins from making the purchase subsides - as it inevitably does, you may well be left in exactly the same position.

I am sincerely trying to help you invest rather than just spend your money here.

A lot of great advice on here. SHOP WISELY

Thanks for the advice. I'll take a photography course(s) to help me learn the capabilities of my present equipment.

Dwaine wrote in post #18990312
I have a like new T1i. I still haven't mastered all the capabilities of this camera.

That statement alone has a vast implication!

Do not think, in spite of the marketing geniuses, that similar cameras today, like say an 80D or 90D are simpler/easier to use. IMO, with any given camera, you should be able to readily use about 2/3 to 3/4 of its functions, before moving on. If you can measure up to that, and your photography style lacks something, then move forward to something newer.

I never thought a newer one would be any easier. I was thinking with my equipment being 10 years old it might be obsolete, a limiting factor and starting fresh with the latest technology might be a smarter move in the long run. I believe my biggest limitation is in my photography skills and I will address that before spending 3-4K on new equipment. Thanks....

Dwaine wrote in post #18990969
I never thought a newer one would be any easier. I was thinking with my equipment being 10 years old it might be obsolete, a limiting factor and starting fresh with the latest technology might be a smarter move in the long run. I believe my biggest limitation is in my photography skills and I will address that before spending 3-4K on new equipment. Thanks....

I sort of use these as triggers for new equipment:
1. I've become resolution limited and a new camera has a significant res jump.
2. When I start shooting higher ISO and the new canera handles high ISO much better.
3. When a new feature would significantly impact my photo capabilities. MFA is a great example as was live view.
4. When I just get tired of my old camera and just want something newer.
5. When I can sell my old camera and get a new one with little capital outlay.

I use 1,2,3 for any camera making money. I add in #4 and #5 for my fun camera. Early on I was buying and selling every couple of months. Went through the 300->350->400->40->50 just because it never cost me more than $200~$300 dollars to upgrade. I would buy a camera, use it for 8~12 months, then upgrade. This is by mo means a complete list, but sort of works as guidelines.

gjl711 wrote in post #18990980
I sort of use these as triggers for new equipment:
1. I've become resolution limited and a new camera has a significant res jump.
2. When I start shooting higher ISO and the new canera handles high ISO much better.
3. When a new feature would significantly impact my photo capabilities. MFA is a great example as was live view.
4. When I just get tired of my old camera and just want something newer.
5. When I can sell my old camera and get a new one with little capital outlay.

I use 1,2,3 for any camera making money. I add in #4 and #5 for my fun camera. Early on I was buying and selling every couple of months. Went through the 300->350->400->40->50 just because it never cost me more than $200~$300 dollars to upgrade. I would buy a camera, use it for 8~12 months, then upgrade. This is by mo means a complete list, but sort of works as guidelines.

I think #4 is where I'm at.....and spending a few thousand on new toys is always fun.

The T1i was my first DSLR. I loved that camera. That being said my jump was to a 6D and it was huge. This is an 11 year old camera now. A new body would be a definite bonus for you.

I purchased my first DSLR in early 2012. It was a used t2i. I have really enjoyed learning and using it and
have been amazed at what it and I can do. I like to shoot at night as well as longer exposures, I have been
finding that I am having to spend more time in post cleaning up hot pixels and more noise.
After doing a lot of research and figuring out a budget for it yesterday I went out and purchased a brand new
t7i. It is my first new DSLR/slr style camera since 78 when I bout a new Canon A1. I am now looking forward to
learning how to use it to the best of my abilities.

My first DSLR was Canon 20D. I loved the camera. But after a few years with it, I wanted a new toy, so I sold the 20D and got me a 40D. I loved this camera even better. At one time I thought about selling it when I upgraded my camera to 5D III. At the lowly market value, I decided to just keep it, and I still have it. After a few years of happily using the 5D III, the same digital toy lust overwhelmed me, so I upgraded it to 5D IV and sold the III. I contained my lust for the 7D III to show up, but my hope's been faded almost to hopelessness, so a few months ago I pulled the trigger for the 90D as a compromise. Of all the cameras that I've purchased over the years, however, this 90D was the only one that I had to return out of disappointment.

The point is that the digital toy lust is real AND a valid reason to upgrade, provided that you do have the funds for it. Don't let anyone tell you that you shouldn't upgrade unless you've mastered all the capabilities of the current camera. I'm now hoping for 5D V (and still and preferably) 7D III or a version of it.

But then.... if you shoot everything in "Auto" and just point and shoot, then it's another matter.... Satiating the whole digital toy lust isn't going to be as satisfying if all the newly improved manual offerings cannot be explored and utilized.....