I need a very honest opinion

I shoot with a 20D, my collection of lenses is very small, I have a 17-85 IS, 50mm F1.8 MKII and a Sigma 135mm F2.8 M42 screw mount with an adaptor. My accesories are also very limited, I have a National brand manual flash which is about 30 years old and a cheap tripod :P.

I am a hobbiest and shoot a wide variety of things, a few of which I have posted here. Now my question is, would a new lens really help that much? Well of course a new lens would be great, but would I really need it?

Thanks!

I love this.. somebody actually questioning a purchase as to whether you NEED it....

oh...
wait...
your new....

LOL.. okay, sorry being serious now. My theory is that if you find something lacking in your kit now and if you are actively not able to get the shots that you want because of gear limitations than yes. It would make sense.. But, if you just feel like you should upgrade for the heck of it then no. it's probably not necessary... However, for the majority of us necessary doesnt really come into play with purchasing decisions...

sari

Improve your tripod (sturdier), improve your flash (ETTL)...then think of more lenses! The tripod will help improve shots with all of your lenses, the flash will make flash shots far easier, too! If you want a new lens, FIRST think about what you specifically are going to shoot with that lens (determines focal length you want), and/or think about why your current lenses are not adequate to meet your need. Unless you simply crave
'new' and want the new lens smell!

Wilt wrote in post #2168955
Improve your tripod (sturdier), improve your flash (ETTL)...then think of more lenses! The tripod will help improve shots with all of your lenses, the flash will make flash shots far easier, too! If you want a new lens, FIRST think about what you specifically are going to shoot with that lens (determines focal length you want), and/or think about why your current lenses are not adequate to meet your need. Unless you simply crave
'new' and want the new lens smell!

new lens smell... hmm... yes. I do think that there is a certain smell to new lenses... atleast there should be. :p

Anthony-

Equipment is easy to talk about ... so these type of forums get an excess of equipment gabbering. More important than equipment is the eye, skill, experience and expertise of the photographer. You will learn/grow more with photography by having to adjust and overcome a lack of equipment than in having every lens ever made sticking out of your "Shooter's Vest".

Photography is about images ... and images is all about what you see and your ability to capture what you see in your mind's eye and translate that image onto the sensor.

Generally speaking, the intent of most photography is to get the exceptonal shot ... only thing equipment does for you is to make it easier for the photographer to get that exceptional shot ... to capture the photo they desire.

Gary

PS- When you need a new lens or equipment ... you will know. It will bite you in the behind everytime you pick up the camera. You will know what focal length ... all you need to ask of others is what maker has the sharpest, most affordable, best value lens around.
G

Well I mainly shoot products... but besides that I shoot abandoned buildings... but recently, wherever I go, my camera goes so Ill shoot just about anything. My main reason why I am considering a purchace of a new lens is because after I got my 50 f.18 I realized just how much my 17-85 sucked!

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Seefutlung wrote in post #2169004
Equipment is easy to talk about ... so these type of forums get an excess of equipment gabbering. More important than equipment is the eye, skill, experience and expertise of the photographer. You will learn/grow more with photography by having to adjust and overcome a lack of equipment than in having every lens ever made sticking out of your "Shooter's Vest".
Photography is about images ... and images is all about what you see and your ability to capture what you see in your mind's eye and translate that image onto the sensor.
Generally speaking, the intent of most photography is to get the exceptonal shot ... only thing equipment does for you is to make it easier for the photographer to get that exceptional shot ... to capture the photo they desire.

Have I found another person not obsessed with buying a bag full of L lenses and pixel peeping them to death while testing but not using them?!?!?!

Seefutlung wrote in post #2169004
Photography is about images ... and images is all about what you see and your ability to capture what you see in your mind's eye and translate that image onto the sensor.

Generally speaking, the intent of most photography is to get the exceptonal shot ... only thing equipment does for you is to make it easier for the photographer to get that exceptional shot ... to capture the photo they desire.

Gary

I like that..

Anthony-

A new lens won't make you a better photog. Just like a new calculator won't make you a better at math. Firstly, before you buy your next lens ... check out places like Fred Miranda or photozone.de ... websites which rate different lenses to sharpness, CA, et cetera. That will begin to give you a feel of what to expect from the various lenses in the price range and focal range you wish.

Meanwhile, read up on the tech end of the 17-85 ... see where the lens is strongest and weakest and use the lens to its strengths. Do you own tests to verify what you've read. Join a local camera group ... at a meeting or shoot see what everyone is using and ask for their opinions ... try out their lenses. Many people swear by the 17-85 ... see how they are using it ...

It could be that you have grown out of the 17-85 and you're ready for lens which are more specialized than the one-lens-does-all-walk-around of 17-85. Or it could be that operator error has contributed to poor image quality.

Gary

PS- Nice pooch.
-G-

The truth is you probably don't actually need a new lens. But never feel guilty about buying one just because you want it either, it's just as valid a reason. Especially as it's a hobby and you get enjoyment from it. Providing it's not hurting anyone and you can afford it then why not? Just never forget that it doesn't really matter what gear you use, it's the end result that counts most, and in the long term gives you most pleasure.

cheers
Bill

Photography is much like cycling... as there is nothing like new equipment to keep the interest honed!

What don't your lenses do for you? If you can answer that, then you can identify (or not, as the case may be) the lens you need to get (again, or not, as the case may be). Are there holes in what you want to shoot because of what you have and don't have?

A little over a year ago I bought an SD400 to take some snapshots. (I was a film SLR user 20 years previously.) I quickly found that I couldn't make the SD400 do what I wanted it to do. A little over a year later I have a 5D, 3 L lenses, a very good tripod and head, some lighting and a 580 EX flash. I probably only "needed" the SD400 but I use all of my gear constantly and don't regret buying all the stuff I didn't really need.

Oh, and now I'm convnced I need a 1D camera. Still really only need the SD400.