50D or a new prime?

I'm in a sticky situation here, calling to anyone that is willing to help me out here!

I'm saving for something new, and two things come to mind, 50D or a nice prime.

Question to all, new body? or Glass?

Already i have:
CAMERA BODY:
EOS-400D

LENSES:
Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS
Tamron SP AF 70-200mm Di LD(IF) Macro
Sigma EX 10-20mm DC HSM

I find that sometimes i'm limited in between 20-70 because I really dislike the kit lens. But i'm also tempted by the new 50D. (don't mention 5d etc, I don't think im that advanced yet).

Id love anyone's opinion on this, whether people that have been in a similar situation, or have the new 50D and are amazed, or just got a smashing new prime, and its top notch.

Of course I have a limit on cash when buying glass sometimes, I don't really want to go over the $1500 mark..

Thanks!

Whilst I think you'd enjoy a new body I think you'd equally enjoy a 17-55 f/2.8 IS, you could then maybe add a 40D and maybe still be within your budget!

I would second the 17-55IS lens as it will make a dramatic improvement to the quality of your pictures with the very first press of the shutter button. I would skip the 40D as it just isn’t enough of an improvement over the 400D unless you need live view. Outside of that feature, it will offer almost no improvement in IQ.

Bodies come and go, glass is forever. Spring for some L glass and as you continue to upgrade your cameras, you'll forever appreciate it...

Long term decisions are best in the long run... (Yes, that was tongue in cheek)

Sell the 18-55IS and pick up a 17-55IS Or 17-40L.Or maybe even a 50/1.8.

I have the 400D too and if I had the lens lineup you do, I'd buy a couple of lenses between the 20-70 mm gap you have.
I'd buy the 50mm f/1.4 and maybe the Sigma 24-60 f/2.8.
You can get close to $100 for your kit lens, that should help a bit.

tupper wrote in post #6534079
I'm in a sticky situation here, calling to anyone that is willing to help me out here!

I'm saving for something new, and two things come to mind, 50D or a nice prime.

Question to all, new body? or Glass?

Already i have:
CAMERA BODY:
EOS-400D

LENSES:
Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS
Tamron SP AF 70-200mm Di LD(IF) Macro
Sigma EX 10-20mm DC HSM

I find that sometimes i'm limited in between 20-70 because I really dislike the kit lens. But i'm also tempted by the new 50D. (don't mention 5d etc, I don't think im that advanced yet).

Id love anyone's opinion on this, whether people that have been in a similar situation, or have the new 50D and are amazed, or just got a smashing new prime, and its top notch.

Of course I have a limit on cash when buying glass sometimes, I don't really want to go over the $1500 mark..

Thanks!

your problem is that you need both - now!

Seriously though, if that was me I'd get the 50D - per qué? - because it's a decent and very recent upgrade and will give huge pleasure. The lenses can wait til later because then you'll have a camera where you'll really notice the difference with the prime lenses

It's a close call and really Im struggling to argue either way - all I can say is that if it were me I'd get the 50D. I suppose because I would not need to upgrade the body for an awfully long time and be able to improve my technique and wouldnt have to worry any more about whether to upgrade the camera. That would leave me with the delicious choice of which lens to save up for

I would go 40D and get some glass too . A nice compromise.
The 40D is a BIG upgrade over the 400D

Ed

Tupper, I checked out your work, and I think you would benefit greatly from the additional features and controls of a 40D or 50D.
I have previously owned the 30D the 40D and now the 50D. Each model brought me features that I needed as my shooting expanded into other areas.
The 40D would be a significant upgrade in features, and at the current price of new or even used, you could afford both body and some more quality glass.
The 50D has some impressive new features that are working well for me. I am enjoying my latest upgrade.

My vote for your situation is a 40D and more glass.

regards, -Todd-

Yeah, I gotta go along with those that suggest the 40D and glass. The 40D is really a nice camera and a real step-up from the 400D, you'll notice it is just as soon as you look through the viewfinder. I see new 40Ds for just over $800. This may be only the second time time I have suggested a third party lens, but Sigma's 24-60mm seems to fit both your focal length and budget needs.

you say a prime yet you list zooms?

Stick with "L" lens's though. If you ever decide to go full frame or 1D series body all those EFS lens's are useless....

Scott McLoud wrote in post #6535528
you say a prime yet you list zooms?

I didn't list zooms?

And thanks everyone for the advice.. its still really hard to decide! And you guys going about 50/50 does'nt help my thinking!
So i'll keep asking for peoples opinions if they are willing to give!
Thankyou all!

Get some better glass as it will last a long time. Bodies come and go and your body should be good for a while yet. I think you will benifit from the glass better.

In this sort of situation, I always let my heart rule my head. In other words, if it was me I would go for the 50D!