what to do?

Hey guys, the noob is back. Just got a sizable bonus and can spend roughly $1000 on new equipment. Here's my issue: like I said I am a noob but pretty good at photography or so I am told by a few well respected photographers. i have an enrty level XS with the kit lens 18-55 IS, a non IS 75-300 and a 55-250 IS lens. Should I go for a new body or go for a really nice lens? I am traveling Europe this summer and take mostly touristy type shots of buildings and street scenes etc. Just want to know what you guys think. I have learned so much in these forums what better place to get some opinions? and let me say thank you to all in advance because the internet where I am at in France on this particular day is worse than dial-up... so Thanks

Forget the body, invest in lenses.

It's true, lenses make more of a difference than cameras on the whole. Though FF cameras are worth it IMHO.

If you bought a 2nd hand 5D (even more so on a 5D mkii) it would make your lenses seem worse.

Unless you do go second hand, you'd wouldn't be able to get a body that's going to improve your images. So either forget the body and get a nice lens, or save for the 5Dmkii .

So, lenses then.

If you could, I'd sell your longer lenses and get a 70-200 f/4L IS. That would replace them nicely. If you're happy with your longer lenses go for a wider lens like the Tokina 11-16, Canon 10-22 or similar.

If I were you, I'd sell everything, buy a 2nd hand 5D and a 24-105 lens. But that's just me.

thanks... how do you guys feel about the 18-250 lens? seems like I could ditch all my other lenses with this one. I read a review and it seems like the construction is a little cheap.

The all-in-one superzooms are convenient but the convenience comes as the sacrifice of IQ when you try and cram that much range in one lens. I would think that your 18-55 and 55-250 would give better results. Also, I'd think about selling your 75-300. It's not one of Canon's finest and you already have a good telezoom in the 55-250. A good flash is always a good investment. Perhaps an ultrawide for the scenics.

I'd suggest the other way. Investigate on prime lenses.

$1000 isn't going to get you much better than your XS, unless you want an XSi or T1i.

Have you ever shot any prime lenses?
Most people who have primarily shot slow zooms can benefit from at least one prime lens. The Sigma 50/1.4 is tempting me right now, but I don't trust my luck in getting a "good copy". Have you considered a 28mm or 35mm prime, considering what you shoot?

If you took these 3 small primes to Europe, you'd pretty much have it covered.

24mm 2.8
50mm 1.8
85mm 1.8

The one lens you have that I like is the 18-55mm but its not very fast, although the IS helps.

nightcat wrote in post #8319412
If you took these 3 small primes to Europe, you'd pretty much have it covered.

24mm 2.8
50mm 1.8
85mm 1.8

The one lens you have that I like is the 18-55mm but its not very fast, although the IS helps.

On an APS-C body, 24mm is far too narrow a FL to have for the small confines of European cities. It would suffice for a FF camera...15mm on APS-C is equivalent to 24mm on a FF

I've only used 18-55 non-IS lens before and hated it. the IS version you have seem to be a good start, although I've mever used one.
For the sake of improve economy, you can get your self a Camron 17-50 f2.8 ($450) and a EF 70-200 f4 non-IS (700), total $1150.
However, if you don't find anything wrong with your current gear, would you consider a good tripod, monopod, flash and other accessories, such as filters, shutter release and extra batteries? Take the 18-55 and 55-250 with you.
Prime lens are nice but for traveling, I would go for decent zooms.
If you like to shoot wide, adding 10-24mm range will be helpful.

vincent_su wrote in post #8319801
I've only used 18-55 non-IS lens before and hated it. the IS version you have seem to be a good start, although I've mever used one.
For the sake of improve economy, you can get your self a Camron 17-50 f2.8 ($450) and a EF 70-200 f4 non-IS (700), total $1150.
However, if you don't find anything wrong with your current gear, would you consider a good tripod, monopod, flash and other accessories, such as filters, shutter release and extra batteries? Take the 18-55 and 55-250 with you.
Prime lens are nice but for traveling, I would go for decent zooms.
If you like to shoot wide, adding 10-24mm range will be helpful.

Apart from setting up for an outdoor shot, tripods are effectively useless dead weight when you walk into a museum (or other old building in Europe) and you are forbidden from using a tripod, for the impeding foot traffic and for the increased wear on old structures.

Lest someone doubt the 'wear' factor, even STONE wears, even in the relatively youthful buildings in the USA stone steps with half an inch or more of wear in the center due to foot traffic, as I just saw in structures on the east coast of USA just in past weeks.

I think a $1,000 budget will get you one or two very good lenes with money left over for the next one. If it were me, I'd try a great prime (135L, 100 2.0, 85 1.8, etc.) based on what you shoot the most. You could also try the 10-22 which would be great in Europe. I would avoid anything that you'll regret owning a few months down the road. You'll see much more improvement with glass than a different body.

Go for the gusto, I mean better glass!

Wilt wrote in post #8320142
Apart from setting up for an outdoor shot, tripods are effectively useless dead weight when you walk into a museum (or other old building in Europe) and you are forbidden from using a tripod, for the impeding foot traffic and for the increased wear on old structures.

Lest someone doubt the 'wear' factor, even STONE wears, even in the relatively youthful buildings in the USA stone steps with half an inch or more of wear in the center due to foot traffic, as I just saw in structures on the east coast of USA just in past weeks.

I've never been to Euro and I don't know if the tripod will help. Personally, I see tripod as a necessity for my photo shoots. Maybe that's just me.

However, I could not relate the "wear factor" to the thread or my post. Would you explain more about that? Thanks.

The responses are varying between your vacation and what you might need in the longer term. I live in the US, but I've also lived in Europe for many years and traveled to most of the countries. The tourist spots are crowded and everything is smaller so primes and a tripod are good for the long term, not for the vacation, except perhaps a nifty fifty for museums as most aren't flash friendly. I'd take the 18-55 IS, and the 55-250 IS. Get a flash - 430EX or 580EX if you don't have one. Also a bag - I like my Lowepro 200AW slingshot for traveling.

Then I'd spend the remainder on a real tripod and a prime - focal length depends on what you like to shoot, and leave them at home. I like portraits and I've hardly taken the 85mm 1.8 off since I got it. YMMD

My 2 Euros