Lens or camera?

I have a 300D that I'd love to upgrade to a 30D or 40D but I'd also like to entertain the idea of purchasing a Tamron 17-50mm or 28-75mm. I can only budget for get one item and it would have to be in used condition at that. So, what to do? Would you buy the camera or the lens first?

Lens. Your 300D is still a very capable body, as long as you don't want to shoot fast action (no AI Servo mode). But your kit lens isn't so hot.

As for which of those two lenses to get: I couldn't live with a minimum focal length of 28 mm, so the 17-50 would be my choice. It's supposed to be optically quite good (I've never used one).

I had a 300D before the 30D and I have lots of good pics on the walls from it.

-js

I like a photojournalistic/cand​id style.......300D still worthy?

The Tamron's come up pretty cheap used (my next purchase) quite often. Next maybe sell all your other lenses and put that towards a 70-200 f4 L (unless you're happy with the nifty 250). Both of these lenses would almost make the 300 seem like a new camera. Just a thought.

Dave....

daystar wrote in post #8454048
I like a photojournalistic/cand​id style.......300D still worthy?

Sure. As long as you're not shooting action. It doesn't focus as quickly as newer cameras, and doesn't have AI Servo except in sports mode.

-js

If the 300D is doing everything you want it to do I would say yes. Glass is always a better upgrade over body. The only reason I would upgrade the body first is if it was limiting me for some reason. If not glass first.

This from a guy who upgraded from a D30 to 40D last year.

Dave....

number six wrote in post #8454067
Sure. As long as you're not shooting action. It doesn't focus as quickly as newer cameras, and doesn't have AI Servo except in sports mode.

-js

hmmm......can't promise that action won't be a subject - I've got 3 kiddos aged 5 and under - plenty of action around here, lol. I see what you're saying, though.

This is one time I am going to go against the grain and vote on a new body. You have a pretty decent lens line up already and the difference between the 300D and the 40D is huge both in features and image quality. For the cost of a 40D these days it will being the most capability and improvement for the $$$.

Ack! I'm still torn. I don't necessairily feel limited right now but I definitely want to grow in photography and am afraid that the 300D will be limited at some point (hopefully sooner than later ) but a new lens is always good, too. Decisions, decisions.....

You really can't go wrong either way... I used a 300D for a LONG time (since the day they came out) and I did a LOT of stuff with just it, the kit lens and a cheap 50mm.

That said, if you can expand you're budget just a bit, you might be able to get a used 30 or 40, which will be quite an improvement over what you have. That's probably the route I'd go.

Your other glass is not bad, and will get a bit of new life with an updated body.

daystar wrote in post #8454307
Ack! I'm still torn. I.......

Dude/Dudett you got three threads going one from last December looking for input as to what to buy. It's not going to get any more clear and there is not going to be one easy answer. So, just get the 40 as was recommended way back in Dec. and the other thread as well. You know you want to.

gjl711 wrote in post #8454387
Dude/Dudett you got three threads going one from last December looking for input as to what to buy. It's not going to get any more clear and there is not going to be one easy answer. So, just get the 40 as was recommended way back in Dec. and the other thread as well. You know you want to.

You are 100% right. I do want the 40D. I just was trying to figure out if it was the smartest move. Frankly, I want it all. lol (And I had totally forgotten about my previous postsops

Oh, and it's dudette.

Dudette

Lens. Get the Tammy 28-75mm(obvious bias!) Your 300D is a fine body.

Todd Lambert wrote in post #8454381
That said, if you can expand you're budget just a bit, you might be able to get a used 30 or 40, which will be quite an improvement over what you have.

A 30D or 40D with an 18-55 IS would be a good way to go. The 18-55 IS is a much better lens than your kit 18-55 - optically very sharp, with the nasty flare and chromatic aberration eliminated.

-js