70-200 F4L or 50D?

Okay, i'm having a bit of an issue deciding which to get.

I currently have an xti, with a bunch of random lenses. Been stepping my game up recently, and wanted to upgrade. I have about 70-80k shutter actuations on my xti so i was considering upgrading bodies. Sucks that i can't afford the 7D, but the 50D is still a nice camera.

The other option is to keep the XTi body for now and get the 70-200 F4L IS to replace the 55-250 that i have as my telephoto lens.

I figure most people are going to say the lens, but i feel like i'm outgrowing my xti, and it definitely is getting up there in terms of age.

What would you guys suggest?

Thanks!

you can see my work on my flickr - link in my sig.

I would say it is depend on how much you are going to use the 70-200 since your have other nice lens as well. Beside the point, how about an option getting both upgrade ? 40D and 70-200 f/4 "NON IS" unless IS is a must have for your taste. It would be a smaller step up from XTi to 40D vs 50D but I think you will like it very much. I did. I am thinking of going to 70-200 f/4 non IS from 55-250 myself.
Nice photo on Flickr!!

Hi there what about a 30d and a 80-200mm f2.8(magic drainpipe) good body fantastic lens these lens go for about £300-350 pounds on ebay, but be aware you can't get a tele-convertor easily for this lens, but I go nowhere without this pipe.

I normally suggest glass over body, but in your case I think it might be time for a new body. Your 55-250 is no L, but it's certainly a decent telezoom. Since you feel that you've outgrown your xti maybe its time to upgrade. You could trade the xti using the Canon loyalty program and get yourself a refurbed 50D for about $629.

I'd say body as you already have a couple really nice lenses in the 10-22 and 100 macro. The 55-250 isn't bad either.

Go for a 40 or 50D.

Ok, first off, like the other Kevin I am an addict. Blown through gear this year (first year doing this) like crazy. Started with a 40d (great camera) moved to a 50d (which I still have in case you lean that direction) and now have a 7d. I have finally seen the 'light' on bodies. Even on glass to an extent.

You have great shots in your flicker thread...and lots of variety. Are you planning to continue shooting what you're shooting? Are you looking to move into paid people photography? What do you not like about your current body?

Your options are endless. Watching the sales threads here and on FM I have recently seen some really good prices on 1D MKII (and even the MKIIn). You could buy a well used one of those, which would upgrade your fps. Does change your lens decisions though. If you're going crop, 50D is nice because of the lcd and micro-adjust.

I've never replaced a shutter but I hear it's not a huge big deal. I would lean toward glass of your two desires....but again, shooting your current stuff, you're getting great results already? The 70/200 is a great lens. Have owned both 4s. Love 'em. what about the sig 70/200 2.8. Gives you another stop and maybe opens up some shots you couldn't get with the 4. You could add a 1.4x extender and still have f4 with a greater reach.

crn3371 wrote in post #9251221
I normally suggest glass over body, but in your case I think it might be time for a new body. Your 55-250 is no L, but it's certainly a decent telezoom. Since you feel that you've outgrown your xti maybe its time to upgrade. You could trade the xti using the Canon loyalty program and get yourself a refurbed 50D for about $629.

forgot about this option...this just might be the answer you're looking for!

Considering your camera has had a lot of use, I'd suggest as inexpensive a camera upgrade as you can manage right now... 40D or 50D. Either will do.

Normally I'd say "glass before body"... But since your camera is getting pretty high up there in shutter count... well, none of your lenses will be usable at all if it dies!

Looking at your "Favorites" on Flickr... I'd not encourage you to get any of the sports/action oriented cameras (7D, 1D series). Instead you might want to work toward a full frame camera in the future, such as the 5D MkII. Moving from your xxxD to an xxD camera now would help you with that transition eventually, if you decide it's the way you want to go, and in the meantime would allow you to continue using all the crop only lenses you presently have.

thanks for the awesome replies everyone.

these replies would have helped, but my parents surprised me and got me a 50D AND the 70-200 F4 IS for my undergrad graduation and christmas present!

i'm super excited to use this new setup!

vote for 70200 f4 non-is

Wow that is awesome! A new 50D and the f4LIS! You're going to enjoy the new gear!

d.tek wrote in post #9263403
thanks for the awesome replies everyone.

these replies would have helped, but my parents surprised me and got me a 50D AND the 70-200 F4 IS for my undergrad graduation and christmas present!

i'm super excited to use this new setup!

Nice! 8)

(What did you graduate?)

g3org3y wrote in post #9264536
Nice! 8)

(What did you graduate?)

undergraduate at Rider University in new jersey.

off to graduate school now!

thanks everyone!