New Lens or New Body??? - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

10/26/2012 10:25:02 AM · #1

So I'm debating between getting a new camera body and a new lens.
It won't happen until sometime after the new year, as there is no budget for it yet... but I'm setting a goal to buy 1 piece of new equipment every 6-12 months.
Sometimes it'll be a bigger purchase, other times, a smaller one.

But I'm trying to decide, should I upgrade my camera body or get a new lens?

Currently, I use the Canon Xsi. Nothing too special.
I have my eye on the Mark 5d iii, but that's WAY out of budget. No way I can get away with that... not at the current time, at least.

So, I was thinking the T4i, 60D, or (possibly) the 7D (if the price drops a little more).

As for a lens, I was thinking the Canon 10-22.

Current lenses are:

50mm 1.4 prime
100mm 2.0 prime
18-55mm 3.5-5.6 stock lens
70-300mm 4.0-5.6

So should I go for another body?
I'm leaning towards that option.

Thoughts? Suggestions? (and no, I'm not switching to a Nikon or any other brand).

Devinder

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

10/26/2012 10:27:19 AM · #2

Hey Denielle,

I suspect this may matter a lot. what is your current estimated budget and do you have any professional needs?

edit: I know you mentioned no budget, but whats the MAX you're willing to pay for any sorta upgrade?

Also, just given the info you've got up there. The 5dmkii is selling for as little as 1500 some places. Certainly would be an upgrade from the xsi.

Message edited by author 2012-10-26 10:32:53.

Venser

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II

Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO M.Zuiko

10/26/2012 10:31:31 AM · #3

Good lenses don't go bad.
They're always a good investment.

MinsoPhoto

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

10/26/2012 10:33:00 AM · #4

Go with a new lens.

10/26/2012 10:35:44 AM · #5

@Devinder: I'm not going over $1,000. That's the absolute MAX right now.
Professional needs: not as of yet. I've done a few things in the past, and had I had better lenses AND a better body, it would have made a big difference. But the client was satisfied with the results, so all ended well.

@Venser: Good lenses are a good thing to have. But after looking at the differences between my current camera body, and the possible upgrades, I'm thinking a higher ISO would be good in some circumstances, more fps would definitely come in handy.

The biggest thing is that the current camera doesn't do video, and as our children are growing older, and family scattered throughout, I really want that feature.

10/26/2012 10:36:38 AM · #6

Basically anything will be an upgrade in terms of body, but new glass matters more than the body you're attaching it to.

You've already got a few good to great lenses (that 50 f/1.4 is a jewel, and the 100 f/2.0 isn't bad either!)

So, my advice is to go for a new body, despite the fact that new glass is the better investment.

Now, what body? Given that you mentioned the 5D mkIII, and also mentioned that you're not crazy-rich either, might I be so bold as to suggest that you might find a 5D classic to be the perfect upgrade? People might complain about it here and there, but I'll be the first to tell you that they're nuts. It's a very solid camera, and one hell of a performer, plus if you look around a little, you can find a used one for peanuts. I bought mine for $750 with a Canon brand grip, but that was admittedly a crazy good deal.

Otherwise, look into a 50D if you want to do sports, as they are really nicely responsive, and should also be available on the cheap.

The key is to not buy a new body, since bodies drop in value rather rapidly, you can take advantage of that fact and buy a nice used body that will really feel like a major upgrade.

10/26/2012 10:38:04 AM · #7

You want video in a DSLR for sub 1k?

Might try a 7D, or load Magic Lantern on a 50D (but you don't get sound).

Otherwise, do what I do for video - go grab a Canon S95 - they're amazing little cameras and do a wonderful job of video. Plus you can actually put it in your pocket.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120 f/4 S

10/26/2012 10:40:33 AM · #8

Originally posted by Cory:

That was the reason for looking at the previous mentioned bodies.

I currently have a coolpix s6300, and it does the job for now... but I don't want to have to rely solely on it... especially when I'm trying to video more than 50ft away. It's just not what I'm looking for.

Perhaps the 7D would be the best bang for the buck and for the features I'm looking for?

Message edited by author 2012-10-26 10:41:03.

bassbone

Nikon Z8

10/26/2012 10:40:50 AM · #9

Originally posted by Denielle:

The biggest thing is that the current camera doesn't do video, and as our children are growing older, and family scattered throughout, I really want that feature.

If that is the case, a new lens won't do that for you. I would take Cory's suggestion and buy a P&S like camera that can do video and save money for upgrading the DSLR at a later date.

cowboy221977

Canon EOS-60D

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

10/26/2012 10:41:28 AM · #10

I would say start with the camera body...and upgrade to the 60d is in your price range... In another 6 - 12 months upgrade the lens...maybe some L lenses...Oh by the way I am doing about the same thing you are...I just upgraded from a 20d to the 60.....Huge upgrade for me and I love it

10/26/2012 10:42:00 AM · #11

t4i, 60D and 7D will essentially be the same IQ wise but vary greatly in features and price. all would be a considerable upgrade of your XSi simply in higher ISO performance.

get a t4i if you like smaller rebel size and want to save money.

60D if you want a semi prostyle control layout and not spend a lot.

7D if you have the money and need the advanced autofocus system.

fwiw, you can get a 5dii for about what a 7D will cost, i just got one, and let me say how much i love it. night and day over the IQ of my former 60D.

i would however still highly recommend the 60D if you dont need the AF of the 7D, the 60D can hold its own, but its not the powerhouse the 7D is. I'd forgo the t4i simply because the rebel layout is now clunky to me, having all the controls at your finger tips and top LCD is definitely worth the extra price on the 60D.

a few other things to consider, the 6D is coming soon if you want full frame as well as driving down the cost of the 5dii, but once they (the 5dii) sell out you wont be able to get one new, the 7D is due to be replaced soon but nothing has been announced yet. you may want to wait for the new one and reap the price cuts on the old one if you want a 7D.

as far as the canon 10-22, absolutely fantastic lens. if you are happy with the body you have then that's the lens you want.

Message edited by author 2012-10-26 10:45:18.

10/26/2012 10:45:09 AM · #12

If I could just be rich. Sigh.

Then I could have it all. lol.

Anyhow, thanks for the input you guys!
I won't be purchasing until after January 2013, so I have time to figure out EVERYTHING I want and need (feature wise).
And that'll give me a few extra months to let the prices drop on the bodies as well.

If I find a steal on a used camera, then I may pick it up. But I've never bought used, so I'm weary of doing that.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

10/26/2012 10:46:21 AM · #13

Originally posted by Denielle:

canon loyalty program.

//www.overclock.net/t/1088761/canon-loyalty-program-faqs-originally-from-potn

Message edited by author 2012-10-26 10:46:41.

Devinder

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

10/26/2012 11:11:42 AM · #14

If you decide to buy second hand, heres something i wrote for a fellow dpc'er once. Might be useful if you're not sure what to look for in a used camera

1. Have the camera lift mirror for cleaning, and inspect the sensor for any visible damage.

2. take three seperate shots on a plain white surface (bring something with you) at different +2/0/-2 and inspect the image on the LCD screen.Look for excessively high counts of dead/stuck pixels. These are unnavoidable in small numbers but really should not say... take over 5% of your image.

3. Check for any problems wiht the card compartment or the battery compartment. BRING your own memory card incase you need to use it to make inspection in step 2.

4. Check for viewfinder Dust. This is unnavoidable, but you want to know your comfort level with it to be sure. 1400 aint pennies!

5. Test a lens on it. Bring your own if you can. Connect the thing to the camera and test to be sure. play with it both in AF and MF mode. Look for any errors popping up.

6. Feel the camera in your hands in different positions. If you hate the grip, you may not love your investment. This is not a big issue for me, but for some it makes or breaks the deal.

Check the LCDs top and bottom.

10/26/2012 11:23:22 AM · #15

I'll weigh in on the care-free camp.

I've gotten my Canon D60, 20D, and 5D all used. They have been problem free, and a joy to use, every one of them.

I bought my 50D new, and it's the only camera I've had to send in to Canon... Granted, that was because I crushed it.

The point is that my used cameras have been every bit as reliable and useful as my new cameras, buy without great fear, especially if you can buy from a DPC'er or another friend.

The advice about testing your lenses on the body is great though, as some body-lens combos just work for shit, despite both being well within tolerances.

Message edited by author 2012-10-26 11:23:58.

lilysmom

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

10/26/2012 11:34:46 AM · #16

I agree with Cory. Look into an original 5d. I just bought one used a few weeks ago for just over $700 and it came with an off brand flash and a cheap Canon lens that I'll be able to sell for probably $200 (total). I'm tickled pink with the camera so far.

10/26/2012 11:58:18 AM · #17

Originally posted by lilysmom:

The only issue is that she wants video.

Pretty well narrows the list down, especially the sub 1k list.

10/26/2012 12:36:53 PM · #18

Originally posted by Cory:

Originally posted by lilysmom:
I agree with Cory. Look into an original 5d. I just bought one used a few weeks ago for just over $700 and it came with an off brand flash and a cheap Canon lens that I'll be able to sell for probably $200 (total). I'm tickled pink with the camera so far.

The only issue is that she wants video.

Pretty well narrows the list down, especially the sub 1k list.

and no live view, that's pretty much the only reason i opted against a 5dc. i was all ready giving up my tilt screen i couldn't give up live view all together!

10/26/2012 12:38:28 PM · #19

Originally posted by Cory:

CLP has the canon 60D body only for $640 + tax, 7D is $1023 + tax.

Message edited by author 2012-10-26 12:39:57.

lilysmom

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

10/26/2012 12:40:47 PM · #20

True. I've never used live view on any of my DSLRs, so it doesn't bother me, but I can see how the lack thereof might bother people who do use it.

10/26/2012 12:46:11 PM · #21

Originally posted by mike_311:

Originally posted by Cory:

Originally posted by lilysmom:
I agree with Cory. Look into an original 5d. I just bought one used a few weeks ago for just over $700 and it came with an off brand flash and a cheap Canon lens that I'll be able to sell for probably $200 (total). I'm tickled pink with the camera so far.

The only issue is that she wants video.

Pretty well narrows the list down, especially the sub 1k list.

CLP has the canon 60D body only for $640 + tax, 7D is $1023 + tax.

I saw this! I'm thinking maybe Xmas. :) that would be awesome! especially since we're going to gatlinburg... I would be ecstatic!!!

maybe even the 60D and a the Sigma 10-20? that would be sweet!

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

10/26/2012 12:58:23 PM · #22

Originally posted by Denielle:

Originally posted by mike_311:

Originally posted by Cory:

Originally posted by lilysmom:
I agree with Cory. Look into an original 5d. I just bought one used a few weeks ago for just over $700 and it came with an off brand flash and a cheap Canon lens that I'll be able to sell for probably $200 (total). I'm tickled pink with the camera so far.

The only issue is that she wants video.

Pretty well narrows the list down, especially the sub 1k list.

CLP has the canon 60D body only for $640 + tax, 7D is $1023 + tax.

I saw this! I'm thinking maybe Xmas. :) that would be awesome! especially since we're going to gatlinburg... I would be ecstatic!!!

maybe even the 60D and a the Sigma 10-20? that would be sweet!

keep your eyes peeled because Canon will run 20% off refurbish lenses too especially when purchased with a refurb camera.

Giles

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

10/26/2012 01:31:52 PM · #23

Originally posted by Cory:

i'll weigh in as well bought all these second hand either ebay or camera shop, and my evolution

20d
17-85 efs
30mm sigma
75-300mm canon
28-70L
70-200 f4L
canon 50mm 1.8(bought new)
canon 5d
12-24 sigma
canon 70-200 2.8 L
canon 16-35 2.8 L
canon 5d mk11
canon 85mm (new)
sigma 50 1.4
sigma 1.4x
canon 24-105L

never had a problem, always buy good glass over bodies most my lenses are worth what i paid for them bodies not so

BrennanOB

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

10/26/2012 03:39:43 PM · #24

If you want family videos, take family videos. They are special because of the moments they bring back and it doesn't really matter if they are full frame lusciousness shot through an L lens, or shot with a camera phone. If you aren't going to use the video for weddings or websites (and you aren't planning to dump a lot of money into editing software) then don't worry about having one camera that does everything.