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06/25/2007 02:05:58 PM · #1 |
Ok, so there are a ton of these threads, but every person's situation is different, and it's just fun to consider the options.
My current setup is a Rebel XT, with the ket 18-55, the low-end but satisfactory Sigma 70-300, and the uber nifty (and inexpensive) Canon 50mm 1.8.
In other words, a modest, inexpensive setup.
Well, now that I've gotten into photography more, I've decided that I may spend a chunk of change for an upgrade soon. But the catch is, of course, how to spend most effectively.
Target budget is around $2500. I most care about image quality (low noise, high dynamic range, very post-processable). I'm a total hobbyist, and have no specific requirements (such as action, low-light, weddings, etc.)
Option 1: Go the lens route.
I've had my eye on the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS
And maybe a specialty lens like:
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS
Or a nice macro
Sweet lenses - they'd be a lot of fun, though possibly under-utilized with my 350d behind them. Also, assume that I wouldn't get to spend more money on a body upgrade for a long, long time.
Option 2: The hybrid plan
Get the aforementioned Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS and a 30D to go with it.
A really nice combination of camera upgrade and a nice, all-purpose lens.
Option 3: Go straight for the 5D body
The Canon 5D is like the Mecca of Canon-side amateur/semi-pro photography. With it's superb quality and full-frame sensor, it would be an absolute joy.
I'd be stuck with my 50mm and 70-300mm for a while, because the 18-55 is an EF-S. But, it's likely that I'd save up for a decent lens much faster than I could otherwise save up for this camera.
What would you do? Thanks for any advice you may have! |
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06/25/2007 02:17:55 PM · #2 |
Originally posted by smurfguy:
it would be an absolute joy.
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since this is a hobby and the reason you do it is for fun, ask yourself "which would bring you more pleasure, using a cool camera with all the options or seeing those amazing quality shots you might get with a great lens?"
If you haven't already, try one of those lenses and see if it's all that you thought it was. |
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06/25/2007 02:20:52 PM · #3 |
| I can't advise you, but shall watch the responses with interest as I am trying to decide whether to upgrade to the 30d right now,or to wait another two years tosave enough for the 5d(or it's then equivalent).... |
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06/25/2007 02:28:03 PM · #4 |
 briantammy - good points. Both would be fun, so I guess my question is more: What contributes most to raw image quality? The body or the lens?
As a data point, I tried a friend's 70-200 f2.8L a while back, and I wasn't that impressed... though I didn't have a lot of time with it, nor did I really try post-processing the shots. |
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06/25/2007 02:28:36 PM · #5 |
| I would go lenses first for the simple fact that the technology of lenses is slower and they seem to maintain value a bit better. The bodies are getting better and better and cheaper and cheaper. And of course you can keep your lens regardless of a body upgrade in the future. |
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06/25/2007 02:29:45 PM · #6 |
| id say 20d/30d witha nice L lens( id go for the 24-70/2.8) |
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06/25/2007 02:30:49 PM · #7 |
I have read and gone through the same questions. What I gathered, invest in lens, not bodies.
I would skip the 100-400. If you're going to go that long, invest in primes. Or skip the length and go for some lighting strobes.
If you like the wide end of your 18-55, check out the 17-40L. That one doesn't off my 10D.
Once you have your glass established, maybe there will finally be a sub $1,000 FF out. You never know. |
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06/25/2007 02:34:52 PM · #8 |
I think you should wait until August to see what Canon has to offer. The 30D and the 5D are long overdue for replacement. Since there isn't anyone else that makes fullframe, the 5D will be around a little longer, but I'm pretty sure there will be a replacement for the 30D in the near future.
If you want to spend all $2500 on lenses, I think the combination of the 24-105 f/4L IS and the 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L IS is a very nice set up. With the left over money, you can use it for a nice circular polarized filter. This is what I would do.
I also like your "hybrid plan" a 30D and a 24-105 f/4L make a very nice all-purpose kit. Definitely a big step up from your XT + 18-5 set up(keep in mind the 30D is old and due for replacement anytime)
The 5D is a superb camera, but you need good lenses to maximize its potential. It's not a good idea to spend all the money to get a good body then put cheap glass on it. Always invest in lenses.
Nate |
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06/25/2007 02:40:01 PM · #9 |
Thanks guys - excellent points, just what I was looking for.
In general, I'd like to upgrade my body, so perhaps the 30D (or later equivalent)/lens is the way to go. If anyone else cares to respond, which lens or lenses would you get to compliment the 30D in the $2500 budget? Edit: Or maybe there's another piece of equipment that you find invaluable - I'm clueless about lights, tripods, etc.
Message edited by author 2007-06-25 14:43:22. |
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06/25/2007 02:47:09 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by smurfguy:
If anyone else cares to respond, which lens or lenses would you get to compliment the 30D in the $2500 budget? |
The 30D and 24-105 is a pretty good setup. Then save your money. There will come a time when you're thinking:
"Gee, I really need a longer/wider lens." or
"Golly, I wish I had some faster glass." or
"Damn! Wish I had a polarizer." or
"BLAST! I need a flash."
That's when you should buy it. |
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06/25/2007 02:51:06 PM · #11 |
I am a Nikon guy but after looking a 5D raw file I was sold on that camera.  terje made one available in this Thread. It is just amazing. If it were me, knowing that it really is all about the glass, I would still get the 5D and save for lenses.
Just sayin'
Good luck either way! |
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06/25/2007 02:51:27 PM · #12 |
I've got the XT, and my newest lens, the 100-400 has become my walk-around lens for the last few months, I like it so much.
My suggestion is to get the 100-400, and wait on upgrading your body. I'm hoping Canon comes out with a replacement this summer and the 5D becomes a bit more affordable so I can get one. In the meantime, I'm absolutely loving my 100-400!
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06/25/2007 02:54:43 PM · #13 |
Originally posted by smurfguy:
Thanks guys - excellent points, just what I was looking for.
In general, I'd like to upgrade my body, so perhaps the 30D (or later equivalent)/lens is the way to go. If anyone else cares to respond, which lens or lenses would you get to compliment the 30D in the $2500 budget? Edit: Or maybe there's another piece of equipment that you find invaluable - I'm clueless about lights, tripods, etc. |
I'd personally put some good coin into a solid tripod. Mine is okay but I'd love to get something more substantial. If you're willing to put the money down, you can get a solid tripod that's relatively light. I found that for the shots I use my tripod on, I take more time and compose better. Of course with no camera shake the images are far sharper too. Especially for doing macro shots and for long telephoto.
I'd go with a Manfrotto if I had the money and a good head to match. |
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06/25/2007 02:56:14 PM · #14 |
I do agree that you should invest in the lens set-up you would like to have then worry about bodies. But just to tease you a bit and mess with your mind.
5D with 70-200 F2.8 straight from the camera. Shot in RAW and converted to Jpeg. No PP
5D with 300mm F4 IS. same deal. No PP
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06/25/2007 03:10:35 PM · #15 |
Gah - overwhelming evidence from both camps! =D I don't know what to do anymore! But it's a good "don't know what to do!"
Alright, if I can hold out until this fall and the 5D gets cheaper, I may not be able to withstand the pressure!
Or, I could just convince a friend to invest in glass... and borrow it all the time! Muh ha ha!
...
Sweet thread, Erick! Thanks! I've just PM'd Terje to see if we could use his image in my Post Processing Challenge this week! |
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06/25/2007 03:14:27 PM · #16 |
Originally posted by Nullix:
Originally posted by smurfguy:
If anyone else cares to respond, which lens or lenses would you get to compliment the 30D in the $2500 budget? |
The 30D and 24-105 is a pretty good setup. |
Yep. You could go for a long time with just these two items and not feel hindered by your equipment. |
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06/25/2007 03:26:49 PM · #17 |
things to think about:
The image quality of the Rebel is on par with the 30D, so I wouldn't buy the 30D (personally, I'll be sticking with the rebel series until I can go full frame).
I'd prefer the 24-70 over the 24-105, unless you own the 5D - then the opposite becomes true.
I'd prefer the 300mm f4 L and 1.4x converter over the 100-400mm - even better yet, the 400mm f5.6 for $1000
You don't NEED a macro lens, extension tubes work very well - but if you do a lot macro work, it's a LOT easier to own a macro lens (so I hear)
You do need and least a 430ex flash |
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06/25/2007 03:27:11 PM · #18 |
I'd definitely go 30D + 24-105 f4L.
Nullix is right, in general. Lenses are a much better investment in the long run. However, I believe that upgrading from a Rebel to a body with a more professional feature set is a very good investment. The 30D is very high on my wishlist, but with a lens going bad recently, I ended up going with the 28-135 IS USM instead of continuing to save money. |
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06/25/2007 03:28:31 PM · #19 |
Lenses. Definitely lenses. But, can I suggest the 28-135mm IS USM as a less costly alternative to L glass. Great sharpness. It's a great walk around lens.
What do you have for a flash? How about a tripod? |
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06/25/2007 03:38:35 PM · #20 |
I would go with a used 5D, a 24mm 2.8 and a Manfrotto 3021 with RRS BH-40 head with lever QR clamp and plate for the 5D:
//www.reallyrightstuff.com/rrs/Customkititems.asp?kc=BH%2D40%2DLR%2DII&eq=
//www.reallyrightstuff.com/rrs/items.asp?Cc=BodyCanon5DNO&iTpStatus=0&Tp=&Bc=
That setup should be around $2500, or a little more. It gives you a great camera with a great sensor, a good compact prime that there's no reason to sell even if you get a zoom in the same range, and a pretty solid (if heavy) tripod with a very nice ballhead that'll be a joy to use. If you don't shoot on a tripod much, then maybe the money would be better invested in glass, but if you invest in a good tripod it'll still be a good tripod in 20 or 30 years if you keep it maintained, and you can use it for every camera and lens you'll have to keep the setup stable and let you make sharp photos even in low light and wind. |
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06/25/2007 03:57:23 PM · #21 |
| I wouldn't buy a camera used unless you can somehow still buy a warranty on it. I had to send my 30D out for repair less than 1 week before the warranty expired. But, the point is I had a warranty, and it's a good thing too because they basically replaced the guts of my camera. |
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06/25/2007 04:15:14 PM · #22 |
I figure that every photographer needs 4 basic lenses (for an XT)
1 - Walk around lens like a 18-55 or 28-80. This needs to be one of your best lenses because you will be using it all the time. I use a Tamron 28-75 and love it. The best lens being the Canon 24-70mm 2.8L.
2 - Wide angle lens that goes to 10 or 12mm.
3 - Telephoto lens in the 70-200 or 70-300 range. The Canon 70-200 f/4L would be a great choice.
4 - Macro lens like in the 100mm range. This lens doubles as a portrait lens. I plan to get the Sigma 105mm f/2.8.
I say buy new lenses with the money but I wouldn't put it all into one lens. These lenses will take your Rebel XT to a whole new level. |
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06/25/2007 04:19:37 PM · #23 |
Have to agree with TJinGuy, lenses are your best bet for now. The 350D Rebel is a good performer, not far behind the 30D, so invest in glass and check out your results.
You can always upgrade when new models come on the market and prices of old models drop. I am sure you will be more than pleased with the reults you get with new glass.
Message edited by author 2007-06-25 16:20:10. |
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06/25/2007 04:25:57 PM · #24 |
I've shot with a lot of what we're talking about. Here's my take...
You should relish the opportunity to spend $$$ on L-glass. When you hand your money over to the nice salesman you can think to yourself, "hot damn! This lens is among the best availabe, it keeps 80% of its resale value even years later, and will not likely be obsolete for a decade!"
You should absolutely hate spending $$$ on a body. When you hand your money over, do it with fear and trepidation. "Crap! What's coming next? When is Canon going to upgrade this body? Do I need all these features? How long will it last before it breaks?"
If the 5D is your "dream body", then wait for it to be replaced by Canon and buy a used one. In the meantime, buy L-glass and savor it. I scored plenty of ribbons on this site with the little 300D. If I'm crediting equipment, I'm crediting the L-glass, not the body.
You can even work your way up with lenses. Say you want the 70-200 f/2.8 IS, but don't have the cash yet? Start with the 70-200 f/4. Then sell it in 6-12 months for 80% of what you bought it. Consider the 20% your "rental fee" and then put the proceeds toward the next step up. I bought my 300D for about $1000. You know how much I got for it on resale? I think it was about $300.
Food for thought...
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06/25/2007 04:32:46 PM · #25 |
I'm going to throw my 2 cents in the hat for you too. Option 3 is, in my opinion, a very bad idea. Every single little flaw that 70-300mm Sigma lens has will show very clearly. With a full frame body like the 5D, you need a lens to match it. Option 2 is good, but the 30D vs 350D quality difference is minimal. Same sensor (almost), same chip (digic2) means same quality. If you need the better build and faster frame rate, then this is good. If not, then shoot for option 1. For option 1, here's my advice for a $2500 budget:
1.) Canon 70-200 f/4L ($540 + $140 for tripod collar) $680ish
2.) Canon 17-40 f/4L or Canon 10-22 both around $700ish
3.) Canon 100mm f/2.8 macro $500ish
4.) ditch the option of the ultra wides, keep the kit lens, and get the Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L $1100 otherwise you have $680 left to spend
5.) With the $680 left, get a 1.4x extender for the 70-200mm or just upgrade to the f/2.8L. Either choice is good.
For the record, I used the f/2.8L for a day at the zoo and I am sold on getting one. Just need to be able to bring myself to clicking the "buy" button on a $1100 lens...
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