My quandary; your opinion, please.

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M4FFU

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Matt
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So, I've a little money to spend. There's no real 'need' for this, but then short of shelter, food and water, I don't really 'need' anything else. So, indulge me... :naughty:

Here's my kit: 450D, 18-55, 28 1.8, 50 1.4, 100 2.0, 70-200 F4. I take pictures of a bit of everything, mostly candid portraiture. I've pondered a few upgrades:

1. new camera. 7D/5D2. 7D would be great. Awesome AF, a million FPS, more control/useability, but when I'm using IS100, in comparison to the camera I already have, on a static subject is there such a difference? I dunno. Full frame would be great. Massive step up in IQ, but if I'm not shooting RAW/PPing the pap out of eveything I do, I see it as a bit of a waste, perhaps. Sometimes, I just wanna bang jpegs on facebook.

2. new primes. Whilst my current little crop can't be faulted, is there better IQ/colour to be had with an L prime? I suspect I could, but £1000 to replace something so I get 2% better out of it? Hmm. Whilst I feel like treating myself, I'm doing it with some sensibility.

3. new 70-200. I don't use my 70-200 a lot, but at times I've wanted it to be a bit quicker. However, bang-for-buck, the F4 is kinda high up there. I'm less of a fan of primes at a longer focal length. £1000 70-200 2.8 could be good, but I don't think 2.8 is particularly fast for low light. 135/2? 200/2.8, being lighter, able to hand hold with less shake?

4. flash. Never had one. Used popup flash once, hated it. Much fun, and something new to be played around with, in the form of a relatively cheap 430 EX ii?

5. upgrade 18-55. Which is where I find myself currently. I rented a 10-22. Lovely lens, but I'd have limited use of anything less than 15mm. Which brings me to the 15-85. USM and IS are all welcome, but is the IQ that much better than my 18-55? I really don't know much about the lens, but it's a useful focal length. Or, I step up more to the 17-55, but I'd rather be using primes if I feel I 'need' 2.8, etc, as I'd rather jump to f/2.

I shouldn't moan. I want to spend a few bob on a hobby, but I don't want to needlessly splurge it on something I don't really need. What says you, TP; what'd you put in your shopping basket if you had what I had? :geek:
 
If you don't know, you don't need. Sounds a bit like GAS...

Fundamental decision is format. Decide that, and stick to it. Then spend as much as you can afford on the lens you use most, usually a standard range zoom. Build a system strictly one item at a time, based on need rather than any perceived gap.

Don't forget a quality flash - can expand your horizons maybe more than you think.

BTW, that's a lot of questions for one post.
 
1.) The 7d is a big step up from the 450d, but the 60d would be a big cost savings for a similar overall improvement. That being said, I would wait it out just a little longer. At this point the 7d/60d sensor is quite outdated. A lot of new cameras are on the horizon from Canon that will bring down the prices of older models, but which should be so good that it is worth just getting them instead. There is a new lower-price FF coming soon supposedly + probably the 70d, which might really be the one you will want.

2.) I would wait on lenses until you settle on a camera.

3.) See 2.

4.) This, 1000 times This! Get the 430ex II as your treat right now and save for a new camera for the holidays. It makes shooting indoors ten times easier and better, plus it can even make shooting outdoors on sunny days way easier. Wish I had gotten one much earlier than I did.

5.) I would upgrade the 18-55 eventually, but first you need to be certain you are sticking with a crop first. So.... See 2.
 
Thank you, gents. Makes sense. I don't know what GAS means, but I've got some money burning a hole in my pocket, and want to spend it! The temptation is there to go for FF, but I'd want a 7D/5D2 combination, without the price of the 5D3. If Canon are rumoured to make a more accessible FF camera, then maybe I'm getting off waiting to see what happens to that, or if the 7D2 gets better high iso performance.

Wise thoughts.

And yes, flash seems like a no brainer. I've thought about getting a 2.8 standard zoom. The Tamron 17-50 gets great reviews and it's relatively inexpensive, and can be easily moved on should my format change at any point.

Thanks. :)
 
M4FFU said:
Thank you, gents. Makes sense. I don't know what GAS means, but I've got some money burning a hole in my pocket, and want to spend it! The temptation is there to go for FF, but I'd want a 7D/5D2 combination, without the price of the 5D3. If Canon are rumoured to make a more accessible FF camera, then maybe I'm getting off waiting to see what happens to that, or if the 7D2 gets better high iso performance.

Wise thoughts.

And yes, flash seems like a no brainer. I've thought about getting a 2.8 standard zoom. The Tamron 17-50 gets great reviews and it's relatively inexpensive, and can be easily moved on should my format change at any point.

Thanks. :)
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GAS = Gear Acquisition Syndrome. I speak as a fellow sufferer, of long term standing. As are many others - just own up and enjoy it. I do :D But don't forget that cameras are for taking pictures, and for enjoying the art and craft and skill of photography.

The comments I made above are based on expensive and extensive experience of GAS. I should add that the only thing worse than GAS is buying too hastily, and quickly regretting it. GAS sufferers are prone to this very painful after effect.
 
Well, sign me up for the GAS club, for sure!

And thinking some more, a 7D with better high ISO performance is pretty much my ideal camera. Ish. :P If there will be a 7D2 in some form arrive next year that addresses that, I may as well hold onto my pennies, and let it earn me a few quid for now.

GAS is tough to live with... ;)
 
Given what you have lens wise. How about a 5D3 plus a 24-105?
 
arentol said:
4.) This, 1000 times This! Get the 430ex II as your treat right now and save for a new camera for the holidays. It makes shooting indoors ten times easier and better, plus it can even make shooting outdoors on sunny days way easier. Wish I had gotten one much earlier than I did.
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:thumbs: the 430ex is a great flash but as you don't seem to be short of a bob or two why not get its big brother the 580ex which is even better.

also if you've got a couple of hundred notes burning a hole in your pocket what about the phototriggers that cowasaki and his posse are developing and selling ?
 
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