New camera, new lens, or stick with what I have?

[johnny8977]

Morning all.

I've a 550D with a nifty fifty, 70-200L, Tamron 10-24 f3.5-4.5 and Tamron 17-50 f2.8, plus 430 exII.

I mostly take pictures of the kids and the occasional landscapes plus general holiday stuff.

I've been musing about upgrading to a full frame, just to try to take things to that next level. Considering a 5D mkII or possibly Nikon D700 if I could be bothered with the swap.

But.....thats going to cost a rather large amount of money. So, I was thinking of getting a 17-40L, thinking on a crop sensor this would suit 90% of what I need.

But, would the 17-40L be worth the expense on a crop sensor over the Tamron 17-50?

What would improve my photography more - a new camera, the 17-40 or is what I have more than adequate for the level I'm at? Don't get me wrong, I want to take as good pics as possible and I'd like to think I'm a step up from a regular point and shooter.

The way I figure, if I were to upgrade to a 2nd hand 5d, selling my 550d would leave me with a cost of around £700.

Getting the 17-40L if I sold the Tamron would cost about £320.

Is it worth it?

 

[rjbell]

What would improve my photography more

Is it worth it?

Nothing you buy will improve your photography more. All this will cost you is time. Unless it's something in particular that your current setup isn't giving you and an upgrade will give this to you, i would keep your setup and keep practising.

 

[woof woof]

But.....thats going to cost a rather large amount of money. So, I was thinking of getting a 17-40L, thinking on a crop sensor this would suit 90% of what I need.

But, would the 17-40L be worth the expense on a crop sensor over the Tamron 17-50?

Getting the 17-40L if I sold the Tamron would cost about £320.

Is it worth it?

I think you're barking mad.

The Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 is IMVHO a better lens than the 17-40mm f4 which was designed as a wide angle full frame lens not a general purpose APS-C zoom plus of course with the 17-40mm you're limited to f4.

 

[danbroad]

Nothing you buy will improve your photography more. All this will cost you is time. Unless it's something in particular that your current setup isn't giving you and an upgrade will give this to you, i would keep your setup and keep practising.

the wisest words I have heard on TP, and words I'd have done well to listen to on my own journey....

I always feel lenses, cameras etc are like little trinkets of jewellery, or game cards for bigger boys. We collect them, trade them, enjoy the substance feel of owning them, and we're always looking for the next big[ger] thing....

When I was a poor student/intern, I dreamed of the very best whilst using what little I had to the maximum. Now I'm better off, I have everything plus more, but I wish I had the time and the impetus to learn everything I own to the max just like I used to...

...the 550d? Keep it, take world class images with it, spend some hearty cash on a fine holiday instead, that's my advice [having spent five years spending for little gain]...