So I will be 40 soon....and these are my options...

kennysarmy

kennysarmy

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Jeff
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400d user with the following lenses:

Tamron 17-50 &
Canon 70-200 F4 L (non IS)

occasionaly use the nifty fifty...


view my flickr for the types of photos I took...but they are mainly landscapes....photos of my kids and candids I reckon...with maybe the odd bit of sport

Want to treat myself to something when I turn the big 4-0

I was thinking either:

a) Buy a Canon 50d and keep the 400d as back camera and for the wife to use.

b) Buy the highly recommended Canon EF-S 17-55mm f2.8 IS USM Lens, sell my Tamron to help fund.

c) Upgrade my 70-200 to the IS version again selling on my 70-200 to help fund.


Pros and cons of each...

a) I end up with another body / but end up with the same glass.

b)&c) gives me greater shooting options for hand holding in lower light for portraits and landscapes.

Would appreciate any input from anyone with a view...anything I've missed or overlooked?
 
I suppose it's up to you. Personally I think I'd upgrade the body. Not a lot wrong with the glass you've got and looking at the shots they look pretty good to me. You could always get a 40D and put the couple of hundred toward more glass as well.
 
How do you feel about the 400d? As an entry level camera it's build quality isn't anywhere near as good as the XXd series. I've picked up the 40d and just how it sits in your hand is a lot more comfortable - despite the extra weight. Like InkZ said, you have nice lenses and your pictures look great. The only thing with keeping the 400d is that it may deteriorate a few years down the line, whereas the 50d should last much longer.
 
How about 100mm macro AND / or 580EX + a couple 430EX? That could make a real difference! Maybe 135mm f/2L is a great choice if you are really into portraits.

I think Canon 17-55 will be only MARGINALLY better than Tamron, mostly at 17mm.
40D vs 400D is a nice upgrade.
 
considering you have good glass I'd get a body, the 50d is a brilliant body I love mine to death.

If the budget could be made to stretch a flashgun is the only glaring gap in your lineup.

If room needed to be made the 50d could be swapped to a 40d, but its a much nicer body; the screen is great and the IQ after you've sorted the settings CT recommends is spot on.
 
I'd go with my setup. You'll want wider than 17mm so get the 10-22mm and the 24-105L for extra reach. I use 55-105mm a LOT and you will too if you have it.

The 50D is amazing, as if the IS on the 70-200L. I'd love a f/2.8 IS but I can't justify one yet, but my f/4 IS is pin-sharp and the IS makes a huge difference.
 
You'll not think you've gained much unless you upgrade the body. 50D is great, but maybe a 40D and squeeze the budget to do one of the lens options also? ;)
 
Well even though Steve's answer is by far my favourite, I'd have to ask you the question, why? If you are finding that your body is limiting you then look for a body upgrade. If you never find that you're not out-performing your body but the IQ isn't there then upgrade your glass. Ive never used a 70-200 IS, but I could never dream of saying goodbye to my non IS. Although I'm sure it helps, is it really worth it? An old friend of mine is a staff tog for the times and he still sticks with his old 2.8 non Is. Try an have a play with an upgrade on whatever you 'think' is holding you back to see what the real results are. Ifyou think your body is holding you back then try to identify what it is you need from a new body. You may find you can get the exact improvements you need from an older second hand body. There's some cracking deals on 1d mkII's...

If you get to the point where you think you're not being held back by your body or your lens then look at areas you'd like to move into. Perhaps a studio light set up? A flash? Macro? You get the picture! Hope the ramblings help rather than trying to talk you into someone elses wish list.
 
look at something wider for landscapes, and a upgrade to 40D or the 50D is a real treat from the 400D body.
esp the 50D. the controls, the screen, the image, and the ISO performance will improve all of the rest of your kit.
 
I would recommend new glass before buying a new camera, if your 400D does everything you want keep it, you will get far more benefit from changing lenses
 
daugirdas said:
How about 100mm macro AND / or 580EX + a couple 430EX? That could make a real difference! Maybe 135mm f/2L is a great choice if you are really into portraits.

I think Canon 17-55 will be only MARGINALLY better than Tamron, mostly at 17mm.
40D vs 400D is a nice upgrade.
Click to expand...

I do love the Tamron....interesting that you only think it will be marginally better.
I do have a 430EX II just got it recently and need to update my sig...

david1701 said:
considering you have good glass I'd get a body, the 50d is a brilliant body I love mine to death.

If the budget could be made to stretch a flashgun is the only glaring gap in your lineup.

If room needed to be made the 50d could be swapped to a 40d, but its a much nicer body; the screen is great and the IQ after you've sorted the settings CT recommends is spot on.
Click to expand...

Those who have 50d's do seem thrilled with them...where can I find the CT recommened settings you refer to?

Steve Smith said:
I'd say spend half the money on drink and women.... and waste the rest.
Steve.
Click to expand...

I don't drink ;)

DizMatt said:
look at something wider for landscapes, and a upgrade to 40D or the 50D is a real treat from the 400D body.
esp the 50D. the controls, the screen, the image, and the ISO performance will improve all of the rest of your kit.
Click to expand...

I did try the sigma 10-20 for a while...but was hardly using it so sold it on...I think I'm happy with covering just the range 17-200 on a crop body...I do have a 1.4 TC which I've used for sport and wildlife shots...IQ hardly seems to be affected...the 70-200 is really sharp....

I think the 50d would make a lovely birthday present to myself :D better get saving...
 
Those who have 50d's do seem thrilled with them...where can I find the CT recommened settings you refer to?
Click to expand...

I'll find you the thread and link it here

I don't drink
Click to expand...

poor you, we could send some over :D

I recommended the body on the basis of you already having exellent glass, the 70-200 f4 is meant to be pin sharp, and as you mentioned low light IS helps if the thing your shooting is stationary but if its moving then slowing the shutter won't help too much with or without IS. Also you can bump the iso at least a stop on the 50d compared to a 400d and get comparable/better results in noise terms


*edit* - settings thread
 
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