What to upgrade to?

EMA747 · 31 Dec 2009

First off I apologise for posting another thread about comparing cameras but 5D etc is seems to short for the search thing to work.

I am after an upgrade on a limited(ish) budget but I am so undecided on what to get. I currently have a 400D and Canon 17-40 L and 100-400 L lenses.
The contenders are 40D, 50D or 5D mk1. I would really like a 5D mk2 but I really cannot go that high. (all of the above will be miles better than the 400D I guess).
A second hand 40D is really cheap and a 50D seems to be about the same as a second hand 5Dmk1. If could I would get a 5Dmk2 on 0% finance but my job was cut to very part-time so I don't have the money coming in to do that.

I mainly shoot aviation and travel with a bit of motor sport thrown in. I pretty much never shoot portrait or weddings or anything like that.

It's a lot of money so I really want to make the right choice. I need some comments if anyone can help.

Andy S

unclened · 31 Dec 2009

Hi Andy, looks like you got some decent glass there, and I would personally recommend the 40D. I had one and it was one of my favourite bodies (I sold to go FF as my stuff is more weddings/portraits etc..) The frame rate is superb and very useful for the type of photography you mentioned. Its also a very well made body and handles really well.

I've never used the 50D but I don't think the difference is huge.

EMA747 · 31 Dec 2009

Thanks hsuffyan. I think you are right about the 40D-50D not being a lot different. I think it's mainly between a 40D with some money left over or the 5D and go skint and have to live in a cardboard box.

HoppyUK · 31 Dec 2009

From what you've said, I don't think you want a 5d or 5DII at all. For the stuff you mainly shoot, I think you'll dearly miss the extra reach you get with your crop format, even though the IQ of the 5DII is sublime if you print large enough for it to show what it can do.

So I would say 50D without a moment's hesitation, with a strong plea for a 7D which sounds perfect for you. I would also chop in your 17-40L for an EF-S 17-55 2.8 IS, commit fully to the crop format, and enjoy the benefits

EMA747 · 31 Dec 2009

I would love a 7D but I just can't stretch the budget that high at the moment. If I could get a second hand 7D I might but I haven't seen many 2nd hand.

I think my max budget would be around £800.

HoppyUK · 31 Dec 2009

EMA747 said:
I would love a 7D but I just can't stretch the budget that high at the moment. If I could get a second hand 7D I might but I haven't seen many 2nd hand.

I think my max budget would be around £800.

That's a decent budget. Sell the 400D and 17-40, and get a 40/50D plus 17-55 2.8. Now you're really rockin

EMA747 · 31 Dec 2009

HoppyUK said:
That's a decent budget. Sell the 400D and 17-40, and get a 40/50D plus 17-55 2.8. Now you're really rockin

Why not keep the 17-40 (i love that lens) and sell the 400D and see if I can stretch to a 7D?

HoppyUK · 31 Dec 2009

EMA747 said:
Why not keep the 17-40 (i love that lens) and sell the 400D and see if I can stretch to a 7D?

17-40L is a wonderful lens on full frame, for which it was designed, but on a crop camera you can never use its extra format coverage yet still have to suffer the drawbacks that have been forced on the designers.

That is, if you don't have to cover the full frame image circle, you can extend the range out to 55mm, get a whole extra stop more light through it, and have IS to boot. If that wasn't a bit of a no brainer frankly, it's also sharper!

Admittedly it doesn't have the L's rugged build and weather sealing, but assuming you don't get it wet or hammer in nails with it, the 17-55 is very well made.

It's always a personal thing, but I would rather have a 50D and the double treat of that lens, than a 7D and keep the 17-40 (even though it's an L and has a red ring on it

).

50D is a worthwhile improvement on the 40D, considering there's not that much in the price these days. And both are a huge step up from a 400D. TBH I don't think you'll go far wrong whichever way you cut it.