Nice problem but what kit do I get!

[Duncan.F]

Hi folks,
Followed the earlier thread on upgrading from a 400d to 40/50d as I have a similar problem. I have a little stash arriving soon [no nothing illegal, just an endowment!] and I want to upgrade my kit. Advice would be appreciated and listened to!
Present kit 400d, Sigma 17-70[use this a lot with 380ex flash for parties etc], nifty fifty, Canon 85mm 1.8, sigma 10-20, sigma 150mm 2.8 macro and canon 70-200 F4 L. I do [mostly for fun] people and sports with a little macro when the mood takes.
I will have around £1500 or so plus whatever I can get for the surplus kit. The problem is what kit! I have agonised over 40/50d and Canon 24-70 2.8L or 24-105. The lower light option of the 2.8 appeals but it doesn't have the reach....? I do a lot of party stuff/candids and I am not sure which would be better with flash. Also I was thinking of getting the 70-200 2.8IS...
What would you advise?!

Cheers,

Dunc

 

[PD_BARBS]

Have no experience of any of this kit but I have been doing alot of research lately into these options as I am hoping to upgrade my kit soon also. There are numerous threads on debating all of these options, so it would be worth looking at these.

But for abit more than your £1500 you could get a

40D body £550 (£490 after cashback)
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM SLR Lens £649
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM SLR Lens £595


This is based on Kersos price list and gives you everything you need. It certainly wouldn't be worth investing in the 50D over the 40D use the money saved for your lenses.


Hope this helps

 

[mbscad]

I think you need to do more analysis on what you have and what shortcomings you perceive for your style of photography.
For example have you analysed what your most popular focal length is?
I downloaded a program from the 'net and analysed a lot of pictures (.jpg) and I then found what my favourite focal length was (and it was a surprise). I then bought the best lens that I could to cover that range.
I had a problem with low light indoor shots that I couldn't solve with a fast lens (f1.8) so I bought a flashgun which I see that you have.
Then there is the dreaded noise in low contrast situations which from reports that I have read suggest the 50D has a more useful high iso range.
You have some good glass -you have the macro work covered, you have a good quality zoom in the 70-200, the 85 f1.8 is supposed to be a cracking portrait lens but I notice that none of your lenses are IS. For party stuff/ candids, I think that you will find IS useful.
Just my two penneth!

 

[Duncan.F]

Hi,
Thanks for the responses, I have pretty much decided on a 40D but not sure which lens. Its the usual dilemma 105 or 24 70! I wondered as i do a lot of work on flash whether either would be more suited for candids/portraits?

D