Trading up: Worth it?

Moos3h

Moos3h

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James
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Hi all,

My current kit bag consists of a 20D with a 17-85 IS, 75-300 IS and 50mm f1.8.

For flash, I use a 420EX.

Now, I'm not unhappy with the shots that I get, but I always wonder whether they could get better.

Is it really worth upgrading? If I added another £500 to whatever I could get for the 20D body, I guess I'm in 30D money, and from what I can see that offers little of an upgrade. I'm also tempted by the S5 Pro, although this would mean all new lenses etc.

The camera is used for everything from sports to weddings, so needs to be versatile.

Look forward to your thoughts!

Cheers,
James
 
Well I'm debating with myself whether to get some L glass...

Ultimately, all focal ranges are covered that I find necessary, but I do rather fancy a 17-40L.

Oh, and also considering a good macro lens too...perhaps the Sigma 105 might fit the bill there.

Not sure though really! I certainly don't want to make a decision that I'm not 100% happy with...

Cheers,
James
 
Very very similar to my kit list ...

30d, 17-85 and 50mm 1.8 - I have bene having the same dilema for quite a while and went down the 10-20 route instead, as I'll get better use out of the range with the 30d sensor.

Have been thinking about an upgrade to a 5d or even mark III, but cannot afford it.
So I am going down the L glass route and the never never via WE. Just cannot like yourself decide on what L glass. Perhaps consider second hand upgrades ?
 
I have or had similar set-up to you. I gradualy changed my lens to L series. The 50mm f1.8 is still my favorite, but the 70-300 was the worst performing lens, which I upgraded to the 70-200mm f2.8L (just before the f4 version was released). I still have the 17-85 as well as an 17-40mm f4L and I have to say my copy of the 17-85 is a close match for the 17-40mm.

I suggest you study your photo's and see if there is a trend with one lens performing worse than the others. I've seen in many photography mags with great pictures taken on the 20D, so I doubt that changing the body would give you much benefit.
 
i have to agree with the first reponse, you better invest in good glass rather than the body upgrade. maybe a 17-40L? or if you can save a little bit more and can get hands on a used 35 1.4L?
 
Moos3h said:
Hi all,

My current kit bag consists of a 20D with a 17-85 IS, 75-300 IS and 50mm f1.8.

For flash, I use a 420EX.

Now, I'm not unhappy with the shots that I get, but I always wonder whether they could get better.

Is it really worth upgrading? If I added another £500 to whatever I could get for the 20D body, I guess I'm in 30D money, and from what I can see that offers little of an upgrade. I'm also tempted by the S5 Pro, although this would mean all new lenses etc.

The camera is used for everything from sports to weddings, so needs to be versatile.

Look forward to your thoughts!

Cheers,
James
Click to expand...

Hi James,

Whatever you do, stay away from the S5!! Even the darksiders would probaly rather gave a D2 model!!

The problem with Canon is that there is really a big gap in price between the 30D and the 5D/1D series. If you used the 20D and the £500 in PX, you would certainly have enough for a used 1D, and you may even be close to a 1D Mk II.
 
Is it not just a case of "It's not the size of the weapon but the skill of the swordsman" ... :shrug:


I.E. a better/more expensive/all singing/all dancing camera doth not a better photographer make ... :suspect:


Like me ... I just did it 'cos I could ... pics are still crap though ... :D





:p
 
Venometor has made the most telling comment here.
Just take a look at the work of Les McLean, you don't get images like his by only using fancy kit. It take years of experience and knowledge.
I don't know what kit Les uses but I would like to bet he could take images like this with a 20D and modest lenses and they would still look superb.
I suggest we get Les to hold master classes at suitable venues so that we can cut the learning curve.
If you must change your lens get the best. Remember "Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten"
H
 
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