Upgrade advice

kizz360 · 1 Mar 2016

It's time for me to update my camera, had it nearly 10 years! I've been in and out of photography during that time but its always been solid as a rock for me.

Currently I have a 350d w/18-55 kit lens and a sigma 70-300mm 1:4-5.6. I imagine most camera's would be quite a step up from what I have and I know my lenses aren't the greatest, but I'm happy to use them in the meantime until I buy some better glass!

I'm looking to spend around £500 and so far I've been leaning towards the 700d with the 18-135mm lens. I often found using the 18-55mm a little restrictive and the 18-135mm appeals to me. I was also thinking of picking up either the 50mm or 40mm prime later.

Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated

Demonid3e · 1 Mar 2016

Wont you consider used semi pro body similair to 60-70d? It will be a step forward as it will give you more options than consumer type dslr and you will have some money for maybe a prime lens you could use like you suggested 50mm is a great lens.

mike_6480 · 1 Mar 2016

Second hand 60d and tamron 17-50 f2.8. Should easily be able to find under your budget

Pmba · 2 Mar 2016

With the 80d out soon, you may find a used 70d within budget in the next few weeks. Gets good reviews from a few on here.

Like you, I came from a 350d and the 70d is a revelation. Hasn't necessarily improved my photography (actually, it has thinking about it) but has certainly rekindled my interest.

kizz360 · 2 Mar 2016

Thanks for the advice, the 60d are well within budget so that's a good option. Would you advise looking at any other lenses or should I stick with the Tamron? I'm guessing the 18-55 kit lens I have at the moment is pretty outdated.

The 70d's are still over the £500 mark which wouldn't leave much for a new lens - I'll keep an eye out to see if they drop in the next couple of weeks. Is there anywhere other than eBay you can recommend? - not eligible for the trading section here

I'm heading off to Japan in April so I'd like to have it before then.

Pmba · 2 Mar 2016

I've just picked up a tamron 17-50 (non vc) and it's nice and sharp on my 70d. I also have the ef-s 18-135 stm which has better range and the image quality is good too, but not a patch on the tamron, I feel, especially wide open. There are earlier versions of the ef-s lens (non stm), but I don't have any experience of those.

Maybe start with the 60/70d with your current lenses and see if you can pick something up in Japan?

simonm8 · 3 Mar 2016

nines said:
Thanks for the advice, the 60d are well within budget so that's a good option. Would you advise looking at any other lenses or should I stick with the Tamron? I'm guessing the 18-55 kit lens I have at the moment is pretty outdated.

The 70d's are still over the £500 mark which wouldn't leave much for a new lens - I'll keep an eye out to see if they drop in the next couple of weeks. Is there anywhere other than eBay you can recommend? - not eligible for the trading section here

I'm heading off to Japan in April so I'd like to have it before then.

Shame you can't access classifieds there is a 60d with battery grip for £350. Mods might be able help don't know if you could message the seller and maybe ask if they could advertise for sale so where else maybe like fleebay? Just ideas.

kizz360 · 4 Mar 2016

I've been reading more into the 17-50 f2.8 lenses. What made you choose the Tamron over the Sigma?

At the moment the 70d's are about £200 more than the 60d, I'm going to keep an eye over the next couple of weeks and see if they drop any more otherwise I'm thinking 60d with a new lens is my best bet.

It's a shame that I can't access the classifieds but the rules in place are there for a good reason. I've been looking on mpb and wex as well as fleabay.

plamen_gb · 4 Mar 2016

If you are thinking about trying FF within that budget you can get 5D + few lenses, it is a completely different direction though it can be a valid one, depending on what you need the camera for

Demonid3e · 8 Mar 2016

plamen_gb said:
If you are thinking about trying FF within that budget you can get 5D + few lenses, it is a completely different direction though it can be a valid one, depending on what you need the camera for

He would need to sell the lenses if he want to go ff. But totally agree 5d us a diferent story.