New lens or upgrade camera?

[KimR+]

I've been saving some money so I could buy a macro lens, but now I'm debating if I should upgrade my camera. Currently I have the Canon T2i and I mainly use my 17-55 f/2.8 lens. I think having a macro would be fun and useful at times. But I would also like a camera that handles higher ISO's well. Currently with Canon, I would have to buy a full-frame camera to handle high ISO's. There is also a possibility that they may come out with a new camera, but I'm not counting on that.

Those of you that are pro/semi-pro/know your way around a camera, what do you suggest? What would you do? The other thing is, if I end up buying the full frame (I'd have to save more still) and I'd have to sell my 17-55 lens to buy the 24-70 (which did you see they now make IS?)!

I've called my local camera store, and of course they told me to buy the Mark so they can make a good sale. I'd love to hear any advice!

Thanks so much!

[LoriS]

I am looking at upgrades too, Kim! It's so tough to decide -- ESPECIALLY when you have a budget!!! I am looking at the Canon D60 right now and Canon 24-70 2.8 Lens = both bring me WAY over budget!!! I was trying to find the lens used, but I'm not finding it any less than Amazon at this point.
No way could I ever afford the Mark. Although it would be nice, wouldn't it?
Good Luck deciding, Kim!

[Jen D]

It is a really tough decision. If you are considering ever turning pro then I would save your pennies for the full frame (wish I did).

I am holding out hope that at the end of the month Canon is going to release the Mark 5d III to compete with Nikon's latest release.

Kim I can even tell the difference between my 40D to my 50D with my ISO capabilities. Each model gets better.

[Jen D]

Originally Posted by LoriS

I am looking at upgrades too, Kim! It's so tough to decide -- ESPECIALLY when you have a budget!!! I am looking at the Canon D60 right now and Canon 24-70 2.8 Lens = both bring me WAY over budget!!! I was trying to find the lens used, but I'm not finding it any less than Amazon at this point.
No way could I ever afford the Mark. Although it would be nice, wouldn't it?
Good Luck deciding, Kim!

Lori I would watch close... with the 24-70 new release people will be getting rid of older versions. You can find my version used at Adorama for about 1200.00 used. That is where I bought my 50mm 1.2 and I saved over 800.00 buying it used... but I had to stock the site for about 3 months before I found it. It is a fantastic piece of glass

[KimR+]

I don't think I'd ever go pro, that's why I don't think the Mark would be worth it, though it would be so nice. I've had my eye on the Canon 7D for months, but when I talk to the guys at my local camera store, they same the ISO is basically the same as the camera I have. So I'm really hoping that Canon comes out with a crop-camera that handles ISO better, more stops with the shutter speed, and more focal points in the view finder. I can't afford both, but I'd be able to get the 7D in a few more months (hopefully...and only if I could sell my T2i).

[Jen D]

Those camera guys are just trying to make a sale... the ISO on the 7D is MUCH better than your T2i. Trust me I have seen it with my own eyes.

If I were you I would read as many reviews on Amazon that you can about the 7D. I bet there are many that were in your shoes and they can shed some light in what they found for themselves.

The people I know that have the 7D are very happy with it. The only reason I have held off on any further upgrades on my 50D is because I have been saving for a full frame. If I wasn't in the professional arena I would have greatly considered the 7D

[KimR+]

Thanks Jen!! This really helps a lot!! I'll go check out some reviews!

[Julie DeGuia]

A couple things to think about.

1. How are you going to print your pictures? Are they mainly going on scrapbook pages or do you print them out 8x10 or larger for display purposes? Do you take a lot of pictures indoors, or are you mainly taking them outdoors where there is (generally) more light? Yes, there are situations where a higher ISO is desireable, but if you are printing your pictures small then the added grain from cameras with not-so-great ISO capability are not as noticeable. Also, if you take most of your pictures outside then it is easier to find good light without needing the higher ISOs. That being said, I live in a very DARK house and here in WA state where it gets dark at 4pm in the winter, I find myself needing better ISO capabilities! LOL! And I have the original 5D.

If I upgraded it would probably be to the 7D. I don't want to lug around an external flash and miss the on-camera flash that my 5D doesn't have.

2. I don't use my 24-70L lens anymore because I have found that it is too heavy. I switched (back) to the Tamron 28-75 F/2.8 and am still enjoying my pictures. I would go to a camera shop and feel the difference between these lenses!

What do you want the marco lens for? What type of pictures?

Good luck making your decision!

[KimR+]

Julie I know about the winters in Washington! I lived there for a few years, then moved to Indiana where the annual precipitation was the same...Indiana just got it in bigger down pours!

Yes, I want the higher ISO's for inside my home. The places I usually want to take pictures doesn't have great natural light and Utah seems too have two seasons, winter and summer, so half of the year is dark and gloomy. Most of my pictures will be/are for scrapbooking, but I hope to one day be good enough behind the camera where I can hang pictures on the walls that I have taken. I love filling the home with our own photos. I'd love to replace my 16x20 family photo over our fire place with a bigger family photo that's a canvas, but that may have to be from a professional doing our annual family photos!

It is crazy how heavy the different lenses are. I wonder how much the new 24-70 f/2.8 IS USM weighs in comparisson to the non IS, I know my 17-55 f/2.8 weighs less than the original 24-40.

The macro wouldn't be used as much if I were to get it. Just for fun things of getting close ups and not having to crop the heck out of a photo. Like the spread I made of my DD "so big" I was trying to take pictures of her earrings dangling from her ears, but they didn't turn out. A macro would have been perfect.

I know that upgrading my camera would be a better move and more cost effective. My DH tells me to just rent the macro but I don't want to go and pick it up (if it's even in store) whenever I feel like using a macro.

[georgeinci]

I am always having this debate with myself Kim - a new lens or to update my camera! I have the Canon 500D (not sure of the non-European name) and I love it. It's light and it takes great pictures -esp' when paired with my prime lenses - HOWEVER - the ISO thing is what bugs me too. I take (or want to take) so many of pictures indoors and when I popped into my local camera store they gave the same advice - go for a full-frame camera. Budget is a major issue - as is the added weight - as is the fear of carrying around such an expensive piece of kit! (I'm already neurotic about my current camera!!).
Aaah, so much to ponder...
Let us know what you decide on!

[KimR+]

I decided on upgrading!! However, it's been put off for a LONG time! this past week we had to put all that money towards a new washer and dryer. Until then I'll keep getting better with my current camera and look forward to the day when I can upgrade!

[LoriS]

I was just wondering yesterday what you decided on Kim! Sorry you have to wait. I want to upgrade this coming Month in March, but still can't decide on getting the lens I want, uprading the camera or doing both. Both brings me WAY over my budget. ugh... decisions. Hope you like your new Washer and Dryer!

[sam ellis]

So.... I would upgrade the camera for sure - but always remember that the lenses you can buy example 50 - 1.8 (good value for money) will allow you to open up the aperture to allow a WHOLE lot more light in. So that would be a relatively "cheap" option for now - and wait until you can upgrade the camera.

Dang the washer and dryer.....

[georgeinci]

As always 'real-life' gets in the way! If only using the washer and dryer was as much fun as using the camera... x

[KimR+]

LOL Georgina! Too bad we just spent $$$$ on something that sits in the laundry room! I don't mind spending a lot of money on furniture, people see it, you use it daily, etc!! Yes the washer and dryer are needed and used very often, but I'd rather upgrade my camera!! Photography is my hobby not laundry!! I'm a woman of this century!! I'm not a wife from the 50's that's barefoot and pregnant spending my days cleaning and cooking!!! Extreme I know!! One day right?

[iUma]

If they are coming out with a new 5D mark III I would be on the lookout for a used 7D.

[carollee]

At the risk of sounding like a ninny, what does the term "full frame" mean ?

[Melissa Hill]

Carol, check out this article on full frame vs. cropped sensor...I'm very visual and I think this article is great at showing the difference!

Full Frame Camera vs Cropped Sensor

Melissa

[esther_a]

Kim, I went from an entry level Canon (we call it the 1000D) to the 7D (purchased second hand on eBay). The difference was amazing. I chose the 7D over the 5D on price, the speed of shooting (7D is a sports camera and is SO fast), the on-camera flash and the unique ability to control an off-camera flash as well. On other Canons you need to spend $100s to purchase a flash controller for off-camera flash.
I know other people have the full-frame 5D and are able to produce more beautiful portraits with that, but the difference is minor. I'm not going to do professional photography, so I'm happy with the speed and extra functionality of the 7D.

[KimR+]

The 7D is what I had decided on!! Especially with it being on sale right now!! By the time I'm able to save up enough again there might be another option!! Thanks for you advice!