Mike Price

I have read and read and read reviews, specifications on SLRs and even though my 20D is not a full frame and does not have video which I don't care about or would use it. I know, I am a product of an analog world I grew up in and very tradition when it comes to just taking photos even some action shots frame at a time.

I don't want to bore everyone with what I don't know nor with the little I do know. So let me express where I find myself at this point with as few words as possible. I get great pictures with my 20D. Yes, I know it is not in production anymore and if it quits I might be up the creek. Now that said, I just can't see spending more money for a new upgraded body of a later model and most I can afford are not a full metal body and then lenses to match.

Now I might be all wet (been that before) but I am thinking of getting a few better lenses that I can use on my 20D and continue with my present camera. Tell me if my thinking is not sound or way off or just totally crazy. There was so many reviews I read and so much information that when I finished I did not see much advantage unless I spent big buck for a new body and lenses to match the expensive upgrade. Counsel me if you would, I will just sit back and read all your comments for next few days and maybe they will help me clear my mind.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

I did not think I would every use video, until I had an opportunity to do so. Besides, any Canon (I assume you'll stay with the same brand) will have video capabilities.

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

The first question is - what lenses do you already own?

Mike Price

Yes, I will stay with cannon and I know they have video

mdorn Loc: Portland, OR

You are not all wet. The 20D is old, but it is still a fine body. Treat yourself with a new lens and enjoy.

Swamp Gator Loc: Coastal South Carolina

Well you will never be sorry investing in good quality lenses.
It's better to put a $1,500 lens on a $100 camera then to put a $100 lens on a $1,500 camera.

Mike Price

EFS 18-55mm 0.28m/0.9ft ULTRASONIC

Cannon EF 50mm 1:1.8 II 0.45m/1.5ft

Cannon Image Stablizer 70-300mm Macro 1.5m/4.9ft Ultrasonic

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u245/mhsp68/file_zpsb1dd446c.jpg

Mike Price

After reading the reviews it actually had me leaning this way, getting better lenses.

Mike Price

Here is one of my action shots with the 70-300mm

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u245/mhsp68/mhsp68022/IMG_7994_zpsda58c81b.jpg

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

Good range already covered.
What are your interests?
Do you want to branch your photography into a new area that your equipment cannot handle?
What would you like to photograph that you cannot now?
Is your current gear letting you down in certain areas?

http://bobatkins.com/photography/reviews/best_canon_eos_lenses.html
For lens ideas scroll to the bottom and work up maybe.

Mike Price

What are your interests? - Good quality photos for articles, picture devotions and I am creating a page on Facebook to present my photos as my expression of art. I love taking a good shot, framing it correctly, making it interesting and eye catching and with good composition (which I am working on all these aspects to improve my picture taking and so I want quality pictures.

Do you want to branch your photography into a new area that your equipment cannot handle? - Yes, I want to take more portraits of people and candied shots and also more of animals in the wild.


What would you like to photograph that you cannot now? - Don't know of anything, just trying to improve quality of my pictures through good technique and adequate equipment.


Is your current gear letting you down in certain areas? No, I just think it could be better in resolution and quality, but still satisfied with a lot of what I am able to do.

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

Portraits
85mm F/1.8

Animals in the wild - thats mainly about getting l-o-n-g - small bucks options (about $1000)
Sigma 50-500mm, Sigma 150-500mm, Tamron 150-600mm
These are the common cheap options.
Big bucks - I don't think you want to know.
In between options - there are many, its very confusing, see what you like about the cheap long options listed first maybe.

I can't help with the candied shots, I know nothing about food photography.
But if you mean something like street photography, the 40mm pancake lens is a very small unobtrusive option - especially if you take that battery pack off the bottom of your camera.

Mike Price

I am thinking of replacing my 18-55mm Kit lens with this one for some immediate improvement.

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u245/mhsp68/mhsp68024/81e9RUeYefL_SL1500__zpsddcc271f.jpg
Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Standard Zoom Lens

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

It is not what I would do, but I am sure someone will tell you its a wonderful decision.
That is a decision based on convenience, not on quality and style of images.

Mike Price

That is a decision based totally on my lack of knowledge and understanding :) :) :) I am listening :)