New glass or new body first? (Page 2): I'm in the same,situation. However, I'm forced to get the glass first. I'm waiting for the Canon 5d mark iv to come out. I just purchased the...

Tracy B. Loc: Indiana

I'm in the same,situation. However, I'm forced to get the glass first. I'm waiting for the Canon 5d mark iv to come out. I just purchased the Canon 70-200 f2.8L, next will be the 24-70 f2.8L. I have Canon 100 f2.8L, Sigma 50mm, and Sigma 85mm. I have the Canon 70d,currently and I love it. Good luck in your,decision. Let us know what you decide.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

DanH wrote:

I currently shoot with a Canon T3i and have 3 lenses; 75-300 f/4-5.6, 18-55 and 50 1.8 I have been looking at the 7D Mk II. There are also a few lenses that I have been looking at, all of which are Canon; 200mm f/2.8L II USM, 24-70mm f/4L IS USM and the 70-200mm f/4 USM. Decisions, decisions. Which would you upgrade first? I feel like I am outgrowing the camera but at the same time, I want new glass lol. Getting both is currently not in my budget.
Thanks in advance, Dan

The type of photography that you do will strongly indicate what equipment you need. If you shoot landscapes - then a 45mm tilt-shift lens provides natural perspective and the opportunity to easily create a pano by merely shifing.

If you do birds and wildlife - then a 500mm or longer lens

Real Estate - 10mm (on crop) and longer

sports - 300 F2.8, 200mm F2, 400mm F2.8

portrait - 85mm 1.2, 105, 135

Macro - macro lenses - natural subjects longer >150mm, inside 60-90mm.

A good lens-subject match will provide best results, but if you don't know, then the 24-70 F2.8 and the 70-200 F2.8 won't let you down.

Zone-System-Grandpa Loc: Springfield, Ohio

mcveed wrote:

Get over the GAS. What is wrong with your present gear? What is holding you back?What is your present gear preventing you from doing with your photography? Do you have the misguided notion that new gear will improve your photographs? Think hard. Maybe you would be better off taking a photo course or a workshop on the subject you feel your gear is holding you back . New gear can open new horizons but it seldom improves your photographs.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Mcveed, hopefully, Dan will take your advice ! He has posted 5 photos since joining the forum and all came with "how to" questions. Dan doesn't need new equipment; he needs to use the camera and lenses that he already has more often.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

DanH wrote:

I currently shoot with a Canon T3i and have 3 lenses; 75-300 f/4-5.6, 18-55 and 50 1.8 I have been looking at the 7D Mk II. There are also a few lenses that I have been looking at, all of which are Canon; 200mm f/2.8L II USM, 24-70mm f/4L IS USM and the 70-200mm f/4 USM. Decisions, decisions. Which would you upgrade first? I feel like I am outgrowing the camera but at the same time, I want new glass lol. Getting both is currently not in my budget.
Thanks in advance, Dan

Wow. The answer should be based on your needs. Glass is usually my first answer... But you need to think carefully about what you photograph. Will a different lens substantially improve coverage? "Keeper" ratios? Bokeh? Sharpness? Or will a better body focus faster, work a lot better in lower light, or allow you to crop more in post-production?

If the answer is, "Yes, on all counts," then you have to decide what to do first.

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Hi,
I would highly recommend the 200mm f/2.8L II USM. It will be a fabulous lens on any body!! When you have the $ you can buy the 7D M II which is a fabulous partner with the 200mm f/2.8L II USM, particularly for action sports and nature.

Good luck,
Mark

DanH wrote:

I currently shoot with a Canon T3i and have 3 lenses; 75-300 f/4-5.6, 18-55 and 50 1.8 I have been looking at the 7D Mk II. There are also a few lenses that I have been looking at, all of which are Canon; 200mm f/2.8L II USM, 24-70mm f/4L IS USM and the 70-200mm f/4I will b USM. Decisions, decisions. Which would you upgrade first? I feel like I am outgrowing the camera but at the same time, I want new glass lol. Getting both is currently not in my budget.
Thanks in advance, Dan

Shoeless_Photographer Loc: Lexington

DanH wrote:

I currently shoot with a Canon T3i and have 3 lenses; 75-300 f/4-5.6, 18-55 and 50 1.8 I have been looking at the 7D Mk II. There are also a few lenses that I have been looking at, all of which are Canon; 200mm f/2.8L II USM, 24-70mm f/4L IS USM and the 70-200mm f/4 USM. Decisions, decisions. Which would you upgrade first? I feel like I am outgrowing the camera but at the same time, I want new glass lol. Getting both is currently not in my budget.
Thanks in advance, Dan

You have the 18MP version of my T3 essentially. I'd say stick with that for now and upgrade your glass. If those are your original kit lenses (looks like they are), replace those. The 50mm f/1.8 is a decent lens. I've got that, and it does some nice work. The 18-55mm and 75-300mm are crap compared to the L glass you're considering. They're both nowhere near as sharp, and the chromatic aberration is not pretty.

My next major upgrade will probably be in the L category, but for now my first upgrade was the Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 USD VC SP DI. The VC (Vibration Compensation) is great, and the lens is much sharper than the 75-300mm Canon not to mention the autofocus is much more accurate. The chromatic aberration is very minimal at most apertures, too. Definitely not an L class lens, though, if that's what you're shooting for.

I'd say if you can, rent one of those lenses you're considering and see what that T3i can really do with some good glass in front of it. Compare it to what you've already done with the kit lenses. You'll be amazed.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

DanH wrote:

I currently shoot with a Canon T3i and have 3 lenses; 75-300 f/4-5.6, 18-55 and 50 1.8 I have been looking at the 7D Mk II. There are also a few lenses that I have been looking at, all of which are Canon; 200mm f/2.8L II USM, 24-70mm f/4L IS USM and the 70-200mm f/4 USM. Decisions, decisions. Which would you upgrade first? I feel like I am outgrowing the camera but at the same time, I want new glass lol. Getting both is currently not in my budget.
Thanks in advance, Dan

Personally at this point I would go glass. Good body in the T3i. Get the lenses you want and by then a new generation of bodies will be out and then get one of your choice. I have tried it both ways and now go glass first and have found that much better for me. You decide but that is my experience.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

DanH wrote:

I currently shoot with a Canon T3i and have 3 lenses; 75-300 f/4-5.6, 18-55 and 50 1.8 I have been looking at the 7D Mk II. There are also a few lenses that I have been looking at, all of which are Canon; 200mm f/2.8L II USM, 24-70mm f/4L IS USM and the 70-200mm f/4 USM. Decisions, decisions. Which would you upgrade first? I feel like I am outgrowing the camera but at the same time, I want new glass lol. Getting both is currently not in my budget.
Thanks in advance, Dan

Tough call, but there will always be a new body coming along, with the previous great one available used or refurbished. I'd get a 24-70mm or 70-200mm, depending on your needs. Be aware that the big lens is really big - and heavy.

sueyeisert Loc: New Jersey

I'm not a Canon person. Lenses last forever. Can't you order the f4 lenses and if you don't like them return them. I try to get constant aperture lenses.

DanH wrote:

I currently shoot with a Canon T3i and have 3 lenses; 75-300 f/4-5.6, 18-55 and 50 1.8 I have been looking at the 7D Mk II. There are also a few lenses that I have been looking at, all of which are Canon; 200mm f/2.8L II USM, 24-70mm f/4L IS USM and the 70-200mm f/4 USM. Decisions, decisions. Which would you upgrade first? I feel like I am outgrowing the camera but at the same time, I want new glass lol. Getting both is currently not in my budget.
Thanks in advance, Dan

Db7423 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

LFingar wrote:

Common wisdom usually says to go with improved gla... (show quote)

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

Tracy B. wrote:

I'm in the same,situation. However, I'm forced to get the glass first. I'm waiting for the Canon 5d mark iv to come out. I just purchased the Canon 70-200 f2.8L, next will be the 24-70 f2.8L. I have Canon 100 f2.8L, Sigma 50mm, and Sigma 85mm. I have the Canon 70d,currently and I love it. Good luck in your,decision. Let us know what you decide.

Interesting take on a possible new 5 series body. Canon just released 2 new bodies in that series, do you really think they have another version waiting in the wings? Guessing the future? Great winter sport in the most northern latitudes. What new features will the new 5 bring to the playing field? Not even Sony has discovered the latest and greatest body feature that we can not live without. i.e. there is nothing new to offer the user on the bench at this time. Canon has introduced new lens technology that is marked for the new 5 series bodies. Lenses would be the direction of technological advancement at this time, I would think. The tech shows have come and gone and the current list of bodies cover the technology we can hope for to get us through this year. If there are any rumors concerning the exact features on a new 5 series they are being hidden fairly well. Any guesses on your part would be tantalizing gossip for us to kick around. Put on your thinking cap and be creative, what can we no longer live without? (=;

NoSocks Loc: quonochontaug, rhode island

SharpShooter wrote:

Dan, WoW, good luck with this one. br My advice..... (show quote)

You are in the minority but I think you're spot-on. I love these guys that ask "what's wrong with what you've got?" Meanwhile, they're sitting with a D750 or a 5Dmkll. GAS is GAS and we amateurs love new and more sophisticated gear whether we need it or not. We're not pros watching the p&l and when we can afford it, we get what we want, not what we need. Hell, I haven't explored all the capabilities of my iPhone camera yet, but I retired my D80 for a D600. Never looked back.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

DanH wrote:

I currently shoot with a Canon T3i and have 3 lenses; 75-300 f/4-5.6, 18-55 and 50 1.8 I have been looking at the 7D Mk II. There are also a few lenses that I have been looking at, all of which are Canon; 200mm f/2.8L II USM, 24-70mm f/4L IS USM and the 70-200mm f/4 USM. Decisions, decisions. Which would you upgrade first? I feel like I am outgrowing the camera but at the same time, I want new glass lol. Getting both is currently not in my budget.
Thanks in advance, Dan

New body ? I would like a new body also, mine is to old, and it hurts.

Tracy B. Loc: Indiana

davidrb wrote:

Interesting take on a possible new 5 series body. ... (show quote)

If Canon doesn't release a 5d mark iv with the features that are rumored, that's fine. But, currently no full frame camera has what I want. I can wait. I don't think your condescending tone is nessessary.

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

Well my story is: Leaving film cameras to go digital. I still have the F6 Nikon. I started digital with a D300s. It is built strong and pretty weather proof. It is in the truck full time. But I went with DX lenses first.:( But all my older lenses still worked on it. My next jump was better glass. I traded in the older lenses on good glass. Then I added the D600. That made a bigger jump in the way my pictures started turning out. Now I have the D750. I traded the D600 and a few lenses I didn't use that much. And I am now very happy with the shots I am getting!! Trading in for better glass and cameras saved me a lot of money. This was over about a 10 year run.:)