Used body vs. new lens?

xsouthpawed · Mar 21, 2010

I'm considering adding to my photography arsenal sometime this summer. And I was thinking of either buying a telephoto zoom lens (Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 USM IS) or a used body, something like a 40d. I currently use a 10d w/ 28-105mm and a 50mm f/1.4 prime.

I've read a lot that it's better to invest in glass, but I'm kind of unsatisfied with the iso and the small screen in the back. So.. any advice? :mrgreen:

usayit · Mar 22, 2010

Normally, glass is more important than the camera body but the 10D is pretty dated (my second camera body). If you get yourself into a camera body within the last 5 years, you'll be better off. The camera itself has been playing more of a role in final image output ever since digital.

inTempus · Mar 22, 2010

I agree with USAYIT, I would upgrade my body and the 40D would be a great path given current prices. They are some real deals to be had out there on them.

Fusion · Mar 22, 2010

I agree to an extent but you cannot beat the investment in good glass. The differances in IQ can be astounding even on older cameras like the 10D, which I still use frequently. Go for L glass if you are a Canon user and save for a higher end body...JMO

KmH · Mar 22, 2010

Many would not consider the 70-300 the OP is considering to be "good glass", making the upgrade to the 40D more beneficial.

Fusion · Mar 22, 2010

KmH said:
Many would not consider the 70-300 the OP is considering to be "good glass", making the upgrade to the 40D more beneficial.

Would agree there with regard to this particular lens which has a poor rep. But I stand by my general comments about investing in GOOD glass...

NateWagner · Mar 22, 2010

Agreed, if those are the choices I would probably go with the body, simply because the glass you mentioned is not that great.

One thing to look into though, is last I heard Canon had an upgrade deal where you can trade in your old camera (the 10D for example) and get a 50D for about 629 or with a 28-135 for 759. I'm not sure if it works if your camera still works, but it's something to look into.

Fusion · Mar 22, 2010

NateWagner said:
Agreed, if those are the choices I would probably go with the body, simply because the glass you mentioned is not that great.

One thing to look into though, is last I heard Canon had an upgrade deal where you can trade in your old camera (the 10D for example) and get a 50D for about 629 or with a 28-135 for 759. I'm not sure if it works if your camera still works, but it's something to look into.

Sounds good but I like my 10D not that I use it very much since I moved to the 1D series, but its still a ''good'' camera. :thumbup:

Jeremy Z · Mar 22, 2010

What do you want to do, specifically? That is the question we need answered before we can really help you decide. If you want to shoot sports, a new body will not help you much at all.

Unless your camera has a full frame sensor, (I don't keep up) the 70-300 is the wrong choice for an all-around telephoto zoom. Go for something in the 55-200 range if you have a crop sensor.

Depending on where exactly you want to improve your photography, you may be better served by something else, for instance a good tripod, a bounce flash, or spending the money on travel instead.

xsouthpawed · Mar 22, 2010

Thank you for all the replies! But I was thinking more of the lines of sports for the telephoto.. However, I'm on somewhat of a budget. (something around $600) Would the 70-200mm f/4 L lens be better? (Definitely can't afford the IS version)

Unless your camera has a full frame sensor, (I don't keep up) the 70-300 is the wrong choice for an all-around telephoto zoom. Go for something in the 55-200 range if you have a crop sensor.

The problem with my 10d is that it doesn't support Cannon's EF-S line.. apparently it's the only xxD that doesn't. =\

One thing to look into though, is last I heard Canon had an upgrade deal where you can trade in your old camera (the 10D for example) and get a 50D for about 629 or with a 28-135 for 759. I'm not sure if it works if your camera still works, but it's something to look into.

I'll definitely look into that. But I'll have to ask my uncle about it too. (It's actually his camera, I'm just "borrowing" it because he doesn't need it. Sounds like a really great deal though.