Another what-to-buy.. help required

KaNaN · Jan 5, 2011

Hi all

I'm just your average enthusiast-semipro guy. My current set-up is the 1000D with the 50 1.8, 100 2.8 macro and a rather crappy Sig 17-35.
I do a lot of macro and some portraiture, and not much of landscapes..

So here's the question.. should I upgrade my body or add a (couple maybe) of lens(es).
On the body upgrade, 1000D's viewfinder is a bit too tiny (esp for macro focusing), secondly it has few AF points which are arranged in a not-so-comfortable manner. The body also feels unbalanced paired with the 100mm (is a problem when I have to bend at strange angles) and higher ISO doesnt really hurt.

My budget is around 1200 for which I could get the 60D or, if I stretch enough, even the 7D or some nice glass..

On the lenses, I adore the 85 1.8. I've tried it and its a really nice glass!! I could also get the Tamron 17-50 along with it (and finally bury the 17-35.. literally)
I tried out the 60D some days ago and it felt just amazing.. I really like the build, the feel and most of all the blissful viewfinder (compared to the 1000D of-course) The only thing that stopped me from emptying my pockets right then was that it has only 2 extra AF points than the XS..
I looked at the 7D too and while I loved it, the price tag is a deterrent.. I'd have to stretch my self a lot to get this!

I also considered the 50D. Video is fun but not necessity for me. But theres just something about getting a discontd 3 year old product....

And lastly, glad to be a part of the forum..
Tnx

Formatted · Jan 5, 2011

If your only doing Macro and Portrait work then why do you need AF? With the larger viewfinder you can just manual focus, I know its not everyones style but its what I like to do.

I'm not a Canon man but I do own a 40D which I use for macro photography and love it to pieces ( Macro - a set on Flickr ) have you ever considered getting the a second hand 40D and then getting some extra glass?

KaNaN · Jan 5, 2011

The XS is my first DSLR and to tell you the truth Manual Focussing on this body is not an easy job.. All my efforts at focusing independent of AF have been futile with luck becoming a big factor. The viewfinder simply does not allow you to focus completely manually...
Most of the times though I tend to either fine tune the AF-ed area using live view (magnified.. again the lcd is not very delightful at this.. there's almost always noise and the clarity isnt that good) or I use the focus confirmation.. (Upon manual focusing, the camera confirms by blinking the specific AF point)

I guess the new body would let me stretch my legs in this aspect.. But to answer your question.. I use AF for macro and portrait, I have to..

And no, I havent given thought to 40D plus new lens.. dont you crop in macro.. I do.. and am limited, seldom, by the resolution..

Your macros are spectacular btw!! Especially the moss at 2.8..
I think I'll look into 40D after all.. What would be the street price though.. any estimates?

Formatted · Jan 5, 2011

Your macros are spectacular btw!! Especially the moss at 2.8.

Thanks

I think I'll look into 40D after all.. What would be the street price though.. any estimates?

I bought mine for £400 with a kit lense a while ago. So I imagine you could find one for £350 or something like that. Depends on where you are based if your in the states they might be even cheaper!

However like I said I'm not a Canon man, someone who is will probably chime in in a minute and tell you about the wonders of the 7D or the 60D ^^