New Camera vs. New Lens upgrade?

JGarlant · Dec 21, 2011

Hey! So I currently have the gear listed below, and after numerous senior picture and couple shoots, I have decided to upgrade...something. I have noticed that many of my pictures are really soft, so I think a new lens would solve that. But I also know that I have an entry level dslr. So my question is whether I should upgrade to a Canon 7d or 60d, or possibly upgrade my lens selection to a nice 70-200 or 17-55. What do you think? Thanks!

Natalie · Dec 21, 2011

If your problem is soft images, a better lens on your current camera will definitely make a more satisfactory image than a mediocre lens on a more expensive camera. Are you only looking at getting zoom lenses? If so, why? Generally, zoom lenses can't compare to a good prime lens in terms of image sharpness, it's just the way they're constructed. If you're primarily shooting portraits, investing in a good, fast prime lens is probably the way to go.

LuckySe7en · Dec 21, 2011

What body do you have now? I'd say spend the money on glass first

moze229 · Dec 21, 2011

JGarlant said:
Hey! So I currently have the gear listed below, and after numerous senior picture and couple shoots, I have decided to upgrade...something. I have noticed that many of my pictures are really soft, so I think a new lens would solve that. But I also know that I have an entry level dslr. So my question is whether I should upgrade to a Canon 7d or 60d, or possibly upgrade my lens selection to a nice 70-200 or 17-55. What do you think? Thanks!

Well, what camera do you have now?

I'm finding myself in the same situation right now so I'll chime in and see what advice that you get.

bazooka · Dec 21, 2011

Or it could be that no sort of upgrade will help... are you sure it's not technique that's causing your images to be soft?

thierry · Dec 21, 2011

First, check yoru shooting settings.. Are you using a fast enough shutter speed? If not are you using a tripod? Secondly, I would invest in glass before a new camera... I have to say glass doesnt make a difference in sharpness of photos.. However, I would make sure you are getting the optimal performance out of your current setup and make sure your doing things right, otherwise you will get new glass and nothing will change but your frusteration... That will increase.. You may even get angry annnnnd poop :grumpy:

rexbobcat · Dec 21, 2011

Unless you're looking for technological advantages such as higher ISO or faster autofocus, then I'd go with a new lens.The lens determines the sharpness for the most part with modern DSLRs.

JGarlant · Dec 21, 2011

Hey sorry guys, I thought my gear was listed in my signature. I have a Canon T1i, with the kit 18-55mm, a 50mm 1.8, and a 55-250. So, now that its generally been established that a new lens would probably be a safer bet than a new camera, what kinds of lenses would you all recommend? By the way, thanks for all the feedback! This is a really cool forum =]

KmH · Dec 21, 2011

In all honesty, I vote for spending effort and time upgrading the photographer (learning how to do photography) before you spend money upgrading gear.

Having a good solid understanding of how the camera, lens, and light work, and relate to each other, is the key to professional quality images, not equipment upgrades.

Many upgrade their gear, to be faced with even more issues than they had before they upgraded their gear, because the upgraded gear is more complex. The real issue turns out to be they didn't know how to effectively use the gear they had before they upgraded.

I've seen it over and over again in the last 6 years or so.

You have to understand both the art and the technical aspects of doing photography: depth-of-field, camera shake, sharpness, bit depth, metering, dynamic range, image noise, lens quality, resolution, contrast, aspect ratios, background separation, composition, posing, shutter speed, exposure compensation, the basics of photographic lighting, and many other subjects.

Digital Photography Tutorials

Natalie · Dec 21, 2011

I tend to be in agreement with the above - with a Rebel T1i and a 50mm f/1.8 prime, there's no reason why you shouldn't getting tack-sharp images. That's a really great lens and more than suitable for portraits. That means the softness must be due to your technique - can you post some samples of your work so we can see the softness you're talking about?

KmH · Dec 22, 2011

The Canon EF 50 mm f/1.8 II is well short of being a 'really great lens' because it has such low grade build quality, but there is no doubt it can produce tack sharp images.

MLeeK · Dec 22, 2011

Well, you're shooting with a T1i and a 50mm f/1.8 lens. If you are having a problem with sharpness with that combination an upgrade isn't going to do you any good. Upgrade your education to improve upon that.
Now your kit lenses can definitely be improved upon, however they SHOULD be giving you a sharp portrait. They really aren't all that bad and I have seen amazing portraits done with it.
Long story short: It's not your gear that is giving you problems. It's how you are using your gear. You're probably going to be SERIOUSLY disappointed if you go and invest a few grand into gear that is going to produce the same sharpness you are producing now.

Kerbouchard · Dec 22, 2011

JGarlant said:
Hey sorry guys, I thought my gear was listed in my signature. I have a Canon T1i, with the kit 18-55mm, a 50mm 1.8, and a 55-250. So, now that its generally been established that a new lens would probably be a safer bet than a new camera, what kinds of lenses would you all recommend? By the way, thanks for all the feedback! This is a really cool forum =]

A flash.

JGarlant · Dec 22, 2011

I mean, the 50mm is great. I've never had any problems with sharpness or image quality. The lenses I'm most intent on upgrading would be the 18-55, and the 55-250. I have produced some nice pictures with them, but I always feel as though they could be better; they are never along the lines of the 50mm. When I say soft, its not as though the whole image is completely soft. It's nothing that cant be corrected with post editing. But having seen what the 50 can do, I would like my other pictures to reflect that. So, my updated question would be whether a higher end camera would make a difference on the image quality while using the same lower end lenses, ie. the 18-55 and the 55-250. The way the thread has been going, it seems as though the camera wont necessarily make a difference. Thanks guys!

Dominantly · Dec 22, 2011

No camera body is going to fix a crap lens.

Knowing exactly what you're doing is invaluable.
Having good glass that you'll keep through the years/ camera body purchases is vital.
Mastering the capabilities your current body has, and finding it holds you back is a sign.