I’m an enthusiast shooting with a Canon EOS 1000D and currently have the EF-S 18-55mm kit lens, a Sigma 55-200mm, and the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8, which is the lens I enjoy using most. My budget is roughly around the cost of a Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM. I’m considering three options: - buy a single higher-end lens like the 24-105mm f/4L and keep my current body - upgrade to a newer body such as a 600D and add a couple of lenses - keep the 1000D and buy several less expensive lenses instead of one premium lens I mostly shoot nature, close-ups, some street photography, and occasional portraits. How should I decide where my money will make the biggest difference?

Should I buy a better lens, more lenses, or upgrade my Canon body?

Asked 2/25/2012

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2 answers

I’m an enthusiast shooting with a Canon EOS 1000D and currently have the EF-S 18-55mm kit lens, a Sigma 55-200mm, and the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8, which is the lens I enjoy using most. My budget is roughly around the cost of a Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM.

I’m considering three options:

buy a single higher-end lens like the 24-105mm f/4L and keep my current body
upgrade to a newer body such as a 600D and add a couple of lenses
keep the 1000D and buy several less expensive lenses instead of one premium lens

I mostly shoot nature, close-ups, some street photography, and occasional portraits. How should I decide where my money will make the biggest difference?

canon lenses camera-upgrade street-photography portraits

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

14y ago

2 Answers

You are asking the wrong question - the question you should be asking (yourself, not us) is "what is the picture I'm trying to take but I can't because I'm limited by my gear?"

Once you answer that question you should know what to buy, or at least what to ask here.

Also, don't forget to consider lighting equipment, an external flash (even a cheap Chinese one) will open more new possibilities than a new lens or camera.

Originally by user2481. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user2481

14y ago

AI Answer

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Start by identifying what shots you can’t currently make because of your gear. That will tell you whether you need a body, a specific lens, or something else.

From your description, a lens upgrade likely makes more sense than a body upgrade. If the 50mm f/1.8 is your favorite, ask why: if you like the shallow depth of field and low-light ability, you may want more fast lenses; if you like the field of view, choose lenses around that working range.

For your mix of street and portraits, the 24-105mm f/4L is a strong all-around option and should pair well with your 50mm. For close-up work, though, a true macro lens or close-up attachment may help more than a general-purpose zoom. If portraits and tighter framing matter more, a 70-200mm can also be attractive, though it’s less suited to street use.

Also don’t overlook lighting: an external flash can expand your options dramatically, often more than a body upgrade.

So: don’t upgrade just because a newer body exists. Buy the gear that solves your specific shooting limitation.

Should I buy a better lens, more lenses, or upgrade my Canon body?

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